Scroll over each person to find out what Foróige means to them
VERONICA LYNAGH 24
Foróige Leader
& primary school teacher
& primary school teacher
I volunteer with Foróige because
of my younger brothers. They’re
identical twins and a lot of
people can’t tell them apart, but
with Foróige they are seen as
individuals. I like how they are
both given the opportunity to
develop their individuality while
still being part of a group.
ANNE LITTLE 67
Former Foróige Leader
& retired nurse
& retired nurse
Three generations of my family – myself,
my daughter and now my granddaughter
Ciara have all been involved in Foróige. Last
year I attended the permanent tsb Foróige
Youth Citizenship Awards to cheer Ciara on.
In one way I couldn’t believe how much the
organisation has grown and changed over the
last 20 years. In another way I am very pleased
at how the heart of the organisation and the
philosophy behind it has remained the same.
CIARA McGRATH 15
Member, Cong Foróige Club
It’s cool to think that I’m the third
generation of my family to be involved
in Foróige – frst my gran, then my
mum as well as my dad. My parents
won the Foróige Youth Citizenship
Award in 1988. It’s inspiring to think
that more than 20 years later, I
represented my club at the same
event. Not many teenagers can
share an experience like that with
their parents.
MARY WRAFTER 56
Community Forum Co-ordinator,
Mayo County Council
Mayo County Council
My job involves working with
communities and what makes
Cong stand out for me is that it has
embraced its youth through the
Foróige club and in turn the young
people here have embraced their
local community. That’s how strong
communities are built.
PADDY DOHERTY 15
Member, Cong Foróige Club
I’m a big music fan and love
playing the guitar. My dad was in
a band so music has always been
a big part of my life. Taking part
in ‘Foróige’s Got Talent’ was my
frst experience of playing live on
stage, though hopefully it won’t
be my last. Foróige’s given me the
confdence to follow my dreams.
MARIAN McHUGH 49
Foróige Leader, Civil Engineer
& Secretary Mayo District Council
& Secretary Mayo District Council
I got involved with Mayo District
Council because of the support
they and our RYO gave our club
when we started off. Going to
the monthly meetings engages
leaders and lets them know what
is happening. Even sharing the
cup of tea afterwards allows
friendships and networks to be
established. All this is important
in making you a better leader and
strengthening our clubs.
DANIEL KEANE 15
Public Relations Offcer, Cong Foróige Club
Being the Public Relations
Offcer of the club, my role
involves being the voice of
the group and making sure
everybody knows what we’re
about. We get to decide
what’s best for us and what’s
best for our club and we take
that responsibility seriously.
ERIN FOLEY 15
Member, Cong Foróige Club
Reaching the Youth Citizenship fnals
with our woodland trail project was
an unforgettable experience. Almost
two years later, the trail is not only
surviving but is becoming more
popular with tourists and locals alike.
I’ve helped to make my community a
better place – and that is something
that I’m really proud of.
NAOIMH HOWE 16
Member, Foróige Youth Participation Advisory Committee
Meeting the now President of Ireland at
the Foróige Presidential Youth Forum was
a mind blowing experience. The forum
gave young people the opportunity to
express our views and have our voices
heard. I’m also hoping to complete the
Leadership programme this year. I’ve
met the leaders of today and thanks to
Foróige, I might be a leader of tomorrow!
NIALL ROCHFORD 43
Manager, Ashford Castle
Cong Foróige Club developed a great tourism
trail in the local woods as part of their Youth
Citizenship project in 2010. It has really
helped boost tourism as we can offer visitors
something tangible to enjoy in the area.
KIERAN O'MALLEY 15
Chairperson, Cong Foróige Club
& Foróige Reference Panelle
& Foróige Reference Panelle
What I like most about Foróige is
that it gives me the opportunity to
participate in the discussion – young
people are part of the decision making
process. Cyber-bullying is a topic that
needs to be addressed and Foróige is
doing that. Teenagers have frst-hand
experience of cyber-bullying now
teenagers can be part of the solution.