Harte inspires teens at Cavan Youth Forum

The annual youth forum organised by Cavan Youth Council took place in the Kilmore Hotel on Monday of this week. Over 100 young people from schools and youth clubs from all over the county heard keynote speaker, Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte, spell out a more positive way forward in their lives. He emphasised that they should become leaders as opposed to followers and stand up for their beliefs. The theme for this year's event evolved around the abuse of alcohol and drugs and facilities for young people. One of the chief organisers of the event was Breffni Clarke, youth development officer with Cavan County Council. The event was co-ordinated by the local authority and funded as part of their PEACE III Programme. The event culminated with a question and answer session where young delegates engaged with local councillors and senators on their views. Mickey Harte told the young people to take a look at their lifestyle and he focused on the abuse of alcohol and drugs. "I told them what can you do to improve your own lifestyle and how does that impact on those around you. I asked them to become leaders in their area and to realise that they have to make choices in life. It is good to be able to make those choices by yourself, when you study what options are available to you." He went on to make the analogy with sport that where young people wish to become good athletes, they have to manage their lives. "If you want to be good at anything, you want to be able to manage your life and your lifestyle," said Mr. Harte. "Are you in control or is some outside source controlling you? Are you in control of your own decisions? Moderation was another key word - be moderate in language and be moderate to all things that will impact on their life," he said. Mr. Harte also prevailed on the youth of Cavan to be "an influence for good, - make a choice to be either leaders of followers. Make sure to respect uniqueness and difference. Look for the good in others as opposed to always finding fault with people". He further advised them that awareness of what is going on in their lives is important. "We should learn from our mistakes and more important, learn from others' mistakes, rather than make them all ourselves." Ronan Farrelly from Virginia College said he found Mickey Harte's speech inspirational. Everyone can be a leader and show good example is the message Ronan took from it. Shauna Gillick also from Virginia College concurred that his talk was inspiring and contained excellent points relevant to teenagers. You don't have to follow the crowd, but can find your own way in life, she surmised. Kevin Brady from Cavan town who is in transition year in St. Patrick's College said Mickey Harte was a great motivator and leader and encouraged self discipline. Philip Smith from Laragh, another student in St. Patrick's College, stated that Harte really connects with the young people and he told interesting stories to illustrate his talk. Paul Wilson from Ballinagh and a Breifne College student said Mickey Harte's use of football terms made his theme easier to understand. He hammered home the point about not following everyone else and standing up and being counted. Sarah Duggan from Ballyhaise, a student at Loreto College, said that she found Mickey Harte's speech really positive and encouraging. "He is a really good leader and I can see why he is able to guide people. He connects with young people." Kevin Hanlon from Cavan town was most impressed by Harte and his speech. "I would like to have him as a team manager in my dressing room, as I play football for Drumalee. He was elaborating on how to be a good athlete". Shauna Leonard from Bawnboy, a student at St. Mogue's College, said that Mickey Harte's words of wisdom were inspirational and he was honest in his assessment of how young people should find their way in life. She will take away his ideas about having a positive attitude and how one reacts to others.