Future leaders of Laois shine at national conference

Seven young people from Laois represented the county at this year’s Foróige Leadership for Life Youth Conference.

Sophie Brosnan, Eva Kelly, Caoimhe Brennan, Fiachra Guinan, Cian Phelan, Riona Dunne and Amy Troy represented Laois at the conference alongside over 300 young people from across Ireland and the United States.

The Foróige Leadership for Life Programme was developed in 2009 and is open to young people aged 15–18. The annual Leadership for Life Youth Conference is a week-long residential event held at Maynooth University, with all delegates staying on campus throughout the week.

The programme is grounded in experiential learning, reflection, and practical application. Participants gain transferable skills, boost their confidence and develop a deep understanding of themselves and their ability to lead with empathy and purpose.

This year’s conference challenged delegates to step outside their comfort zones through leadership activities, workshops and discussions focused on communication, teamwork, resilience and personal growth.

The Laois representatives also explored issues affecting their generation, including mental health, equality, climate action and belonging.

They also heard from an exceptional line-up of guest speakers including leadership expert Ray Goggins as well as Olympian and Foróige alumnus Jack Woolley. They each shared their own experiences of resilience, determination and believing in themselves.

Commenting on the conference, CEO of Foróige, Eric O’Brien, 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.”