Meath Garda Youth Awards
Special Merit Award - Cianan Finn, Ashbourne
Cianan Finn is a 17 year-old student of Colaiste De Lacy in Ashbourne.
He is an active member of Ashbourne/Donaghmore GAA Club. Cianan, along with his siblings, his mother Yvonne, father Ciaran and both his grandparents, Moira and Luke, are pillars of the Ashbourne community. They have always done their utmost to promote a positive community spirit. Volunteering their time to organising the Community Games and assisting with the Senior Citizens Club, to name just a few.
Cianan has had a special bond with his grandparents, Luke and Moyra McGuiness from a very young age.
When Covid emerged in Ireland, it was a fearful time for everyone. Cianan was especially protective of his grandparents.
He was a wonderful to support to both Luke and Moyra. Among many other tasks, Cianan assisted his grandfather in his workshop. He discovered a talent for iron work, similar to his grandfather. In his spare time created and fixed beautiful wrought iron gates for those that needed assistance in the Ashbourne community.
Cianan's nomination is best read in the eloquent and heartfelt nomination his Grandmother Moyra wrote: ‘Our grandson, Cianan Finn has been such a support to my husband Luke McGuinness and me, all during his years growing up, but especially since Covid-19 hit Ireland. When lockdown began on 12th March 2020, he always kept a safe distance and didn’t come inside the house. He always wore a mask regardless of being outside. He painted the entire outside of our home, and he did a wonderful job. He also supported his grandad in his workshop, especially when Luke’s eyes were not so good. He showed his talent in creating wonderful wrought iron work. He was and is always there to help in any way he can, in a safe way. His smile brought a ray of sunshine even in the darkest days. I am very happy to nominate Cianan.’
Cianan is most assuredly a prime example of a gentleman and role model to all young people.
The Meath Garda Youth Awards, sponsored by Centra, recognise the very positive contribution young people make in their communities and are about shining a light on their good works.
An Garda Siochana recognise that a lot of good work is being done by young people in every community throughout county Meath, and that we as a society should be very proud of them.