Young people from all over the country gathered in Clontarf Castle for the ‘Ten Outstanding Young Person’ (TOYP) Awards. The TOYP Awards ceremony is a global initiative of Junior Chamber International which concentrates on formally recognising young people who are making giant strides in their chosen fields and creating positive impact on other people, their community and society at large.
The awards were the result of a nationwide campaign launched by Taoiseach Enda Kenny early in 2016. JCI Ireland received record numbers of nominations this year, on the back of Joanne O’Riordan being listed as one of the TOYP in the World at the 2015 World Congress in Japan.
Winners are inspiring individuals who have made a significant contribution across a wide range of diverse areas including science, business, culture, humanitarian and personal achievement to name a few. Their actions have changed the lives of young Irish men and women across the country by bringing important issues into the public forum.
Keira Keogh, JCI Ireland Director of Community and National TOYP co-ordinator commented that “Ireland can be extremely proud of its young people, the calibre of active citizens, scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, volunteers, medical innovators etc that I met travelling around the country, was both awe inspiring and humbling, it’s safe to say our future is very bright”.
The 10 Winners included Sinead Burke, Darren Ryan, Ciara Judge, Niall Breslin
(Bressie), Adam Harris, Tracey Ryan, Maria Walsh, Caroline O’Driscoll and two Donegal winners of Nikki Bradley and Seamus McGrory
Seamus McGrory, has overcome so much from losing his right eye, being diagnosed with ataxia, a genetic, progressive disorder of the central nervous system which can cause clumsiness, difficulties with balance and slurred speech to personal difficulties of bullying. Seamus persevered through all this and managed to graduate with a MA in Accountancy and is heavily involved in helping disabled people to be independent. Seamus says ‘JCI has built my confidence back up’ and says he now has the confidence to open his own business.
Nikki Bradley who at the tender age of 16 was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma (a rare cancer of the bone) since then Nikki has had two hip replacements, chronic pain and told she may lose her leg, instead of letting this hold her back Nikki began walking, cycling, weight lifting and more to help strengthen her body and clear her mind which lead her to be the first woman to abseil from Fanad lighthouse, and ultimately scaling a glacier in Iceland. The JCI TOYP programme has been running for the past 85 years and serves to formally recognise young people who excel in their chosen fields and create positive change.
JCI National President Mr Brian Smyth commented “By recognising outstanding young people, JCI raises the status of socially responsible leaders across the world. The honorees motivate their peers to seek excellence and serve others. Their stories of discovery, determination and ingenuity inspire young people to be better leaders and create a better society, something our own country needs now more than ever.”
The 10 recognised by the programme have been put forward to the TOYP world awards. Winners will be determined by both a public vote and a judging panel comprised of the JCI president and representatives of the body’s partner groups. If selected, the winners will be flown to Canada and honoured during the 2016 JCI World Congress in October 2016 in Quebec.
About JCI Ireland
JCI Ireland is nearly 60 years old and is part of the largest personal and leadership development organisation for young people in the world. JCI internationally was 100 years old in 2015. It provides a range of activities and projects in 4 opportunity areas: Individual, Community, International and Business.
JCI Donegal is part of JCI Ireland and runs activities throughout the year, including The Outstanding Young Person award, Friendly Business awards and Active Citizenship Week.
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Twitter : https://twitter.com/jcidonegal
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