THE KILDARE Garda Youth Awards 2026 recognised a number of outstanding young people and youth groups for their resilience, leadership and voluntary work across the county.
The divisional awards ceremony was held on Friday 8 May at Newbridge Town Hall.
Kildare South Winner Jason O'Keeffe prsented by Inspector Gavin Dunphy Photos: Jimmy Fullam
The overall winner of the Kildare Garda Youth Awards 2026 was Áine Sheerin from Milltown, who continued her studies and extensive community work while undergoing treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She also raised €14,000 for the LauraLynn Foundation after donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust.
Kildare Garda Youth Awards 2026 at The Town Hall Newbridge Award Winners witn Sgt John Dunne, Insp Gavin Dunphy and Supt Mills
Among the individual winners was Celbridge student Ruby Dodd, who overcame a life-changing neurological diagnosis to return to school life and eventually walk unaided after a long period of rehabilitation.
Special Achievement Award Ben Byrne Symes presented by Padraig Mc Evoy
Ukrainian student Yeva Shyshkina was honoured for balancing her studies while integrating into life in Ireland and volunteering extensively with homeless charities and aid projects for Ukraine.
Group Award St Kevins GAA all Stars Darragh Bagnall McGinley, Oisin Curran, James Henehan, Eoin Collins an presented by Sgt John Dunne
Monasterevin teenager Jason O’Keeffe received an award for raising €1,500 for repairs to his local GAA clubhouse through a Hell & Back fundraiser, while Athy’s Tyran Ryan Lawless was recognised for his resilience following a serious heart condition diagnosis and for his outstanding volunteer work in the community.
Group Award Leixlip Youth Project Kiyah Sheridan. Kacey McDermitt, Bobbi Maher, Zoe De Bhál, Kayla Veitch, Ellie O Brien presented by Sgt John Dunne
Group awards went to the Junior Leaders Group from Leixlip Youth Project for initiatives promoting positive relationships between young people and gardaí, and to the St Kevin’s GAA All-Stars mentors from St Farnan’s Secondary School for supporting young people with additional needs through sport.
Kildare Nth Winner Yeva Shyshikina presented by INSP Gavin Dunphy
The Special Achievement Award was presented to St Farnan’s Secondary School student Ben Byrne Symes, who was praised for his positivity, resilience and active involvement in school and community life.
Kildare Garda Youth Awards 2026 at The Town Hall Newbridge Kildare NTH Winner Ruby Dodd presented by Insp Gavin Dunphy
Superintendent Barry Mills of Kildare South Community Engagement said: “The gardaí wish to recognise the efforts and sacrifices that young people make in efforts to improve the life of individuals or the community around them. It is important for the Gardaí to acknowledge the positive interactions that we have with young people and that it is not only an ‘enforcement of legislation’ relationship that exists between us both.”
