Glenn’s green credentials win him a top Coast award

Glenn’s green credentials win him a top Coast award

15 October 2014

A DOWNPATRICK student has won a prestigious environmental award.
Glenn O’Neill, who is studying at St. Patrick’s Grammar, won the Young Environmentalist of the Year accolade at the recent Coast Care Awards.
Other local winners in the environmental competition include the Fishing For Litter, Ardglass Harbour group which took the top prize in the best business involvement award category, with Translink Downpatrick highly commended in this section.
Glenn was presented with his award by Stormont Environment Minister Mark Durkan, in a the ceremony at Stormont’s Parliament Buildings which addressed by BBC presenter John Craven.
Glenn is one of a number of volunteers from across the Province who have gone the extra mile to clean up and look after the coastline, loughs and inland waterways. His work has been recognised by environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.
The Coast Care programme supports the work of volunteers who clean up beaches, rivers and loughs throughout Northern Ireland.
Glenn was one of three young people shortlisted in his category which was open to students aged between 13 and 18 dedicated to raising awareness around an environmental issue affecting a coastal or waterway environment or demonstrating an ongoing commitment to practical conservation.
Glenn has grown up close to Kilclief beach at the mouth of Strangford Lough and wanted to explore and visually examine his surroundings as part of a GCSE Art project at school. He also wanted to focus attention on protection and conservation of these beautiful coastal areas.
The St. Patrick’s Grammar student decided to collect washed up or discarded man-made materials from the tides over the past 18 months and consequently set about creating an artwork constructed from the material, making a large shark as an endangered species.
The Best Business Involvement Award recognises the work carried out in an attempt to better the local coastal environment. The Fishing For Litter, Ardglass Harbour organisation has been carrying out clean ups with volunteers working to ensure the harbour is kept clean.
Praising all the winners and individuals and organisations shortlisted, Mr. Durkan said it is fitting to recognise the dedication and commitment of people of all ages who selflessly give up their spare time to ensure the Province’s stunningly beautiful coastal areas and waterways are kept in pristine condition.