‘Friends of Foróige’ groups have been exceptionally busy in recent months! Groups are fundraising for their own Clubs and Projects and for Foróige nationally. Would you be willing to lend your support to Foróige? Does your son/daughter or your community benefit from Foróige’s presence? Are you a former member who would like to give back to Foróige? We would love to hear from you. If you are interested in getting involved in Friends of Foróige, please contact [email protected] for information or phone 086 0200995.
North Donegal Macra na Feirme organised a fantastic 5k in Rathmullan, Co. Donegal in aid of Foróige. Macra and Foróige have a strong historical relationship with Foróige originally establishing as a branch of Macra na Feirme in 1952. The town came to a standstill as over 100 people took part in the event and Liam Doherty was the first person over the line with an impressive time of 17 mins 3 seconds. A fantastic spread of refreshments was served after the event with all the local community on hand to help out. Rathmullan Foróige Club Leaders and members helped out on the evening and their neighbours Carrigart Foróige Club were also there to support the event. We would like to thank North Donegal Macra na Feirme for their kind support of Foróige.
Meanwhile, Galway Friends of Foróige group organised a successful 5k in Knocknacarra. The weather was beautiful and a large group of enthusiastic joggers took part. Killian Dooley was the winner on the day with Diarmuid Dunne coming in a close second. The Galway Friends group comprises of a dedicated bunch of volunteers, who believe strongly in the impact Foróige can make on a young person’s life. One of the members of the group is Padraig Heavin from Mount Temple, Co. Westmeath. Padraig was a young member of Foróige’s National Executive 6 years ago and is now working as a software engineer/developer with Fidelity Investments in Galway.
“Helping to organise the 5k Fun Run gave me an opportunity to look back at my time in Foróige when I was a member and to see how far it has come in those six years. Foróige is still a leader and innovator in the development and well-being of young people in Ireland today and organising the Fun Run has proven this. It brought together people from all aspects of Foróige and the community. We had leaders, parents, staff, local volunteers, members, big/little brothers/sisters, politicians, students and many more. This shows that Foroige is still alive in the heart of our community and that with the continuing support of all these people it will be for years to come. I’m looking forward to next year’s run which will be even bigger and better!”
The Sligo ‘Friends of Foróige’ group organised a super Fun Day which featuring baby rabbits, goats, lambs and kittens! It may have been raining outside but that didn't stop the young people of Sligo from having a brilliant time at Gilhooley Hall on Monday 5th May. There was a dance class, face painting, colouring, mask making, board games and juggling. Young people involved in Foróige’s The Crib Youth Project made cupcakes, rocky road and shortbread. This event was sponsored by Johnscourt Shopping Centre and ALDI in Sligo town and many local businesses contributed raffle prizes. This day would not have been possible but for a great bunch of volunteers who helped out on the day and the wonderful Nicki Anderson, an intern in The Crib who coordinated the event.
Foróige leaders in Cavan and Westmeath have recently organised church gate collections which brought in much needed funds for local Clubs and for Foróige nationally.
Sandra McIntyre, the Chairperson of Cavan District Council said:
“The Church Gate collection in County Cavan was a great success earning Foroige in excess of €3,000 euro. Almost all of the clubs in the county participated and working together with minimal time effort, we raised not only our profile but much needed funds! The initiative only required a few members from each club to participate. These willing participants were well received by our local communities and represented Foróige with pride. We had great support from our Regional Youth Officer and the Alumni Officer and would definitely recommend it as a fundraising initiative.”
Monaghan Clubs will also be taking part in a church gate collection in the coming weeks.
Upcoming events are a 5k and 10k race happening in Roscommon on Sunday 24th August which will commence from the Quad Youth Centre in Roscommon town. The 10k run will begin at 11am and the 10k will begin at midday. A barbeque and music will be provided for participants in the afternoon and there will be fun activities for families including art, jewellery making, face painting and more. There will be prizes for race runners of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Participation costs €15 per person and there will be a family rate too. All monies raised will be used to provide services and programmes to young people involved in Foróige in The Quad Youth Centre and to Foróige young people nationally.
Read Andrea Gallagher’s experiences of being a Friend of Foróige
