Vibrant youth club scene praised at awards night

The annual County Meath VEC Youth Awards night took place in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan, on 1st July. This year, 85 clubs were eligible for funding under the scheme, which included nine new clubs. This brings the total number of active clubs in Meath to over 120. The current reigning Meath Rose, Sara McCann, presented the awards. The perfect role model for all the young people present, she was presented with a beautiful bouquet of red roses by Louise, Eanna and Aodhamar from the K&S Marching Band. At the most recent VEC Committee meeting, there was agreement from all members about how important volunteering is in County Meath and how well all the youth groups are doing. "Youth groups are important, not only for the young people, but for the leaders and wider community as well. There is so much co-operation between youth groups in towns and villages around the county. Meath has the highest number of youth groups, which is outstanding considering the size and population of the county," said youth officer Elma McMahon. Brian Curran, a member of Meath VEC, welcomed the new FETAC Level 5 Youth Work Certificate, which was launched on the night. He said it was great for leaders to have a reward for all their hard work in volunteering. Cllr Maria Murphy said how proud she was to be on the youth committee when she saw everyone packed into the Newgrange, all dressed up in their scout uniforms, hoodie tops or band uniforms, wearing them with pride for all to see. Cllr Wayne Harding was delighted that east Meath has grown to have eight youth groups. Cllr Harding and Jenny D'Arcy, chairperson of the touth committee, presented Youth Club of the Year to the 18th Meath Scout Group from Bettystown/Laytown. The Slane councillor said that east Meath has been evolving as a result of the scouts together with Colaiste na hInse, Laytown Youthreach and the new Macra and Foroige clubs. Cllr James O'Shea was delighted to be part of the event, as a new member of the youth committee. He has taken on a strong role as deputy chairperson and, together with Jenny D'Arcy, presented Michael Nolan from Dunshaughlin with his Youth Club Leader for the Year award. Cllrs Tracey McElhinney and Catherine Yore welcomed all the work that happens in their areas and reiterated how interesting the new Youth Work Certificate programme sounds and how much it will benefit the leaders. The Youth Work Certificate will cover topics such as team-building, youth leadership, child protection and working with groups. Course details and an enrolment form are on the website www.meathvec.ie or contact Elma McMahon at Meath VEC, Abbey Road, Navan, for more details on (046) 906 8242.