Tipp students win leadership competition
Two Tipp students Heather Doyle and Dearbhla Ryan were among a group of just 24 teenagers from all over the island of Ireland to be presented with Rotary Youth Leadership Development certificates at the European Parliament’s offices in Dublin recently.
The competition, which is one of Rotary Ireland’s longest running youth projects, rewards young people with clear leadership potential based on their extra-curricular activities. It is run in conjunction with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin and Euroscola in Strasbourg.
Heather, who is a student at Loreto Clonmel and Dearbhla who is a student at Ursuline Secondary School in Thurles received their certificates from Rotary Ireland District Governor Captain Sean Fitzgerald and Patrick O’Riordan, Head of Public Affairs at the European Parliament’s office in Ireland.
After being disrupted by covid for the last two years, this year saw a welcome return to the regular itinerary which involves visits to Belfast, Dublin, and Strasbourg. During the six day all expenses paid trip the competition winners visited Belfast City Hall and Stormont where they met and chatted with politicians from various parties.
Then it was onto Europe House in Dublin where they were presented with their certificates before a trip to Dail Eireann where they met the Minister for Education Norma Foley and several TDs.
They then flew to Frankfurt for a two-day visit to Strasbourg. After being formally welcomed by the President of the European Parliament, Robert Metsola the students took part in an interactive workshop which allowed them to discuss and vote on amendments to an EU proposal on climate action targets. The students also enjoyed a walking tour of Strasbourg, met students from a host of other countries before enjoying some retail therapy!
Heather, who is Deputy President of the Irish Second-Level Student’s Union, is also Chairperson of Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg, SEAI Young Energy Champion of the Year and a member of the Model UN Committee.
“The highlight of my week was giving a speech in the European Parliament hemicycle in Strasbourg, which is a beautiful city. I also made friendships for life on the trip and learnt all about the Rotary Foundation. I would 110% recommend this competition to other young people as it was a once in a life time experience and honestly the best week ever. Even if you don’t get through, the interviews push you to learn more about EU democracy which is crucial for all young people.”
Dearbhla is a member of the charities committee in her school and is a member of her local ladies gaelic football club where she helps train the U8s and U6s.
“When I entered the competition I hoped to learn about leadership and the Irish and EU political systems. I learned quite a lot about these topics, but I also learned to believe in myself and not to be afraid to voice my opinions. The highlight of the week for me was the visit to Europe House in Dublin where I thoroughly enjoyed the discussions and making new friends. It was an amazing experience, and I would highly recommend this competition”
Captain Sean Fitzgerald, District Governor of Rotary Ireland said the knowledge and enthusiasm of the students was hugely impressive.
“I have to compliment Dearbhla and Heather and all of this year’s winners for their willingness to engage and the extremely high standard of their contributions throughout the week. It was wonderful to have a full complement of students back on the trip this year and it was clear to us that while they arrived as strangers, they left as friends having enjoyed a wonderful journey.”
“I would urge as many young people as possible from every part of the island to take part in next year’s competition” Mr Fitzgerald said.
Patrick O’Riordan from the European Parliament said; "This exceptional group of young men and women was one of the most engaging and well-informed that we've ever had the pleasure of welcoming to Europe House and I look forward to seeing them contributing to public life in Ireland and Europe in the years to come and returning as MEPs or Ministers!"
The Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition is open to 16 and 17-year-olds who are living on the island of Ireland. For more information go to
Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition - Rotary in Ireland (rotary-ribi.org)