Ray Goggins addresses more than 300 young people at Kildare conference
300 young people from around Ireland and the United States are in Kildare for Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference
Leadership expert, former Army Ranger and bestselling author Ray Goggins addressed more than 300 young people from Ireland and the United States during Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference at Maynooth University in Co.Kildare.
Other special guests at the conference include Taekwondo athlete, Olympian and Foróige alumnus Jack Woolley and on Thursday, July 30 internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Imelda May will visit.
Sharing insights on resilience, teamwork and leading with purpose, Ray challenged delegates to believe in their potential and embrace opportunities to make a positive difference in their schools, communities and beyond. The week-long conference empowers teenagers aged 15 - 18 with the confidence, skills and mindset to become the next generation of leaders.
The conference is the flagship event of Foróige’s Leadership for Life Programme, which has been empowering young people for more than 15 years. Throughout the week, delegates will strengthen essential life skills including communication, teamwork, decision-making, resilience, critical thinking and problem-solving, while learning that leadership is not about titles, it’s about having the courage to make a difference.
Alongside practical leadership activities, delegates are exploring the issues that matter most to young people today. Honest conversations around mental health, equality, climate action, technology and belonging are giving participants the opportunity to share experiences, challenge perspectives and learn from one another in a supportive environment where every voice is valued.
The conference also welcomes a delegation of young people from the United States, many with proud Irish roots. Their participation celebrates the enduring connection between Ireland and its global diaspora, creating friendships that cross borders and offering young people the chance to learn from different cultures while discovering how much they have in common.
Eric O’Brien, CEO of Foróige, said: “When you bring together more than 300 young people with different backgrounds, experiences and ambitions, something really special happens. They inspire one another to think bigger, dream bigger and realise that they each have the ability to make a real difference.
“Every young person has the potential to lead; sometimes they just need someone to believe in them first. This conference is about giving young people that belief, alongside the skills, experiences and friendships that will stay with them long after they leave Maynooth. The energy, optimism and compassion we see here each year reminds us of what young people can achieve, both now and in the future, if they are given the opportunity and the right support.”