Youth
Double celebrations for award-winning Limerick Youth Service
Limerick Youth Service celebrates double award win as Erica O’Donoghue receives the Feargal Quinn Award and the group achieves Bronze HQ Mark
Limerick Youth Service celebrates double award win as Limerick student Erica O’Donoghue receives the Feargal Quinn Award and the group achieves Bronze Standard Health Quality Mark
Limerick Youth Service (LYS) is celebrating on the double as the organisation has been awarded a prestigious Bronze Standard Health Quality Mark (HQ Mark) and Limerick student Erica O’Donoghue received the Feargal Quinn Award at the recent Leaving Certificate Applied National Conference.
The HQ Mark, developed by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), is awarded for a commitment to best practices in youth health promotion. LYS demonstrated excellence in meeting the twelve quality criteria outlined by NYCI, based on regional and national health promotion strategies.
Lisa Quirke and Eithne Stembridge from LYS undertook the NYCI Special Certificate in Health Promotion, laying the groundwork for achieving the Bronze Award.
“This acknowledges the role that LYS has and continues to play in supporting young people with their wellbeing,” said Lisa Quirke, LYS Youth Work Co-Ordinator, Rathkeale Askeaton Youth Project.
“The NYCI course allowed LYS to work towards achieving the Bronze Award with the next steps silver and eventually gold,” said Lisa who paid tribute to her colleagues for their support in achieving the Bronze Award.
The Limerick youth organisation is also celebrating the Erica O’Donoghue’s achievement as The Feargal Quinn Award was presented to the Limerick student in recognition of her outstanding achievement in last year’s Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA), where the Garryowen native received a 100 per cent Distinction.
Erica, who is now studying Nursing Studies at Central College Limerick was delighted to be honoured by the Leaving Certificate Applied National Conference.
“This award means the absolute world to me, it’s something I will remember for the rest of my life!” said Erica, adding with a smile, “I’m still in shock!”
“I never thought I was going to get top marks in my LCA, let alone receive the Feargal Quinn Award,” said Erica, adding, “My LCA results and this award has motivated me and showed that I can achieve things.”
Erica’s next step on her journey has seen start the second semester for Nursing Studies at Central College, Limerick, with her sights set on studying for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Limerick.
LYS has congratulated Erica on her thoroughly deserved Feargal Quinn Award and wishes her the very best of luck in her future career.
It was during her time with LYS that Erica blossomed as, in addition to her many academic achievements, she earned the An Gasice Bronze Medal as part of the Garryowen Youth Committee and won the Best Music Group at the LYS Youth Factor.
“I will be forever grateful to all the staff at LYS for their support from the LCA teachers to the staff in the canteen and reception,” said Erica.