Two young people from the St. Joseph's Foroige group in Streamstown, Ciara Maxwell and Adam Costello , joined 250 teenagers from Ireland, India and the USA in Maynooth last week for Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference.
The conference took place from July 30 to August 3, on the grounds of NUI Maynooth, and brought together teenagers to empower them to become leaders in their own lives.
Speaking at the conference, former Ireland rugby international and keynote speaker, Paul O’Connell, 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," O'Connell emphasised.
The 250 delegates, aged 15 to 18, graduated on Friday morning last, 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
