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Saturday 12/10/2024, Dublin – Over 120 members of Irish Girl Guides (IGG) travelled to University College Dublin this Saturday to receive the highest award a Guide can achieve—the Trail Blazer Award—at the National Guide Award ceremony.
Girls aged 14-15 came from all over the country, bringing their families and Guide Leaders to witness this milestone in their Guiding journey. Each girl was awarded a Trail Blazer gold pin by IGG President Deirdre Henley and a National Guide Award certificate by IGG Assistant Chief Commissioner Caroline Flanagan. These awards represent the spirit of the outdoors, learning life skills, and gaining confidence.
Guides, who are girls aged 10 to 14, are the third branch within the Irish Girl Guides. They follow a four-year Journey Programme designed to develop their independence, self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. This is achieved through a variety of activities, including meetings, outdoor camping, indoor weekends, outdoor adventures, and international travel.
Deirdre Henley, Irish Girl Guides President, stressed the hard work of these girls: “Earning the National Guide Award is no mean feat. It reflects a level of excellence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership, and shows the capability to achieve great things when you set your mind to it.”
Paula McQuillan, Chair of the Guide Branch of Irish Girl Guides and organiser of the event, adds: “Congratulations to all the girls on receiving their National Guide Awards. This year’s awards are extra special as these girls joined Guides during the pandemic, many experiencing Guiding on Zoom for many months. They have completed challenges in teamwork, Guiding, change, global awareness, and have learned new life skills over the four years. These Trailblazers have started their leadership journey in Irish Girl Guides, and we look forward to watching them blossom in the future.”
Amanda O’Sullivan, Chief Commissioner of IGG, admired the determination these Irish Girl Guides have demonstrated: “These girls are an inspiration, embodying the true spirit of Guiding through their dedication and hard work. They have grown into confident, independent young women, ready to positively impact their communities and society. It has been an honour to witness their achievements and celebrate their success.”
Irish Girl Guides welcomes members from age 5+ and volunteer Leaders from age 18+. To find out more, see www.irishgirlguides.ie.
Irish Girl Guides:
Irish Girl Guides has 10,000 members across Ireland. Guiding started in Ireland in 1911 and operates throughout the 26 counties with 1,600 volunteer Leaders providing an informal educational programme of fun and challenging activities that foster confidence and leadership skills in girls and young women, enabling them to develop to their full potential and to become responsible citizens.
Press contact:
Celia Melcus
Public Relations and Advocacy Officer
01-6683898 ext. 104
