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Cork North Garda Youth Awards postponed as a mark of respect to Honorary Garda Billy Kiely

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John Bohane
© Corkman

The Cork North Garda Youth Awards which were scheduled to be held tomorrow night have been postponed as a mark of a respect to Honorary Garda Billy Kiely who passed away on Wednesday, April 24.

Billy Kiely from Charleville was one of 12 little blue heroes who became honorary gardaí following a special ceremony in Togher Garda station in August 2022.

Each little blue hero was presented with a special certificate and commemorative garda medal, to cheers and applause from family, friends and garda colleagues.

The Little Blue Heroes Foundation is a not-for-profit charity operated entirely by volunteers, and run by gardaí and their families and friends.

The charity helps families who have children undergoing long-term medical treatment for serious illness, and sometimes it helps grant the wish of children who want to become honorary members of the force.

Inspector Miriam McGuire from Fermoy Garda Station paid tribute to the late Billy Kiely. “It is with a heavy heart that due to the passing of our Little Blue Hero, Honorary Garda Billy Kiely of Liscullane, Charleville the decision has been made to postpone the Cork North Garda Youth Awards ceremony which was scheduled to take place this Saturday at Charleville Park Hotel.”

Ms McGuire said an alternative date for the awards night will be announced in due course. “The new arrangements for the ceremony will be communicated in course. Our thoughts are with the Kiely family at this time. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Charleville based councillor Ian Doyle (Fianna Fáil) also paid tribute to the late Billy Kiely. “Billy was born with many challenges which he bore with tremendous humour and positivity during his all too short life.

“His life has been exemplary and a lesson to us all who have been in contact with him that with love and support, nothing can hold you back. To his family, teachers, gardaí and many friends, heartfelt condolences. Billy you were an inspiration,” he added.

Billy is survived by his parents Will and Christine and his two sisters Emma and Maddie.

Requiem Mass for Billy will be held on Saturday, April 27 in Holy Cross Church, Charleville at 11am.