Bravery awards to 11 children from around Ireland were presented yesterday during the launch of the Indigo National Children's Day (NCD). The awards are given to mark courage and determination in children who have had to come to grips with illness and trauma in their lives.
The NCD bravery awards have been in existence since 1983. This year's recipients are: Marie Anne Tormey (13), from Northern Ireland; Conor Blayney (12), from Dunboyne, Co Meath; Paul Foley (12), from Dromore, Co Meath; and Paul Byrne (7), from Tallaght, in Dublin.
Three children were selected to represent Paul Newman's Barrets town Gang Camp: Patricia Kate Morrissey, Cathal Sexton and Christina Kennelly.
The other recipients are: Stephen Power (6) from Dublin; Jack Doyle (5) from Kilmeaney, Co Carlow; Niamh Dooley (4) from Maganey, Co Kildare; and Aran Roberts (4) from Shannon, Co Clare.
Yesterday began with a visit to Dublin hospitals by NCD workers to bring hampers to children unable to attend the afternoon party in Dublin Castle. Guests at the party included Mr Frank Fahey, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, and many children and parents from around the country.
A film crew from the Disney Channel recorded the proceedings, and the NCD organisers said the programme will be shown in coming weeks.
Nominations for the awards were received this year from The Gerry Ryan Show, Today with Pat Kenny, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin and the Ruby House Holiday Home in Northern Ireland.
The beneficiaries of fund-raising activity associated with this year's NCD will be the hospital in Crumlin, Barretstown Gang Camp and International Orphan Aid.
Ms Sally Keaveney, the new national co-ordinator of NCD, said yesterday: "We have identified the importance of making this annual event accessible to all children throughout the country and the fact that children in the late 1990s are themselves willing and able to contribute purposefully to an event like this. We hope to build this event in the years ahead so that it develops and grows as the premier celebration of children in Ireland".
The President, Mrs McAleese, is the NCD patron. She said: "Today marks a wonderful day for us all, as we celebrate our greatest treasure - our children. My heartfelt congratulations to all those children receiving bravery awards."