'So proud' - Young Carlow woman lands prestigious SETU President's volunteering award

A young Carlow woman has been recognised for her outstanding commitment to volunteering after receiving a prestigious SETU President's Volunteering Gold Award.

Ellen Kirwan, a member of St Killian's Senior Branch and a leader with Dolmen Brownies and Dolmen Guides, was among those honoured at South East Technological University's annual President's Volunteer Awards.

Sharing the news, the Irish Girl Guides said: "Congratulations to Ellen from St Killian's Senior Branch, and Leader with Dolmen Brownies and Dolmen Guides, who received a SETU President's Volunteering Gold Award this week! We are so proud of Ellen's dedication and commitment to volunteering, well done!"

They added that Laura Kirwan, SE Regional Commissioner, and Shirley Lidierth, Carlow Area Commissioner, were delighted to be there to celebrate the achievement with her.

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The SETU President's Volunteer Awards took place across the university's campuses in Waterford, Carlow and Wexford, recognising students who have gone above and beyond in giving back to their communities.

In total, 56 volunteers were honoured this year, with 34 awards presented in Carlow, 20 in Waterford and two in Wexford. Each student received either a bronze, silver or gold award, depending on the number of volunteering hours they completed throughout the year.

SETU said the awards celebrate the "invaluable contributions" students make both within the university and in their home communities.

Students were recognised for volunteering across a wide range of clubs, societies and organisations, from kayaking and law societies to community groups and charities such as Irish Girl Guides, Down Syndrome Ireland, Enable Ireland, Foróige, the Irish Red Cross, Samaritans and Ireland's Specialist Search and Rescue Dogs.

The university said each ceremony was designed to highlight the "positive impact the students have in their local communities and within the wider SETU community".