Derry and Strabane road safety champions celebrated at Northern Ireland awards

PICTURED ABOVE: Eamonn Karran won the Open Category, sponsored by CRASH Services. Eamonn and his wife Joanne are pictured with Davy Jackson, Chair of Road Safe NI Charity; Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins; Paula Mahoney, Marketing Director from headline sponsor, CRASH Services; and U105's Frank Mitchell, who also acted as compere for the event.

Keith Kerrigan, Chair of Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), has congratulated local award winners following the eleventh annual Northern Ireland Road Safety Awards held recently at Belfast Castle.

The district celebrated success across three categories, with the Easilink D1 Minibus Driver Training Project winning the LGV/PCV Category, Elizabeth Jack of Artigarvan Primary School taking the School Crossing Patrol Person Award, and Eamonn Karran receiving the Open Category award.

Keith Kerrigan said: "I am immensely proud to see our district so well represented at the Northern Ireland Road Safety Awards. These winners exemplify the dedication, compassion, and innovation that make our communities safer.

"The Easilink D1 Minibus Driver Training Project is addressing a vital need in our rural communities, ensuring vulnerable residents can travel with dignity and safety. Elizabeth Jack's daily commitment to protecting our children at Artigarvan Primary School demonstrates how one person's dedication can make an entire community feel safer.

Easilink D1 Minibus Driver Training Project won the LGV/PCV Category, sponsored by Applegreen NI. Members of Easilink are pictured with Davy Jackson, Chair of Road Safe NI Charity; Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins; Paula Mahoney, Marketing Director from headline sponsor, CRASH Services; and U105's Frank Mitchell, who also acted as compere for the event.

"Eamonn Karran's work is particularly moving. In the face of devastating personal loss, he has created meaningful support structures that are helping others navigate their grief. Men's Time to Talk and the Road Victim Support Northern Ireland and Donegal Remembrance CD are truly transformative initiatives that honour loved ones while providing genuine comfort to bereaved families.

"These awards recognise not just individual achievement, but the collective spirit of our communities working together to save lives on our roads. I congratulate all our local winners and thank them for their outstanding contributions."

Davy Jackson, Chair of Road Safe NI Charity, said: "We had a fantastic response to the awards again this year, with a record number of entries. We are delighted to play our part in recognising those who go the extra mile to promote road safety.

"The winning entries stood out for their long-term commitment and innovative ideas. There is so much excellent work taking place across our schools, communities, emergency services, and businesses. The award winners are an inspiration to others, and there is no doubt their efforts are saving lives on our roads."

More than 100 invited guests attended the ceremony, where 12 awards were presented across a range of sectors, including education, emergency services, voluntary organisations, business, and the public sector.

Elizabeth Jack, Artigarvan Primary School won the School Crossing Patrol Person, sponsored by U105. Elizabeth Jack is pictured with Davy Jackson, Chair of Road Safe NI Charity; Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins; Paula Mahoney, Marketing Director from headline sponsor, CRASH Services; and U105's Frank Mitchell, who also acted as compere for the event.

The event was organised by Road Safe NI Charity in partnership with headline sponsor CRASH Services, with support from Associate Sponsor Drivetech (part of the AA Group). Category sponsors included U105, New Driver NI, HANKOOK Tyres, Applegreen, JMK Solicitors, Charles Hurst, Specsavers, The Road Ahead NI, the Department for Infrastructure, and the NI Road Safety Partnership.