Niamh Halligan a Top 20 All-Ireland Youth Volunteer

Niamh Halligan, a fourth year student at Cobh Community College in Co. Cork was named one of the 20 finalists today in the annual Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards.

Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards, now in its fifth year, honours young people throughout Ireland for outstanding acts of volunteerism.  The programme is organised by Pramerica Systems Ireland Limited in partnership with the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) and the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI).

Niamh, 15, of Cobh, who was nominated by her Guidance Counsellor, Catherine Leahy, will receive a Certificate of Achievement from Pramerica Spirit of Community later this month.

On the 29^th March, Niamh and the 19 other finalists will be honoured at a gala awards dinner in Galway and will receive €500 and an engraved silver medallion, presented by a special guest of honour.  In addition, two of the finalists will be named All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year at the awards dinner and will receive €1,000 for a charity of their choice, a gold medallion and an all-expenses paid trip to the United States in May to take part in The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards ceremony.

Niamh was selected for the honour because of her voluntary activities in her community, using her musical talents to fundraise for her local charities and organisations.

In particular, Niamh’s musical talent helped raise funds for her local suicide prevention group which has trained three new suicide counsellors.  Her dedication has also resulted in the opening of a new community centre and youth centre in her town.  Niamh is involved in performing at fundraising concerts for senior citizen groups and tourists and at schools and local parades.  Niamh’s musical contribution has a huge impact on her local community.