‘Successful people work harder and smarter to achieve their goals’
By Brendan Grehan
TEN YOUNG people from South Dublin joined 250 other teenagers from India, the USA and Ireland in Kildare last week for Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference.
Niamh Mooney, Tara O’Reilly, Leah Fahy, Heather Egan and Molly Behan from the Swamp, Templeogue, and Kian Wilson and Padraic Kelly from Foróige Fettercairn, Lee McDonagh and Sean Moran from Spirit Foróige Club Newcastle and Pattamma Onnom from NRG Leadership Newcastle, all took part in the conference.
It was held from July 30 to August 3 in the grounds of Nui Maynooth and aims to bring teenagers together to empower them to become leaders in their own lives.
Rugby legend Paul O’Connell gave a talk to the young people as part of the Aldi guest lecture series, where he highlighted the importance of staying positive.
Mr O’Connell told the conference: “God-given talent is a myth, successful people work harder and smarter and that’s how they achieve their goals. It’s really important to keep positive.
“Don’t let anyone say you can’t do something. You have the capacity to work, train and do anything you put your mind to. It doesn’t matter what it is, stay the course and be the person you want to be.”
Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige, said “These young people have come to this conference because someone in their lives saw their potential to lead, grow, develop and influence, whether that was a parent, Foróige youth worker, or teacher.
Fantastic opportunity
“The conference offers these young people the fantastic opportunity of exploring their own unique set of leadership skills, whilst encouraging them to believe in their own ability to make real and powerful positive change in the world.”
The 250 delegates, aged 15 to 18, graduated recently having completed various stages of the leadership programme.
As part of the week-long conference, the delegates also met inspirational guest speakers Louise Foody, Director of Digital & Brand at Kingspan Group and Maria Walsh, former Rose of Tralee, entrepreneur, and broadcaster
The Foróige Leadership for Life Programme was developed in Ireland in 2009 and is open to young adults aged 15-18.
TAGS news
