Teens step into leadership role at national youth conference
Carlow teens Ruth Cheasty, Sadhbh Reardon, Hannah King, Aoife Kavanagh and Sophie Tyrrell at Maynooth University for Foróige's week-long youth leadership conference
FIVE young people from Carlow were among more than 300 teenagers who took part in Foróige’s ‘Leadership for Life’ youth conference at Maynooth University recently. The event supported teens to grow their confidence, learn vital life skills and connect with peers from across Ireland and the USA who are passionate about creating positive change.
Ruth Cheasty, Sadhbh Reardon, Hannah King, Aoife Kavanagh and Sophie Tyrrell represented the county at the week-long programme, which equips young people with the confidence, vision and skills to lead in their schools, communities and wider society.
“Before the conference, I didn’t really see myself as a leader – but now I understand that leadership is about listening, supporting others and having confidence in your own voice,” said Sophie Tyrrell from Rathvilly Foróige Club.
The Leadership for Life youth conference, now in its 15th year, is designed to empower young people to become strong, effective and compassionate leaders in their own lives and communities.
Throughout the week, participants took part in workshops on team building, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and self-awareness. Guest speakers from the world of politics, business, sport and the not-for-profit sector also shared their leadership journeys.
Foróige is Ireland’s leading youth organisation, dedicated to working with young people aged ten to 24 years to help them reach their full potential. Founded in 1952 as Macra na Tuaithe, the organisation has since evolved into a nationwide network that supports over 50,000 young people annually through volunteer-led clubs, youth projects and targeted services.
The organisation operates across urban and rural communities, often in partnership with schools, local authorities and state agencies, such as Túsla and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Its mission is to enable young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their own development and in the development of society.
