Wexford Garda Youth Awards 2026

Posted byDan WalshPosted inBREAKING NEWS, NEWSTags:, , ,
Pictured at the launch of the Garda Youth Awards 2026 in the Wexford County Council Chambers on Wednesday were back row (l to r)- Garda David Fitzgerald (Junior Officer, Wexford Garda Station), Dymphna O’Connor (Head of Community, Wexford County Council), Garda Sgt David Ferriter, Garda Inspector Liam Kavanagh (New Ross Garda Station), Garda Sgt Laura Biolger, Garda Inspector Graham Rowley. Front row (l to r)- Carolyne Godkin (Director of Services, Wexford County Council), Superintendent David O’Sullivan (Wexford Wicklow Division), Superintendent Jarlath Duffy (Wexford Division), and Eddie Taaffe (Chief Executive, Wexford County Council). Photo: Jim Campbell

By Dan Walsh 

An Garda Sίochána and Wexford County Council have launched the Annual Wexford Garda Youth Awards for 2026.

The launch of these annual awards is to acknowledge the achievements of young people who are making a difference in their own lives and in their communities within the Wexford Garda Division and acknowledge the endeavours of young people who have faced and overcome challenges in their lives.  

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe said; “Wexford County Council enjoys a strong working relationship with An Garda Siochána. These awards offer an opportunity to strengthen our interagency cooperation further towards the betterment of the lives of all the citizens of County Wexford. 

Inspector Graham Rowley of Wexford Garda Station said; “I am pleased to announce the launch the Wexford Garda Youth Awards 2026, an important chance to recognise the outstanding contributions of young people across every corner of County Wexford.  These awards are a celebration of the energy, creativity and the impact that young people bring to our community.  These awards recognise everyday heroes who lead by example, show resilience and make our county a better place for everyone.” 

Awards will be presented in four categories:

  • Individual Award; Making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.
  • Group Award; Group of two or more, making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.
  • Special Achievement Award; Overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.
  • Community Safety Award; Through a crime prevention or safety initiative/innovation, have made their community a safer place to live.

Anyone can nominate a young person between the ages of 13 and 21 for an award. Nominations will be completed through an online process; this is available through the following link: Garda Youth Awards 2026 | Wexford County Council

Details of this process will be distributed to schools, youth groups and voluntary organisations right across Wexford in the coming days and will also be available upon request from your local Garda Station, the closing date for nominations will be Wednesday 25th March 2026 at 4pm.  A Judging Panel will decide upon the Divisional Winners, the Judging Panel will also nominate an individual/group to represent Wexford for consideration at the National Garda Youth Awards. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday 18th May 2026. 

If anyone requires further information, they can contact the Superintendent’s Office  at WW.WexfordSouth.CE@Garda.ie, 053 9165280 or through their local Garda Station. 

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