A young Galway man has been honoured for his volunteering work with the lifesaving Claddagh Watch Patrol community organisation.
Jamie Forde from Galway City was one of the recipients of the Individual Awards at the annual Garda Youth Awards this week.
Claddagh Watch Patrol is a group of hard working volunteers which was founded in 2019 to reduce the number of deaths on the water in Galway City.
Volunteers walk the banks of the River Corrib and canals that make up Galway City’s waterways to try and prevent deaths from accident or suicide.
Jamie joined the Claddagh Watch in 2021, and has been been a compassionate and dedicated member since then, the awards judges said.
“Since his first night on patrol, Jamie has been offering a listening ear and source of support to vulnerable people experiencing poor mental health near water in the city.”
“He has given countless voluntary hours to patrolling and preventing any loss of life, and training up new volunteers for the potentially upsetting situations that they may encounter.”
“Jamie has consistently proven himself to be a real team leader as part of Claddagh Watch Patrol, and a tremendous role model for others.”
“It takes a lot of courage and selflessness to put yourself in the face of danger for the sake of others wellbeing but that’s what drives Jamie and makes him such a worthy recipient of our Individual Award.”
The annual National Garda Youth Awards which recognise exceptional young people aged 13-21 who have positively contributed to their community were held in Portlaoise this week.
The 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.
