Kilkenny well-represented at inspiring national youth conference
The week-long event brought hundreds of young people together to explore leadership and self-belief
Six young people from Kilkenny were among more than 300 delegates from across Ireland and the United States who recently took part in Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference at Maynooth University.
Kilkenny’s Arlo Carr, Logan Cummins, Sam Lynch, Emma Lynch, Saoire Thomas and Lily Ahern attended the week long residential conference which brought together young people aged 15-18 to strengthen their confidence, leadership and communication skills through practical workshops, team challenges and inspiring keynote sessions.
Throughout the week, delegates explored the qualities of positive leadership while forming lasting friendships with young people from across Ireland and overseas.
Participants also heard from an exceptional line-up of guest speakers including leadership expert Ray Goggins, Olympian and Foróige alumnus Jack Woolley who shared their own experiences of resilience, determination and believing in yourself.
Eric O’Brien, CEO of Foróige said: “When you bring together more than 300 young people with different backgrounds, experiences and ambitions, something really special happens. They inspire one another to think bigger, dream bigger and realise that they each have the ability to make a real difference.”
“Every young person has the potential to lead; sometimes they just need someone to believe in them first. This conference is about giving young people that belief, alongside the skills, experiences and friendships that will stay with them long after they leave Maynooth.”
“The energy, optimism and compassion we see here each year reminds us of what young people can achieve, both now and in the future, if they are given the opportunity and the right support,” he added.
The conference is the flagship event of Foróige’s Leadership for Life Programme, which has been empowering young people for more than 15 years.
Throughout the week, delegates will strengthen essential life skills including communication, teamwork, decision-making, resilience, critical thinking and problem-solving, while learning that leadership is not about titles, it’s about having the courage to make a difference.
Alongside practical leadership activities, delegates are exploring the issues that matter most to young people today.
Honest conversations around mental health, equality, climate action, technology and belonging are giving participants the opportunity to share experiences, challenge perspectives and learn from one another in a supportive environment where every voice is valued.
The conference also welcomes a delegation of young people from the United States, many with proud Irish roots. Their participation celebrates the enduring connection between Ireland and its global diaspora, creating friendships that cross borders and offering young people the chance to learn from different cultures while discovering how much they have in common.