'Fantastic' debut open night for the County Longford Youth Service

The County Longford Youth Service (LCRL) had an open night for parents and children on Friday, November 21. In association with the nationwide Oíche na hÓige, this was the opportunity to showcase what the centre does for young people in the community.

In attendance at the event was Local Community An Garda Síochána Longford, Cllr Niall Gannon, Michael Carrigy TD and Longford Cathaoirleach Gary Murtagh.

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The evening was organised by Nicola Fagan, who works for the LCRL.

Michael Wall, a youth worker with the LCRL, commented about how the open night went:

“It was fantastic. We’d a great turn-out and Cllr Micheal Carrigy was there, Cllr Gannon and Cllr Murtagh were there. It was a huge success. Big numbers. Everything went well. We’d entertainment from younger members from the Roma community, and entertained the crowd on the night,” he said.

Meeting the parents was one of the highlights from the open night. Michael commented about how the open night meant that the centre was being acknowledged for all its efforts to help young people with their education and confidence. As this has been the first open day for the public, Michael said that the day brought in Roma, Ukrainian, LGBT parents and traveller members in.

“One parent was blown away by the youth groups. Iscoil is an alternative programme that we run. Anyone under 16 who has dropped out, it’s against the law. The education welfare officer (EWO) will call round. Some of them are in their bedrooms. It’s with anxiety. That’s the case, we meet the parents. We get them through a bit of hard work, to build up confidence, reality and into the social side of things.”

Iscoil is an online way to get education to get their Junior Certificates, as it is illegal to drop out of school under 16. Nevertheless, Iscoil’s alternative education programme helps with anxiety, ADHD and dyslexia for those who may not fit into the traditional schooling system, but can still achieve their academic goals.

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“It was a great turn-out,” continued Michael about the overall night. “We had food beverages. Entertainment was there. It was something to highlight.It’s good to have an open house to see the work done in County Longford Youth Service.”

As Oiche na hOige is a nationwide event that happens once a year, Michael said that it will happen again in 2026.