“One of the most inspirational speakers I’ve heard and one who is bound to have an influence on the young people who heard her on the night,” was one adult’s view of the ‘No Limbs – No Limits’ documentary star, Joanne O’Riordan.
Ms. O’Riordan was the guest of honour at the NEKD Youth Achievement Awards at its base in The Crageens on Friday night.
The event, which was held in Listowel last year and had Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, TD as its guest, moved back to Castleisland this year.
The ‘Awards Night’ celebrates, marks and rewards the achievements of young people involved in North & East Kerry Development funded youth projects in the Castleisland, Listowel, Ballybunion, Ballyduff and Tralee areas.
Castleisland Boxing Club official, Carmel O’Connell met Joanne O’Riordan briefly at the awards ceremony and was hugely impressed by the Millstreet, Co. Cork teenager.
“She urged the young people to keep going and to realise their ambitions and goals in life. She urged them not to give up on the potential they have. She was so inspirational,” said Carmel.
NEKD leader, Jennifer O’Sullivan-Coffey said that all the members of the group were delighted to see Joanne.
“She was great and very funny and so inspirational. When we asked her to come down for the awards night she agreed without a moment of hesitation and we presented her with a plaque to mark her visit to us,” said Jennifer.
