A volunteer at Downpatrick and County Down Railway has received his Gaisce Gold award from Uachtarán na hÉireann (President of Ireland) Catherine Connolly. The local heritage railway has said it is “incredibly proud” of Shea McKee’s achievement.
The Gaisce – President’s Award – is similar to the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and recognises achievements of 14- to 25-year-olds in the fields of sport, personal skill development, research, or community involvement. Gold is the highest category in the award scheme.
Shea’s Gaisce comes as well-deserved recognition of his contribution to Downpatrick and County Down Railway (DCDR) over the last three years. “During this time, he has fully embraced volunteer life at the railway and got stuck into everything from steam engine restoration to shunting, to manning the buffet counter,” added a spokesperson for DCDR.
Shea described the experience as being “amazing to partake in,” adding that he was “very grateful for the opportunity to work towards my Gaisce” through the DCDR and SERC Downpatrick. “I have learned so many lifelong skills and made so many new friends along the way,” he added. “It was the Gaisce scheme that led me to volunteering at the DCDR, and even after I banked enough hours to complete my award I kept coming back.”
Shea’s Gaisce was awarded to him in a ceremony alongside 49 other young people from across Ireland in Kilmainham, Dublin, before Christmas. The award was presented by recently elected President of Ireland Catherine Connolly, described by Shea as “a great honour.” He added that it was “a day that will stand out in my memory for the rest of my life.”
This is not the first time Shea has been recognised for his work at the railway. Earlier this year he was crowned Community Champion of 2025 by his college and came runner-up in the SENI Awards for Young Person of the Year. He has also been shortlisted for Young Volunteer of the Year in the next Heritage Railway Awards, to be held in March 2026.
