Mid-Louth Youth Service hosts annual Pride event

Mid-Louth Youth Service hosted its third annual Pride event on Friday in what was a thoroughly successful event that welcomed over 100 people at the Dee Hub in Ardee, Co. Louth.

A fun-filled day of live music, workshops, among other activities was organised and run by the staff and young people of MLYS, the latter of which also exhibited their excellent DJing skills.

Staff at Dee Hub also assisted on the day, while members of the MLYS LGBTQ+ group took part in the planning and implementation of the event; not forgetting the Mid-Louth Comhairle na nÓg for their hard work and determination in ensuring that the event was a resounding success.

“It’s truly inspiring as a service to host this event for the third year running,” stated Beth Carragher, senior youth worker at MLYS, and chief organiser of the Mid-Louth PRIDE event. 

“To see the young people feeling free to express themselves in a safe space, and the community again getting involved, coming together to stand with marginalised groups is absolutely marvellous. I cannot begin to explain what this means to LGBT young people across Mid-Louth.”

Live music at the event was provided by David Joyce and Jonathan Fahy, while the Mystic Fox Ardee hosted two hugely successful workshops, which focused on the improvement of mental and emotional wellbeing, with the aim of reducing stress, anxiety and negative self-thought.

“These workshops were a huge success,” added Beth. “Maria and Charley captivated the groups, radiated positive energy and helped cultivate a sense of inner peace to all those who took part.

“Maria at the Mystic Fox has been a tremendous supporter of the Mid-Louth PRIDE event from the very first year, providing us with items for the gift bags each year, and getting involved and helping in any way she can. This year’s workshops were a fantastic continuation of that support.

“Joycey and Fahy also provided us with music for the second year in a row. They were incredible. They always include everyone, getting everyone up singing along and enjoying the music, which really does a great job of drawing in the local community to get involved and enjoy the event.”

The event was funded by the Louth County Council Festival Fund, while Beth placed on record her thanks to Cllr. John Sheridan for his yearly contribution to the event and ongoing support.

Outcomers Dundalk were also credited for providing gift bags, as well as their continued support of the Mid-Louth PRIDE event, while more than 15 local businesses donated items to the raffle.

“The goodwill shown by the community and local businesses is truly remarkable,” said Beth.

“I would like to particularly thank Mark and Annmarie at Clear Cut Marketing Dunleer for providing branded tops for our staff and volunteers to wear.

"Bronagh’s Bakes Dunleer made us a fantastic rainbow cake and cupcakes which went down a treat. Bean and Scoop Ardee provided us with a very kind donation and have always supported our work with the LGBT community.”

Austin Kelly from the local An Garda Síochána unit also arranged for the Garda’s PRIDE car, which is supplied by the Garda National Diversity Unit, to be at the event for the entire day.

“The local Garda unit made sure that the parking area beside Dee Hub was made clear for us to set up in the morning.

"The Pride car was at the event all day, as was Austin along with other local Garda, which shows real solidarity not only towards the event, but the wider community as well.”

Beth concluded: “I really want to express my gratitude to the staff and volunteers at Mid-Louth Youth Service for their months of organising, commitment and dedication to Pride. It is our passion to make the world a better place for the younger generation, where they feel safe and protected from harm, advocated for, supported, encouraged and respected in their world.

“We have a really fantastic team at Mid-Louth Youth Service, and our annual PRIDE event showcases the dedication to all of our young people and other generations.

"Pride is for everyone to enjoy and feel free to express themselves, and I’m confident that we succeeded in that.

“The atmosphere at the event was incredibly inspiring to everyone and I am so proud of our young people, of the local community and every single person who got involved, supported or attended the event.

"We are a step closer to radiating positive change in our communities.”