Kinnity's Michael Dennedy receives special achievement at Garda Youth Awards

Kinnitty native Michael Dennedy was given recognition in the Special Achievement Category at the National Garda Youth Awards.

The annual award ceremony, which aims to recognise and honour young people who have made significant contributions to their community, took place on Saturday, November 16 in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise.

Michael lost his leg as a result of a tractor accident during Summer of last year. He bravely powered through and insisted on returning to school for the first day of the new school year, despite only just leaving the hospital.

The teenager has remained exceptionally positive throughout his ordeal - never letting his injury prevent him from achieving anything he sets his sights on.

Speaking on his resilience, An Garda Siochana said: "Michael’s presence brings out the best in everyone he encounters. He has embraced wheelchair sports and has recently won a silver All Ireland medal for wheelchair hurling with Leinster.

"All 150 students in Michael’s year group, as well as hundreds more from his hometown of Kinnitty and beyond, have been touched and motivated by his resilience."

He continues to work with hurling and soccer teams as an assistant coach and has taken part in all class activities to the absolute fullest of his ability.

Michael has some distance to go in his recovery but we know he has the strength and bravery to go on and accomplish anything he puts his mind to.