Cork man bestowed with prestigious award in recognition of outstanding contribution to youth services 

A PROUD Ballyphehane man, living in Carrigaline for many years, has been bestowed with the Sgt Ben Flahive memorial award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to youth services in the Cork City Garda Division.

Willie Walsh received the award at the Cork City Garda Youth Awards on Wednesday where he was described as a "family man who likes nothing more than riding his motorbike with his grandson" and someone who is "a person every community would love to have living amongst them and a truly magnificent volunteer."

Mr Walsh has been a dedicated member of Carrigaline United soccer club for 23 years and currently holds the position as chairman of Carrigaline Utd. 

He spends up to 10 hours a day ensuring the smooth running of the club which today has 63 football teams. 

"This man is aware that he is a role model for the young people who attend the club and he carries out his duties with a term he calls 'positive participation'," his award citation read. 

"He makes sure that the young people see him carrying out the everyday tasks, including emptying the bins, sweeping up and the general everyday work that needs to be done. This ties with the ethos of the club is very much United and that when young people work together they can achieve great things not only on the football pitch but also in the wider community."

He is also involved in the Carrigaline Garda Youth Diversion project (Heron) where he works with young people on the edge of their community.

“His insight into the community and wide experience of working with the local youths is invaluable,” his citation continued. 

“He is always championing their cause and if another committee member was hard on a young person he would always remind them ‘it is hard being perfect lads,’ a phrase he often uses.”

The event on Wednesday celebrated some of the city's most remarkable young people. 

A number of accolades were distributed across a number of categories throughout the evening.

They included the Community Safety Award, the Individual award, the Special achievement award and the Group award.

Winners were narrowed down from a deluge of entries from communities across Cork. 

Nominees had been chosen by members of their community who witnessed their valuable contributions firsthand.

The Cork City Garda Youth Awards has been supported by the Echo for more than 20 years.

Youth Liaison Officer, Garda Paul Hyde from Togher Garda Station previously explained the motivation behind the awards which is to encourage young people to use their skills and talents to help their communities.

Nominations were put forward by clubs, societies, schools and members of the public across Cork city.