The chairman of Gaisce, Dr Laurence Crowley, has paid tribute to 52 Limerick people from the Moyross area of the city who have received a national young challenge award over the past decade. Gaisce is the President's awards scheme.
Dr Crowley praised the Moyross people during a visit yesterday to Corpus Christi Youth Development Group in Limerick, one of the most successful Garda youth diversion projects in the country. "This is the highest and most prestigious award in Ireland for young adults - the positive effect of the award on the lives of these young people is greatly reflected in their own local community," said Dr Crowley.
He was accompanied on his visit to Moyross by Gaisce chief executive Patrick Callaghan, Gaisce council members, the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Ger Fahy, and Limerick city manager Tom Mackey.
Corpus Christi Youth Development Group co-ordinator Andrew O'Byrne said the group was delighted to host a visit by the council to Moyross.
Over the past decade 30 young Moyross people have received bronze awards, 12 have received silver, and 10 have received gold awards from President Mary McAleese.
When aged between 15 and 25, they had to complete a personal development awards programme which included community involvement, developing a personal skill, physical recreation and a special venture.