Picture/IGG: Rachel Doyle is presented with her Golden Sun Award by Chief Commissioner Aisling Claffey Helion.
Rachel Doyle, Irish Girl Guides success has been celebrated after the Louth woman received the Golden Sun, the organisation’s highest award, at a national ceremony in UCD.
Rachel, a Senior Branch member and Mosney Brownie Leader, was among 165 girls and young women from across Ireland recognised at the Irish Girl Guides National Guiding Awards.
Her Golden Sun achievement also includes completing the President’s Award at Gold Gaisce level.
The ceremony, held on the eve of International Day of the Girl, recognised 132 Guides and 33 Senior Branch members for their work, commitment and achievements through Guiding.
Eleven of the Senior Branch recipients were from the North East Region.
Irish Girl Guides Flag NGA ceremony
‘Something I am incredibly proud of’
Speaking after receiving the award, Rachel said:
“Achieving my Golden Sun Award is something I am incredibly proud of. It has been a journey filled with challenges, new experiences and plenty of learning along the way. There were definitely times when it wasn’t easy, but looking back now, I can see just how much I have grown in confidence, skills and as a person.
“Guiding has given me so many amazing opportunities, from working with my Brownie Unit to travelling internationally and making lifelong friendships. One of the biggest things I have learned throughout this journey is to keep pushing myself, even when something feels difficult.
“I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way. Receiving my Golden Sun is not just about completing an award, but about everything I have experienced and achieved throughout the journey.”
Senior Branch members can work towards Bronze Star, Silver Moon and Golden Sun pins, while Irish Girl Guides also works with Gaisce, The President’s Award, allowing members to complete both programmes alongside each other.
This year, 22 Senior Branch members achieved a Bronze Star and six received a Silver Moon.
A further 25 received Gaisce Awards through the Senior Branch and Gaisce Dual Award programme, including 18 Bronze and seven Silver Awards.
31 National Guide Awards for North East Region
There was also a strong showing from the North East among the 132 Guides who received their National Guide Award.
Thirty-one recipients came from the region, representing units including Ballybay, Clogherhead, Millmount and Cu Chulainn in Drogheda, Duleek, Glyde, Kells, Kilkerley, Knockbridge, Monasterboice, Trim and Tullyallen.
The National Guide Award marks the completion of the four-year Guide Journey Programme.
Girls progress through Pathfinder, Voyager, Innovator and Trail Blazer before receiving a Trail Blazer gold pin and National Guide Award certificate.
The Guide Branch is for girls aged 10 to 14 and includes outdoor activities, practical skills, community projects and opportunities to take on increasing responsibility.
Paula McQuillan, Chair of the Guide Branch, said:
“Reaching the National Guiding Awards is a remarkable achievement. Behind every Award are four years of new experiences, challenges, friendships and moments when a Guide has pushed herself beyond what she thought she could do.”
Aisling Claffey Healion, Chief Commissioner of Irish Girl Guides, said:
“I am so proud of every young woman receiving an award. Tackling these challenges takes genuine commitment and drive. The skills developed through Guiding will serve them long into the future. The Guides and Senior Branch members should wear their pins with immense pride.”
Senior Branch members, Irish Girl Guides NGA 2026
