Shining star Aishling honoured at National Garda Youth Awards

Ever important to make our greyhound racing community a welcome sanctuary for a younger generation who can build a bright future for all of us in the sport, that onus also extends into everyday life for when nurtured, there is no predicting what our promising youth could possibly achieve.

In the case of one teenager however, a bright future in whatever path is chosen by Aishling Rafferty is confidently predicted as those who have gotten to know the Ballinagarry Roscrea native in her formative years will have recognised the seventeen year old as a rare young gem.

Known to many of the greyhound community through her own family racers, as a working member of both Borrisoleigh and Nenagh Coursing Clubs or as the bright personality greeting patrons while working the turnstiles at Thurles Greyhound Stadium, Aishling’s wonderfully giving and selfless nature, that has brightened so many greyhound occasions, has also been recognised in her local community where she has been a tireless worker for those less fortunate than herself.

Nominated by Borrisokane Community College, Aisling was bestowed with a Divisional Garda Youth Award for work in her community but such is the extent of her selfless endeavours, the very first Garda National Youth Awards in 2019 saw Aishling honoured with a National Individual Award for “Making a positive contribution to her community, making it a better place to live.”

At the awards ceremony on Friday last, Sergeant Carol O'Leary spoke at length of the efforts made by Aishling saying; “Just some of her contributions include organising a Charity Walk to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society and a bus for the elderly in her community to visit Christmas markets.

“She visits elderly neighbours, her local Nursing Home and Day Care Centre to simply chat or play cards. Aishling is currently working towards a President Of Ireland Silver Gaisce Award and has been honoured with a Gold John Paul II Award.

“At present she is in Romania, volunteering with Habitat For Humanity having raised €3000 towards the venture and continues to fundraise for a cause that she fervently passionate about.

"A busy and pro-active young lady in her community, Aishling has a great sense of others and is selfless in responding to their needs.

“Nominators Elaine Dunne and Matthew Carr of Borrisokane Community College see her as a wonderful role model for her peers who creates a very positive image of young people in her community. She really does make a difference!”

Of course being in Romania at the time of the awards, Aishling was unable to be present to receive her award with dad John Rafferty accepting on her behalf at the Midlands Hotel in Portlaoise.

John; “Oh what can I say about her. She shies back from nothing and you would be all day writing a list of the things she has done! But, she had gotten her Divisional Award and that was brilliant for her. We were told that her name would be going forward then for the National Awards but honestly, we thought little of it really until we got a call and were told that there was good news coming.

“It really was a big surprise. It’s wonderful recognition for her. Listen, we’re very humbled over it and so is she. What can I say she’s that type of girl, she’ll do anything to help others. There just is no selfish in her. I suppose many at that age can be, so we are very lucky and of course very proud!”

Having missed the ceremony, Aishling arrived home from Romania on Sunday morning last but not one to rest for long, she accompanied her family to a Country Music and Dancing night at the Sherwater Hotel in Ballinasloe where greyhound friend Jimmy Buckley was providing the entertainment on stage.

John says, “Sure what youngster at her age would be swinging her dad around the dance floor to Country Music?! But anyway, she would know Jimmy through the greyhounds and we met him early in the night before he went on stage.

“We had been telling him about the award and that she was just back from Romania so what did he do only give a speech in the middle of his show about Aishling. He had it all off and she got a right ovation! So she has had a great weekend but in fairness to her, she deserves it!”

Whatever path she takes in life, all in the greyhound racing community will wish Aishling only the very best of luck at every turn. She may be selfless but we will selfishly hope that whatever lies ahead will always include us. Congratulations our Aisling!