Seventeen-year-old sisters from Carlow recognised at the Garda Youth Awards 2023

Seventeen-year-old sisters, Sarah and Rachel Bello, were recognised at the Garda Youth Awards which were held in the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise over the weekend.

The Carlow sisters were born with a rare blood illness which causes both girls severe pain.

The young women are now in sixth year. Sarah is a member of the Youth Work Ireland Advisory Panel addressing hidden disabilities and Rachel is a prefect and a part of the Meitheal team in her secondary school.

Both sisters have an active role in Comhairle na nÓg, where they have a voice and the opportunity to influence county councils and local government. They also volunteer with Carlow Regional Youth Service and Barretstown where they have attended since they were children.

An Garda Síochána for Carlow commented, "Their personal story reminds us all that young people and adults alike should seize everyday as an opportunity to do good."