Young people, parents, and youth club leaders gathered in An Grianán Theatre on Thursday, the 23rd of November for the Donegal Youth Service 2017 Celebration Event.
Described once as a ‘mini Oscars’, the annual event is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the diversity of the work which takes within Donegal Youth Service projects and youth clubs throughout the county, and to recognise the clubs and individuals making a wonderful impact in their communities.
The evening was hosted by DJ Keith Fletcher who had the crowd entertained from start to finish. There were a number of awards given out on the evening, and attendees were also treated to performances from Club Óige Chríost Rí in Magheroarty, Kai McHugh from Donegal Youth Council and young people from Malin Head Youth Club.
Malin Head Performance
Kai McHugh
DYS Chairperson Marina Carlin & Regional Director Lorraine Thompson were invited to the stage for a special interview with the guest EMCEE Mr. Keith ‘How the hell are ye’ Fletcher to talk about the work of the organisation over the last.
The ‘Young Person of The Year Award’ is presented annually to recognise the young people who triumphed over adversity, dedicated themselves to participation, social enterprise, volunteering and altruism. The recipient of this year’s award was Mairead Mc Elchar, from Planet Youth Ballybofey.
Mairead Mc Elchar, Young Person of the Year
Youth Club of The Year
The four current DYS EVS (European Voluntary Service) participants Elena and Claudia, both from Spain, Kemal from Turkey and Dima from the Ukraine were invited on stage for an interview to talk about their time with Donegal Youth Service so far and were presented with Donegal GAA jerseys by Board Member Mr. Frank Dooley.
EVS Participants
‘Youth Club Volunteer of The Year’ was presented to Sadie Mc Laughlin, of Malin Head Youth Club, with Anthony Caldwell receiving the ‘Youth Projects Volunteer of The Year’ award for his work volunteering in The Loft. Throughout the night Batman, Spiderman, Mickey & Minnie Mouse, and a mischievous minion made a few surprise appearances.
The ‘Orla O’Reilly Special Recognition Award’ was awarded to the Community Gardaí this year, as a thank you for their hard work, and support for Donegal Youth Service over the years.
The ‘Youth Club of The Year’ award was presented to Malin Head Youth Club. This award is presented to the club which participates in the most Donegal Youth Service activities, events and training.
Sheena Boyle-Laverty who has recently moved on from her role as DYS Youth Outreach Worker after 10 years with the organisation, came back for a special interview and presentation about her time working with the service.
Donegal Youth Service is a countywide youth organisation that responds to the needs of young people. For more information about DYS you can contact (074) 91 29630, email admin@donegalyouthservice.ie, www.donegalyouthservice.ie, find them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, or pop in to 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny. Charity No. CHY 15027.
