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!
