Tubberclair Foróige celebrates Youth Citizenship Award

Tubberclair Foróige has capped just its second year in existence with national recognition after being selected for the permanent tsb Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards for their innovative book scheme for the elderly and housebound of the parish. The initiative, in assocation with Athlone Library saw the members of the group pick and deliver over 300 books, DVDs, audio-books to 30 older members of the community on a weekly basis last year. "It was a great success. There was great response to it," Group Leader Carmel Casey told the Westmeath Independent. "On foot of it the County Council actually asked the group to produce a brochure to show how other groups could do it. Last April, we also received a Cathaoirleachs award for the project as well," she enthused, adding that the club will run the inter-generational scheme again this year. Since being chosen for the accolade which recognises examples of youth citizenship in action and making a difference in local communities, the group also enjoyed a visit from Glasseye Productions, who came to the area recently to film the project in action. A short piece on the initiative will be broadcast at permanent tsb Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards, hosted by Today FM's Ray D'Arcy in the Helix on October 29 next. "It's pretty exciting for the club members," Carmel commented, adding that it's a fantastic achievement for a group only in existence for two years. In addition to the award, the group were asked with other winners to make an advertisement for the work of the club and project for TV, radio and newspapers, something she described as a "great experience for members," in association with Sphere Productions. One club will be chosen by Permanent tsb to be feature in the nationwide campaign shortly. In an extremely busy last twelve months, the Tubberclair youngsters also held a Song School, producing two CDs as a direct result and also enjoyed a Pizza Party. New events are inter-club outings are planning for the coming term and the group would love to see new members on Thursday, October 8 in Tubberclair Hall from 8pm to 9.15pm. New volunteer leaders are also most welcome. For further information call 085 7473768. Two other clubs in Westmeath, Rosemount Foróige club and CSI Foróige club were also recognised with Youth Citizenship awards for its organisation and hosting of an Easter extravaganza in order to bring together members of the community and for fundraising to purchase defibrillators for the local community respectively. Bernie McHugh, Citizenship Programme Manager at Foróige in Westmeath extended her congratulations to the three clubs in Westmeath on being receiving the award. "The Citizenship Awards is one of the highlights of the Foróige calendar and it is a celebration for young people, about young people. We look forward to welcoming this outstanding group of young people, their leaders and supporters to Dublin. The awards capture the spirit and dynamism of Ireland's youngest citizens and we are expecting a record number of over 1,000 young people from all over the country to attend."