Cork scouts honoured for their leadership and work in the community

Young people from Cork were among those who had their achievements recognised at Scouting Ireland’s chief scout awards recently in the grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) at Dublin's Royal Hospital in Kilmainham.

These are the highest youth achievements in Scouting Ireland and represent a recognition of dedication, leadership and service to local communities.

Earning the Community Special Interest Badge included a number of Cork based scouts (aged 12-15) who carried out a range of meaningful community and personal development projects.

Aiden Bell, based in the 41st Cork Scout Group in Passage West, spent 13 weeks taking lessons in 'lámh' sign language, a manual sign language used by children and adults in Ireland with an intellectual disability. 

Vincent McCarthy, of the 46th/92nd Cork Scout Group from Glanmire, earned his swards through his commitment to nature in his local area. For three months, he took part in the Bird Watch Ireland national garden bird survey, recording the different types of birds he saw in his garden.

Harry Brennan, a venture scout from the 44th/52nd/64th Cork Scout Group, based in Mallow, received his chief scout award for winning the most awareness raised award at the Young Environmentalists Awards, highlighting his dedication to promoting environmental responsibility and engaging the community in sustainability and conservation issues.

The chief executive of Scouting Ireland, Seán Sheehan, praised all of the award recipients for their achievements. “These awards represent the very best of what young people can achieve when they are supported and encouraged to lead, serve and grow.

“These award recipients are role models for their peers and an inspiration to their communities. We are immensely proud of their dedication and achievements.” 

Recipients were joined at the ceremony by their families, scout leaders, volunteers and community representatives to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of these young people.