A Waterford teenager who helped to break the mould in what was once a purely male domain, the Scouts, has had her achievement formally recognised.
Claire Guilfoyle (15), a member of the St Paul's unit in Waterford city of the Catholic Scouts of Ireland, is considered a trailblazer by her peers.
Having found the Scouts a more attractive proposition than the Girl Guides, she joined the organisation four years ago and went on to become the first girl in a Scouts' team to win the coveted Melvin trophy, the blue riband of Scouting competitions in the Republic. Competitors display their skills in a range of activities from cookery to orienteering to bridge-building.
Claire was one of many local young people honoured at the weekend at the annual awards ceremony of Waterford Voluntary Youth Council, which said that until she joined the organisation girls were "tolerated" in the Scouts. Because of her, their role had been enhanced.
The awards were presented by Waterford-born RTE presenter Carrie Crowley.
Claire was the second local girl to join the Cubs six years ago, spending two years there before graduating to the Scouts, where she is now a patrol leader.
"A lot of people, especially younger people, have a stereotypical view of the Scouts and think it's all about helping old ladies to cross the road," she says. "Of course, it is about helping people, but there's a lot more to it. It's great for confidence-building and team-building. I wouldn't be as outgoing if I wasn't in the Scouts. There are loads of outdoor activities."
The Girl Guides were not left out of the awards ceremony, held on Friday at Dooley's Hotel on the quays. The organisation, through its local area commissioner, Ms Margaret O'Mahony, was also an award recipient.