Carlow teens make their mark at national showcase 

ELEVEN teenagers from Carlow joined over 400 young people from every county in Ireland recently to engage with the country’s key decision-makers on national issues at the Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase 2025.

Hosted by presenter and podcaster Fionnuala Jones, the event brought together the taoiseach Micheál Martin, minister Norma Foley, members of government and senior government officials to engage directly with young people on the issues that matter most to them.

Hosted by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), the biennial showcase provided a vital platform for the 31 Comhairle na nÓg groups to present their work and connect directly with decision-makers on policies that impact their lives.

Tasfia Hossain, Carlow na nÓg alumnus, was a guest speaker and shared her experience of being a Comhairle na nÓg member and the opportunities it has given her.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised the event, stating: “Comhairle na nÓg provides young people across the country with the opportunity to have their voices heard. I am delighted to see so many energetic and engaged young people here today expressing their views on topics that impact them. It is of the utmost importance that we consider their inputs and keep their futures in mind, in all of our government’s work.” Throughout the day, young people participated in panel discussions, interactive exhibitions and networking sessions with policymakers and government representatives. Sofia Bernardo DeArdace from Carlow Comhairle na nÓg shared the following thoughts from her experience as a Comhairle na nÓg member: “Embrace your imperfections and your talents, for nothing is sweeter than being at peace with yourself and your humanity.”