Offaly volunteers recognised at national Gaisce PAL celebration

GAISCE – The President’s Award hosted PALCON at Dublin Castle, a special conference dedicated to President’s Award Leaders.

The event celebrated the work of President’s Award Leaders (PALs) from all over Ireland who work on a voluntary basis supporting, encouraging and guiding young people who undertake their Gaisce Award each year.

To mark Gaisce’s 40th anniversary, a new tiered system of Civic Merit Awards for PALs was unveiled at the event. PALs who have supported young people taking part in the Gaisce programme were presented with the Laoch Award for five years' service, the Seaimpín Award for 10 years' service, and the Réalta Award for 15 years' service. A total of 111 committed PALs were honoured at the event.

Among those recognised from Offaly were Jim Nolan, Gaisce PAL with Banagher College Coláiste na Sionna (10 years), Sarah McEvoy, Gaisce PAL with Tullamore College (10 years), and Edward McEvoy, Gaisce PAL with Tullamore College (15 years). Their commitment to mentoring and supporting young people on their Gaisce journey has helped participants grow in confidence, develop new skills, and engage positively with their communities.

Those honoured represent a variety of organisations that work with Gaisce, including post-primary schools, youth organisations, youth diversion services, disability services, youth justice and prison services.

Speaking at the event, Helen McEntee, Minister for Education and Youth, said: “I am delighted to be here to open Gaisce’s President’s Awards Leader Conference and Appreciation Awards at Dublin Castle. Gaisce celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, and the programme has made a huge impact on so many young people who have participated down through the decades.

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“It is inspirational to see so many gathered here today, from schools, third-level institutions, youth services, youth justice services and from all walks of life who support the delivery of the Award for young people championing Gaisce nationwide. I want to express my gratitude to all of you who have played a role in making a difference in the lives of young people, through your dedication and commitment. Congratulations on all you have achieved.”

Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce also addressed the audience at the conference and said: “Our extraordinary President’s Award Leaders make the Gaisce journey possible for young people, amounting to over half a million in the past 40 years. Now more than ever, we want young people to continue developing their potential through the Award, to see it as a pathway that grows with them and helps them to embrace opportunities. The President’s Award Leaders are the bridge to those opportunities for young people, opening the door to what’s possible. We thank them for their dedicated service to young people undertaking the Gaisce Award”.

Gaisce – The President’s Award is Ireland’s national youth award and is a personal development programme for young people aged 14-25. Over half a million young people have participated in Gaisce since its inception in 1985, a sign of its impact and relevance, with almost 27,000 Gaisce recipients being awarded in 2024 alone, the highest number since the programme began in 1985.

Gaisce celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, with PALCON – The PAL Conference being one of the flagship events celebrating this special milestone.

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