Two high-achieving young people from Donegal have earned prestigious places on the list of Ireland’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP).
Chef Kieran Duey Doherty and clothing company founder Katie McGloin were honoured with the titles from Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ireland at an event on Saturday last.
The TOYP Awards, which have been running for 87 years, recognise young people who are making giant strides in their chosen fields and creating positive impact on other people, their community and society at large.
Kieran (Duey) Doherty, of Nancy’s Barn Ballyliffin was honoured for his dedication to the culinary trade.
Kieran Doherty
He worked his way up from a role peeling potatoes aged 13, to win the World Chowder Championship Cook-off in 2018 in Rhode Island, USA. Since then he has become a great ambassador for the best of Irish food and channels his passion into the menu at the now famous and award-winning “Nancy’s Barn”( Ulster Café of the Year 2019).
Beyond his success in the kitchen and in business, Kieran is someone who continues to give back to the community and those around him, teaching cookery courses in Moville Community College, supporting local tourism, mentoring local businesses, and has completed Suicide Awareness courses and Regular Counselling Courses.
Katie McGloin was among the youngest winners who are making their mark while still in school.
Katie McGloin
The 18-year-old Bundoran student launched a range of gender-neutral clothing, K.T Clothing Co, while in Transition Year at Magh Ene College. Katie’s enterprise was inspired by her desire to find clothes that appealed and fit her, and also to highlight discrimination and inequality in the fashion industry.
Building on the success of this, Katie has given a Ted Talk on the difficulties faced by people who identify outside of their expected genders, and has been named National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year, and also featured on U Magazine’s 30 Under 30 for Start Up of the Year.
Winners of the JCI Top 10 in Ireland will go on to enter the TOYP World Awards, with World winners flown to Estonia and honoured during the 2019 JCI World Congress.
Keira Keogh JCI Ireland National President said; “This year we had a record number of nominations and it was a privilege to travel around the country meeting the outstanding young talent and achievers.
“By recognising outstanding young people, JCI raises the status of socially responsible leaders across the world. The honourees 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.”
