Derry Credit Union’s Youth Committee hosted the awards ceremony before an audience of more than 200 guests at the Waterfoot Hotel.
The April ceremony also marked the 20th anniversary of the annual awards programme.
Guests heard inspirational talks from keynote speaker Owen McColgan, CEO of the Howard Academy Trust in Kent who was also the youth committee’s chair in 2005 when the first awards were held, Irish League of Credit Unions President Martin Busch, and Derry Credit Union’s Vice President Delma Boggs.
All praised the nominees for their compassion, achievements, commitment to others and generosity, and offered words of congratulations and encouragement to every nominee.
Nominees then received certificates and presentations were made to the runners-up and winners in the eight award categories.
Derry Credit Union’s Youth Development Officer Sinead Bell said: “At this time of uncertainty across the globe, the young people who were recognized at the Young People’s Awards for their talents, selflessness, compassion and courage, are a cause for hope for the future.”
The 2025 finalists were: Above and Beyond Award for Young Carer – Sinead Lavery, Liturgy & Choir Group of St. Columb’s College, Alicia Nash, Freya Walker.
All Or Nothing Award for Volunteering – Glen Volunteers, Jude Kerr, Seanain McCallion, St. John’s Cadets.
Braveheart Award for Courage – Adam Roberts-Lynch, Cian McConnell, Shannon O’Hagan, Joseph Quigley.
Creativity Award for Contribution to the Arts – Grace Callaghan, Drama Club of St. Brigid’s College, Zhara Moore, The Suite of St. Columb’s College.
Innovation Award – Matthew Cairns.
Titan Award for Contribution to Sport – Jude Bryson, Aurora Cartin, Adam Geresus, Hannah Lee McNamara.
Trailblazer Award for Leadership – Anya Ashok, Aimee Mallon, Mercy Girls Leadership Team of St. Mary’s College, Sistersin Team 2025 of Lumen Christ College.
37. Nominees awaiting the announcement of the winner at the annual prestigious Derry Credit Union's Young People's Awards 2025 at the Watefoot Hotel on Monday evening. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
Nominees awaiting the announcement of the winner at the annual prestigious Derry Credit Union's Young People's Awards 2025 at the Watefoot Hotel on Monday evening. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography
38. Delma Boggs, Vice President, Derry Credit Union, addressing the attendance at Monday's awards ceremony.
Delma Boggs, Vice President, Derry Credit Union, addressing the attendance at Monday's awards ceremony. Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography
39. Martin Busch, President Irish League of Credit Unions, addressing the attendance at Monday's awards.
Martin Busch, President Irish League of Credit Unions, addressing the attendance at Monday's awards. Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography
40. Group pictured at the Derry Credit Union's Annual Young People's Awards 2025 at the Waterfoot Hotel on Monday evening last. From left, Martin Busch, President of ILCU, Anne Busch, Joan Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer, Derry Credit Union, Owen McColgan, Keynote Speaker, Patricia Doherty, Director, Carmel Bradley, Director and Jennifer Turner, Director. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
Group pictured at the Derry Credit Union's Annual Young People's Awards 2025 at the Waterfoot Hotel on Monday evening last. From left, Martin Busch, President of ILCU, Anne Busch, Joan Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer, Derry Credit Union, Owen McColgan, Keynote Speaker, Patricia Doherty, Director, Carmel Bradley, Director and Jennifer Turner, Director. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography