Cormac recognised with two accolades

Cormac recognised with two accolades

24 April 2019

A STUDENT and upcoming politician at Downpatrick’s St Patrick’s Grammar School recently won two prestigious awards in consecutive days. 

Cormac Savage (16) received the awards for his work in the local community, including engaging young people in politics and for his efforts with local charities like the Mid Down MS Support Group. 

Cormac — who is currently a Member of the Youth Parliament representing South Down — was nominated for a Michaela Foundation Wings Award and a Youth and Future Talent Award (YAFTA) in the inspirational young person category by St Patrick’s Grammar’s head of music, Celeste McEvoy.

Cormac delivered a rousing speech last November in the House of Commons with the UK Youth Parliament about the topic of homelessness and, in particular, its gender impact on safety.

Also late last year, Cormac gave 2,500 local young people the chance to have their voices heard about which issues are most important to them as part of the ‘Make Your Mark’ campaign. 

His first accolade came through The Wings Awards run by the Michaela Foundation in memory of Michaela McAreavey, the young bride murdered on honeymoon in Mauritius in 2011. 

Cormac said he felt “overwhelmed” to have won one of the four awards in the age 14-16 category with 21 young people shortlisted.

The awards, set up by Michaela’s husband John and her father, Tyrone manager Mickey Harte, seek to recognise young people who have been “motivators within their local community”.

The following night, Cormac was recognised as an ‘inspirational young person” at the YAFTA awards run by Newry and Mourne Youth Council and Down Area Youth Council. 

Cormac said the whole experience felt “surreal”, adding that it was a “total honour”. He also thanked his school for nominating him for the awards and recognising his contribution to his community.