LIMERICK Youth Service celebrated a double win at the Youth Work Ireland Volunteer Achievement awards this week. The organisation won the Siobhan Cotter Memorial Award for its contribution to Youth Work in Ireland, while Alison Mullan-Barrett from Killmallock won the Leading the Way Award for her work with Killmallock Youth Club. Commenting on the Siobhan Cotter Memorial Award, LYS director Catherine Kelly said:
“As we approach our 40th birthday celebrations, and given the contribution of Limerick Youth Service founder Sr. Joan Bowles to youth work in Ireland, I think it is great tribute to her legacy that Limerick Youth Service is being honoured with this award.”
The award was presented to Mary English, chairperson of Limerick Youth Service by Siobhan’s sister, Sinead Cotter.
A native of Abbeyfeale, Siobhan Cotter was a teacher and president of the National Youth Federation (now Youth Work Ireland) from 2000-2003. The Siobhan Cotter Memorial Award is presented to individual or organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to youth work.
Alison Mullan-Barrett, who has been a member of Killmallock Youth Club since 2009, was presented with the Leading the Way Award by TD Simon Harris at Limerick Youth Service’s Lower Glenworth Street headquarters.
Youth Work Ireland president John Gilmore paid tribute to Alison and all volunteers who gave and continue to give their services every week to youth clubs and projects around the country.
Addressing a gathering of volunteers from national youth organisations, Mr. Gilmore recalled Alison’s involvement with youth work, which dates back to her early days as a member of the Down and Conor Youth Council.
Alison Mullan-Barrett with her daughter Aoife and husband Tom.
