Mayo delegates at Comhairle na nÓg’s National Showcase. At back, from left: Sandra Kozlowska, Rebecca Murray, Leah Conway and Mukelwe Mabuzan. At front: Charlotte Gillan, Sarah Dunne, Heidi Verry, Ella Smith, Reah Flannery and Damien Moyles.

Young Mayo people join Taoiseach at Comhairle na nÓg national showcase

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DUBLIN Castle became a hub of youth empowerment as over 400 young people, aged 12 to 17, from every county in Ireland gathered for the Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase 2025.

Hosted by presenter and podcaster Fionnuala Jones, the event brought together Taoiseach Michaél Martin, Minister Norma Foley, members of government and senior government officials to engage directly with young people on the issues that matter most to them.

Ten young people from Mayo took part in the event.

Hosted by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), the biannual showcase provided a vital platform for the 31 Comhairle na nÓg groups to present their work and connect directly with decision-makers on policies that impact their lives. The event highlighted the power of youth-led action and demonstrated how young people are influencing policy development at local and national levels.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised the event, stating: “Comhairle na nÓg provides young people across the country with the opportunity to have their voices heard. I am delighted to see so many energetic and engaged young people expressing their views on topics that impact them. It is of the utmost importance that we consider their inputs, and keep their futures in mind, in all of our government’s work.”

Throughout the day, young people participated in panel discussions, interactive exhibitions, and networking sessions with policymakers and government representatives. These discussions tackled pressing issues such as mental health, education reform, climate action, transport and youth rights, reinforcing the significant role young people play in shaping Ireland’s future.

Comhairle na nÓg members Rebecca Murray and Reah Flannery with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister Norma Foley. Photo: Conor McCabe Photography

Rebecca Murray from Mayo Comhairle na nÓg shared their perspective: "The showcase is our chance to present the work we've done over the last two years and demonstrate that young people can make a real impact on the decisions that affect us. It’s a day for us to highlight our achievements and prove that our voices can drive change."

The Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase 2025 at Dublin Castle proved to be an inspiring, thought-provoking, and impactful event that celebrated the power of youth participation in Ireland today.

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