Taoiseach to address Athlone Fianna Fáil youth conference
Ógra Fianna Fáil is preparing to host its national youth conference in Athlone this month, with more than 500 delegates, members, and supporters due to attend the two-day event which will be addressed by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin.
Taking place at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, on April 11 and 12, the conference will enable young people from across Ireland discuss the issues that are affecting them and their peers, and to listen to expert opinion on housing, health, rural affairs and many other hot topics.
The hosting of the event at the South Roscommon venue was agreed following a national vote last year, with Roscommon Ógra Fianna Fáil winning the backing of members ahead of other bids from Connacht units.
Chairman of Roscommon Ógra Fianna Fáil, Malachy Hand, commented: "We were both honoured and delighted to win the bid to host this significant national event in Roscommon, having previously hosted the conference in 2018.
"This year will be a particularly special celebration for Ógra Fianna Fáil as we commemorate 50 years since the organisation was founded by former Taoiseach Jack Lynch and Séamus Brennan.
"Our guest of honour at the conference will be An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin.
"Joining the party leader will be the deputy party leader, Minister Jack Chambers, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, members of the Parliamentary Party, MEPs and former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern."
Throughout the weekend there will be a number of panel discussions with Ministers and external speakers and academics, including a geopolitical discussion on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as a discussion on the role of young people in European politics and the crises facing the EU. In addition, there will be a reflection on 50 years of Ógra Fianna Fáil.
Away from policy discussions, elections will take place for Ógra Fianna Fáil’s Central Officer Board with keenly-contested elections for Uachtarán Ógra, Policy Director, Campaigns and Events Director, Cultural and Educational Director, Membership and Recruitment Director, as well as regional positions.
"While debate, policy, politics and elections will dominate the weekend, the Conference will conclude with a Gala Banquet which will include a speech by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
"We look forward to welcoming the Taoiseach, Ministers and delegates to South Roscommon in what should be a memorable weekend for all involved," concluded Malachy Hand.