165 Irish Girl Guides from across Ireland celebrate their achievements ahead of International Day of the Girl

165 girls and young women from across Ireland gathered at University College Dublin (UCD) today for the Irish Girl Guides (IGG) National Guiding Awards ceremony.

The event recognised 132 Guides and 33 Senior Branch members for their hard work, dedication and achievements throughout their Guiding journey. Held on the eve of International Day of the Girl, celebrated worldwide on 11 October, the ceremony highlighted the opportunities Guiding offers girls and young women to build confidence, learn new skills and become Leaders in their communities. Families, Leaders and invited guests joined the recipients to celebrate their achievements and the experiences that brought them to this special occasion.

Four years of adventure and achievement for 132 Guides

The 132 Guides receiving their National Guide Award successfully completed the four-year Guide Journey Programme, progressing through Pathfinder, Voyager, Innovator and Trail Blazer before receiving their Trail Blazer gold pin and National Guide Award certificate. The Guide Branch welcomes girls aged 10 to 14. Over the four years, Guides take part in outdoor adventures, learn practical skills, work together on projects and contribute to their communities. As they progress, they are encouraged to take on new challenges and greater responsibilities.

33 Senior Branch members recognised for their achievements

The ceremony also celebrated 33 Senior Branch members who received awards recognising their dedication and the challenges they have completed as part of their Guiding journey.

The Senior Branch programme is led by its members, who have the freedom to plan their own activities, explore their interests and take on new challenges. Whether organising events, getting involved in community projects or taking part in international adventures, members develop their independence and learn skills they can carry into everyday life.

Through the programme, members can work towards the Bronze Star, Silver Moon and Golden Sun Pins. Irish Girl Guides also has a partnership with Gaisce – The President's Award, allowing members to complete their Gaisce challenges alongside their Senior Branch programme. This year, 22 Senior Branch members achieved a Bronze Star and six a Silver Moon. In addition, 25 members received Gaisce Awards through the Senior Branch/Gaisce Dual Award programme, including 18 Bronze and seven Silver Awards.

The Senior Branch recipients came from units across Ireland, including Edenderry, Raheny, Duleek, Kilkerley, Trim, Mosney, Boherbue, Carrigaline, Macroom, Dílse, Gallen and South Longford.

Dara, a Senior Branch member from MacEgan Unit in the South West Region, explained: “Completing my Silver dual award was a great way for me to dedicate time for my hobbies while studying for my Leaving Certificate.

“After completing my Bronze awards I felt that moving on to Silver was a great way to stay involved with the Senior Branch programme. I'm really proud to be awarded my Silver Moon and Silver Gaisce awards at this year's National Guiding Awards and I look forward to working on my Gold awards”. For many of the Guides receiving their awards, the ceremony also marked the next step in their journey, with the opportunity to continue in Senior Branch and take on new challenges.

Paula McQuillan, Chair of the Guide Branch, expressed: “Reaching the National Guiding Awards is a remarkable achievement. Behind every Award are four years of new experiences, challenges, friendships and moments when a Guide has pushed herself beyond what she thought she could do.” Aisling Claffey Healion, Chief Commissioner of Irish Girl Guides, said: “I am so proud of every young woman receiving an award.

“Tackling these challenges takes genuine commitment and drive. The skills developed through Guiding will serve them long into the future. The Guides and Senior Branch members should wear their pins with immense pride.”

Deirdre Henley, President of Irish Girl Guides, added: “Behind every Award is a journey filled with determination, new experiences and personal growth.

“These young women have demonstrated the power of believing in themselves, embracing new challenges and supporting one another to achieve great things.” Irish Girl Guides has 8,000 members across Ireland. Guiding started in Ireland in 1911 and operates throughout the 26 counties with 1,200 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.