Cavan teens Blaithín O Reilly, Mark O’Reilly, Niamh Beatty and Saoirse O’Brien were among over 300 young people from Ireland and the United States who gathered at Maynooth University for Foróige’s week-long Leadership for Life Youth Conference. The programme equips young people with the confidence, vision and skills to lead in their schools, communities and wider society.

A force at leadership conference

Published: Fri 1 Aug 2025, 11:04 AM

Four teenagers from Cavan were among more than 300 young people who took part in Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference at Maynooth University last week. The event brought together teens from across Ireland and the US to build leadership skills, confidence, and lifelong friendships.

They were Blaithín O'Reilly, Mark O'Reilly, Niamh Beatty and Saoirse O'Brien.

"Meeting people from all over the country showed me how powerful it is when young people come together with a shared purpose. I’ve learned that leadership starts with small actions in my school and community," Niamh Beatty from Mullahoran said.

The Leadership for Life Youth Conference, now in its 15th year, is designed to empower young people to become strong, effective and compassionate leaders in their own lives and communities.

Throughout the week, participants took part in workshops on team building, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and self-awareness. Guest speakers from the world of politics, business, sport and the not-for-profit sector also shared their leadership journeys.

Foróige is Ireland’s leading youth organisation, working with over 50,000 young people and 5,500 volunteers annually. Through 500+ youth clubs, 180 targeted projects and national programmes such as Entrepreneurship (NFTE), Health & Wellbeing, Citizenship, and Leadership, Foróige enables young people to grow, thrive and lead.