The achievements of some the State’s young people will recognised at an awards ceremony in Dublin this evening.
The Outstanding Young Persons Award, sponsored by Pepsi will see nine people recognised for their contribution to among other categories: commerce, voluntary work and science.
The ceremony takes place at the Grand Hotel, Malahide where the founder of Europe’s largest broadband communications company, Mr Declan Ganley and Irish paralympian Ms Mairead Berry.
Business Economic and Entrepreneurial Accomplishment- Mr Declan Ganley
Founder/director of Broadnet, Europe's largest wireless broadband communications company, which employs 500 people
Moral Leadership- Mr Tommy Roche
Founder of Aljeff, an organisation to help those affected by alcohol and drug addiction in Limerick
Environmental Leadership- Mr Martin Sheahan
Founder of Mr Binman, a private waste disposal company
Contribution to Children, World Peace or Human Rights- Ms Helen Phelen
For her work with Doras Luimnigh, established 18mths ago, the organisation has worked with around 400 asylum seekers and refugees in Limerick
Humanitarian of voluntary leadership- Ms Marie Feeney
For her work with Forum in Action, an organisation providing children and teenagers with opportunities in Galway
Scientific and technological- Mr Triona McInerney
For her work in helping Ennis win the nomination for the prestigious Information Age Town
Personal Improvement and Accomplishment- Ms Mairead Berry
For her Gold medal in the Paralympics in Sydney
Medical Innovation- Mr David Hall
Founder of the Make A Wish Foundation which has granted 12,500 wishes to terminally ill children
Personal Accomplishment- Ms Caroline Casey
For crossing India on an Elephant despite being partially blind