The Youth Work Ireland Volunteer Achievement Awards Winners for 2011 have been announced and two of the five winners are from Kerry. The awards recognise outstanding achievement by volunteers around the country who deliver or assist in delivering local youth services.

Peter Murphy, from Kevin Barry’s Tralee, is a volunteer with KDYS Bruach na Habhainn Youth Project. Peter is the ‘Stepping up Award’ winner – this award is to recognise young volunteers who are moving into a leadership role in their club or project.

Gearoid Murphy, from Killarney Town, is a volunteer with KDYS Killarney Youth Club and Drop-in Service. Gearoid won the ‘Making A Difference Award’ for volunteers engaged in direct work with young people at risk.

Peter & Gearoid will receive their awards along with 3 other winners at a ceremony in the Youth Work Ireland National Office in Dublin on November 5. Also, this year to celebrate the European Year of the Volunteer a once of Volunteer of the Year Award will be chosen from the 5 award winners. This person will be announced at the Gala Dinner.

 Tim O’Donoghue, CEO of KDYS warmly congratulated Gearoid and Peter on their well- deserved award success and added: - “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank them for the great work that they do with the KDYS. In the current climate volunteer involvement is essential to the sustainability of youth services.”

 “The Volunteer Achievement Awards are a key part of Youth Work Irelands suite of supports to volunteers around the country who are central to delivering quality services for young people in local communities. We have over 7,500 volunteers taking the lead in delivering a whole range of clubs, projects and other critical services the length and breadth of this country. Despite the hard times we are going through more and more people are volunteering and this can only strengthen our communities and provide a better future for young people. In this the year of the volunteer our awards are more important than ever” Said Patrick Burke CEO of Youth Work Ireland

If you are interested in volunteering for KDYS we have a wide range of opportunities available to people in the community. Volunteering with the KDYS is not only an opportunity for you to give back to your community you can benefit from the experience in terms of the training you receive to equip you with the skills to work with young people and be part of an organisation that has worked with young people and families in communities for over 40 years. If you require further information please contact Nicola O Sullivan, Human Resources Dept., KDYS on 064-6631748 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can check out the variety programmes that KDYS offer on www.kdys.ie