St Columba’s CS student Adam Lough recognised at National Garda Youth Awards

St Columba’s Comprehensive School Glenties student Adam Lough was this afternoon recognised at the Garda Síochána annual National Garda Youth Awards.

The awards which recognise exceptional young people aged 13-21 who have positively contributed to their community.

Adam established and coached a thriving rugby setup at his school, bringing his knowledge from Donegal Town RFC. He was rewarded at the Donegal Garda Youth Awards 2023 in May and now at the national gathering in Portlaoise, Co Laois. 

“Sport has long had the power to connect people and places, and Adam Lough recognised this,” An Garda Siochana said “In March 2022, he started to consider establishing a rugby club in his rural Donegal home. He had those that are neither passionate about GAA or football but who wanted to try something new.

"He trained as a junior coach and referee and held fundraisers to be able buy much-needed kits and equipment to get the club off the ground. He spread the word through every avenue and reached out to all those new to the community to make sure they knew they were welcome and urged them to connect with the club.

"Adam has since worked with the IRFU to set-up a training programme with developmental officers who came to Donegal especially and the club is going from strength to strength.

"Adam’s efforts are best surmised in the feedback of the person who nominated him for this award: 'The day I saw our first Ukrainian teammate take to the field alongside our Spanish exchange students and a whole group of young players from neighbouring townlands; Glenties, Ardara, Fintown and Doochary – I realised the impact of all of Adam’s hard work. No rivalry between places, just a solid community.'"

This year’s event took place at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise and acknowledged the remarkable contributions made in a number of Garda Divisions which included Offaly, Dublin, Kerry, Cork, Sligo/Leitrim, Mayo/Roscommon, Longford and Donegal.