Athlone student a winner in Rotary Youth Leadership Competition

Athlone student Ryan Dolan was one of just 24 teenagers from all over the island of Ireland to be presented with a Rotary Youth Leadership Development certificate 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.

Ryan, a fifth year student in Athlone Community College, received his certificate from Rotary Ireland District Governor Kenny Fisher and Patrick O’Riordan, Head of Public Affairs at the European Parliament’s office in Ireland.

As a result of their success in the competition, Ryan and the other students enjoyed a week-long all expenses paid trip last month which took in visits to Belfast, Dublin, and Strasbourg.

In Belfast, they received a private tour of City Hall, a tour of Stormont where they met several politicians, including Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and sat in the visitor's gallery to watch MLAs discussing affordable childcare.

In Dublin, they enjoyed presentations about the EU at the European Parliament Liaison Office before being presented with their leadership certificates.

They then went on tours of the Seanad and Dáil, where they met several politicians including Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Minister for Education Norma Foley, Minister of State Jack Chambers, and TDs Mairead Farrell and Alan Farrell.

They then flew to Frankfurt for a three-day visit to Strasbourg. After enjoying a walking tour of the city on arrival, the following day was spent at the European Parliament debating topical issues with other young Europeans at Euroscola, where students get to be MEP for a day.

They also visited the European Court of Human Rights. On the last day, they had a well-earned shopping trip in Strasbourg city centre before flying home.

Ryan, who was representing Athlone Rotary Club, enjoys water sports and also coaches the U14 gaelic football team in his local club, St Dominic's. He is currently the Junior Mayor for Athlone Community College as part of Cllr Frankie Keena's Junior Mayor initiative.

He is also very active in a number of organisations including the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union, Spunout and Comhairle na nÓg where his main focus is on mental health and climate action issues.

Ryan said he entered the competition to learn how to become a better leader and work more effectively with teams.

"I learnt new interview skills and new and better ways of communicating effectively. I was so happy to have this opportunity and to meet my fellow students.

"The highlight for me was speaking in the European Parliament. It was a surreal experience and I think it has changed my perspective on my future. I would definitely recommend this competition.

"My school is a big promoter of Rotary, but I will definitely work with next year's candidates to ensure they have every chance of progressing in the competition," he said.

Kenny Fisher, District Governor of Rotary Ireland, praised the students' enthusiasm and willingness to engage with the programme.

"I have to compliment Ryan and all of this year's winners on two counts. Firstly, for the wide range of sporting, artistic and community-based activities they are involved in and secondly for the level of knowledge they displayed on a wide range of topics and the extremely high standard of their contributions throughout the week of this trip.

"It was wonderful to watch this group work and socialise together and we hope the bonds they formed this week will endure into the future."

Cllr Frankie Keena also commended Ryan on his achievement. "My main reason for setting up the Junior Mayor initiative was to give students a voice. Therefore, I am so proud of Ryan Dolan's achievements during his current role as Junior Mayor of Athlone Community College.

"Nothing fazes Ryan, as his excellent communication skills saw him recently speaking in Strasburg, and over the last couple of weeks he has run various information campaigns around today's referendum, and registering to vote sessions for students in his school.

"This young man is a person to look out for in the world of politics in the not too distant future. Mol an Óige agus tiocfaidh siad."

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 www.rotary.ie