Tipperary Student Honoured by Republic of Ireland Manager at 2014 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards

Martin O’Neill Praises Volunteering Efforts of Aine Stafford from Clonmel

Aine Stafford, 18, of Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, a sixth-year student at Loreto Secondary School, Clonmel has been honoured at the 2014 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards.

Aine and 19 other Pramerica Spirit of Community finalists received €500, an engraved silver medallion and were praised by Republic of Ireland Football Manager, Martin O’Neill.

“We need to celebrate our young people today to inspire them into being leaders of tomorrow,” says O’Neill. “We salute Aine and

2014 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards finalist Aine Stafford from Clonmel pictured with Republic of Ireland Football Manager, Martin O’Neill and Andrea McBride, Vice President – Systems, Pramerica Systems Ireland Ltd. Photo by Paul McGuckin.

the other finalists in this programme for helping those in need.”

Senior managing director and CIO of Pramerica Systems Ireland Ltd, Caroline Faulkner described the evening as one of joyous momentum. “The stars tonight were our 20 finalists. They have awed and amazed us, the organisers, their families and teachers and indeed each other,” said Faulkner.  “Congratulations to Aine who has shown tremendous maturity in being an outstanding volunteer.”

Also last night Dayna Ní Shíocháin, a fifth-year student at Gaelcholáiste Mhuire, North Monastery, Co. Cork and Elysha Ní Chuláin, a fifth-year student at Coláiste Íde in Daingean Uí Chúis, Co. Kerry were crowned the 2014 All Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year.

The awards are held in partnership with the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals and the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland.

The selection committee that chose the two All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year were John Hume as honourary chair; Andrea McBride, Vice President – Systems, Pramerica; Ivan Arbuthnot, Chairperson, GTCNI; Clive Byrne, Director, NAPD; Wendy Osbourne, CEO Volunteer Now and Yvonne McKenna, CEO Volunteer Ireland.

Aine’s Biography

Aine fundraises for cystic fibrosis and volunteers for the Society of St. Vincent DePaul.

“I have lived with cystic fibrosis for 18 years, but I believe nothing should hold anyone back,” says Aine. The money she raises will be given to the new cystic fibrosis facilities at Waterford Regional Hospital.

Aine also set up the St. Julia in her school for the Society of St. Vincent DePaul. After raising €4,000 for the charity, she continues her legacy of giving by mentoring her peers on how to continue her work.

Last year, Aine travelled to Lourdes, France, as a volunteer. While there, she looked after sick pilgrims and transported them to and from Mass.  Aine also helps connect older people with their families abroad by teaching them basic computer skills, how to use Skype and how to send email.

Máire McMahon, national secretary of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul says, “Without the work and effort of the St. Julia Conference, I can say for certain there would have been families in Clonmel who would not have had a memorable Christmas.” 

About the Awards

The Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards programme is modelled on The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, which was created in 1995 in the United States by Pramerica’s parent, Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI)*. Since then, nearly 375,000 young Americans have participated in the programme and more than 130,000  have won awards. The programme has been widely praised by educators, government officials, parents and community leaders. Many notable Americans, including former President Jimmy Carter, former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell (ret.), former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, former First Lady Laura Bush, former U.S. Senator and astronaut John Glenn, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, sports superstar Magic Johnson, actor Richard Dreyfuss and actress/comedian Whoopi Goldberg have participated in the programme. PFI has introduced the programme in other countries where it has a significant business presence, including Japan in 1997, South Korea in 1999, Taiwan in 2000, Ireland in 2006, India in 2010 and China in 2013.