Foroige duo Katie and Claire part of world youth meeting
TWO young people from Louth - Katie McArdle and Claire Gray - joined 250 other teenagers from India, the USA and Ireland in Kildare for Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference.
The conference took place on the grounds of NUI Maynooth, and brought together teenagers to empower them to become leaders in their own lives.
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.
“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,’ he told them.
The 250 delegates, aged 15 to 18, graduated on Friday morning 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