Longford teens discover the power of leadership and teamwork at youth conference

Seven young people from Longford were among more than 300 teenagers who took part in Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference at Maynooth University last week. The experience provided a chance for young people to build their leadership skills and confidence in a supportive and inspiring environment.

"I’ve grown so much during this programme. I now understand how important it is to work as a team and to believe in yourself, even when it’s tough." Darragh said.

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Luke Casserly also from Granard, Longford (pictured with Amina Costello) was a keynote speaker at the conference. A past member of Foróige and graduate of this very programme, Luke Casserly discovered his love for performance and storytelling in Foróige clubs in Longford - and now he’s a theatre maker whose work travels across Ireland and beyond.

The Leadership for Life Youth Conference, now in its fifteenth 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.

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Longford teens were among more than 300 young people from Ireland and the United States who gathered at Maynooth University for Foróige’s week-long Leadership for Life Youth Conference. The programme equips young people with the confidence, vision and skills to lead in their schools, communities and wider society.