Winner: Comhairle na nÓg Liatroma, Co Leitrim

Summary
Comhairle na nÓg Liatroma, in conjunction with Leitrim County Council, launched a promotional campaign highlighting the consequences of an assault, not only on the victim but also on the perpetrator. Comhairle members agreed the project at their AGM in 2017 and worked tirelessly on it. They launched it on 27th April 2018, and promoted it through social media, schools and youth organisations. The powerful and poignant content features Rosie Dolan, mother of Andrew, from Carrick-on-Shannon who died after an assault, and Shane Grogan who suffered a catastrophic brain injury, with his parents. Leitrim Comhairle decided to target under 18s, following a Garda campaign aimed at adults in 2016. The Gardaí support Comhairle by allowing them to use Garda Press Office posters, literature and tagline. Facilitated by Loch Bó Films, Comhairle members created the content and storyboards, operated camera and audio equipment, and conducted interviews. The campaign is supported by Leitrim County Council, North Connaught Youth Service, North West Drug and Alcohol Task Force and Creative Ireland.

Community Contact: Suzanne Duffy [email protected]

Citation
This entry concerns a promotional campaign in conjunction with the local County Council. It was launched and promoted tirelessly by the group behind it. What has been achieved is an outstanding piece of work, which is not time bound and has been supported by numerous agencies and public representatives. It features a high-quality video production entitled Use your Brains not your Fists which highlights the consequences of a fatal assault, not only on the victim and his family but also on the perpetrator. It should and will make a lasting impact on a national scale.

Runners Up: Ceol le Chéile, Older Persons Council, Co Donegal, Fit Towns Ballinasloe and Accessibility, Ballinasloe, Co Galway and Westmeath Age Friendly Initiative