Two Offalians with inspiring stories win Garda National Youth Awards 2023

Offalians Ailis Malone and Ian Flood were recently honoured at An Garda Síochána's National Garda Youth Awards for their positive contribution to their communities.

Ian Flood from Tullamore received a special recognition award and Ailis Malone from Banagher won an individual award at the event in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on Saturday last.

None of us can really predict how we might react in a moment of panic that requires quick-thinking and clarity of mind. That’s what Ian Flood was faced with as his mum, Julia was driving him to school one morning. Julia was experiencing a cardiac arrest while behind the wheel and was unable to keep control of the vehicle.

With Ian’s rapid response, he brought the car under control and prevented a potentially serious road traffic collision. Ian carried his Mam from the vehicle for CPR to be safely performed. Tragically however, Julia passed away that morning.

This must have been a deeply traumatic loss and in such upsetting circumstances yet Ian has gone on to achieve great things including attaining his full driver's licence after passing on the first attempt. He now goes to great efforts to promote road safety.

Ailis has been inspiring people all her young life by demonstrating that it is possible to live a rich and full life with disability and beyond limitation. Since 2020, she has been an important voice on the Youth Advisory Panel with the Ombudsman for Children.

Ailis is a strong and passionate advocate for inclusion and disability, regularly speaking publicly of the importance of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. In fact, she has even had the honour of speaking before the United Nations Committee

Ailis also works with Offaly Comhairle na nÓg, raising disability awareness through workshops and a podcast for local schools. She has a real passion for life and is a fun-loving young woman with a long list of hopes and dreams.

The Garda National Youth Awards were promoted and expanded by the then Assistant Commissioner, Anne Marie McMahon and who now as Deputy Commissioner continues to recognise the meaningful work of so many young people in communities all across Ireland. Deputy McMahon presented each of the 25 awards.

Speaking on the day, Deputy Commissioner, Anne Marie McMahon said: "Today is about recognising the dedication of young people, how they support one another and help their communities. Each of today’s recipients demonstrates all that is great about our young people, and all of us in An Garda Síochána are very proud of their hard work which is done selflessly and enthusiastically.

We hope today's awards are a fitting acknowledgement of the very valuable contribution that these young people are making to society.”