Arklow Sea Scouts of the year recognised with awards

The annual Arklow Sea Scout awards were presented by Harbour Troop Leader Conor Byrne on Monday in the Arklow Scout Hall.

Every year the Sea Scouts group, an institution in the Arklow community since 1972, honour the outstanding scouts who have proven their mettle throughout the previous 12 months.

This year’s joint winners of the coveted Harbour Sea Scout of the year award were Aaron Conroy and Harry Doyle. The two young men, who will be moving up to Venture Sea Scouts in September, are extremely talented rowers, kayakers, campers and pioneers and have reached their goals in all the challenges they have faced this year.

The pair have also added a touch of humour to the Harbour Troop, with their antics never failing to make everyone laugh. They are now in the process of completing their Scouting Ireland Chief Scout Awards. While Aaron and Harry are a loss to the Harbour’s, and the Venture Troop’s gain, the Harbour’s have wished them well with the next chapter of their scouting journey.

Other award winners on the day included Jack McDermott, who won Junior Harbour Troop Sea Scout of the Year. Jack moved from cubs to scouts during Covid and, like his fellow cubs, missed out on so much scouting during this difficult period. Jack has shown great potential in helping other scouts settle in, and has shown great initiative in all aspects of scouting this past year.

Daniel Moriarty and Claire Farrell shared the Harbour Troop Sea Scout Spirit of Scouting award. A pair of exceptional scouts, they have shown a willingness, positivity and an attitude that no job is too big for them to undertake. They have always been willing to participate and lend a hand to their fellow scouts and leaders.

Finally, Emma Kelly won the Harbour Troop’s Most Improved Sea Scout Award. Emma was one of the quietest young cubs moving up to scouts. When her friend left, Emma stayed on in Scouts and made new friends. She became involved with all activities, including the online Zoom calls during the Covid period. Emma is also on her way to completing her Scouting Ireland Chief Scout Award.