Hear the voices of Limerick's young people

THREE young people from Limerick have been chosen as local champions by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI).

NYCI, which represents organisations working with young people nationwide, launched its Local Champions initiative for 2025, aiming to ensure increased investment in young people and youth work locally and nationally. 

Rebecca Farrell, Mark O’Mahony, and Yolanda Ndlovu have been selected as these Local Champions for Limerick. 

The Local Champions initiative aims to amplify the voices of young people and showcase the transformative power of youth work locally and nationally. 

Grace McManus, NYCI campaigns manager explained: “As part of the Local Champions project, a group of passionate and dedicated young people have been selected as representatives from their communities, tasked with meeting their local politicians and championing the cause of youth work.” 

The representatives of Local Champions in Limerick city and County are engaging with TD’s Willie O'Dea, Kieran O'Donnell, Maurice Quinlivan, Conor Sheehan, Niall Collins, Richard O'Donoghue and Patrick O'Donovan.

NYCI is calling for an increased investment of €21 million in youth work in Budget 2026, to support services with increasing pressures, and ensure equal access to youth work for all young people nationwide.

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The Local Champions received training and support from NYCI to effectively convey the positive impact youth work has on their lives and the lives of young people in the local area, as well as the importance of investing in youth work. 

This initiative will include activities such as engaging with policymakers, sharing personal stories, and using social media to raise awareness and mobilise support. 

Through these efforts, NYCI and the Local Champions aim to create a broader understanding of the significance of youth work and its positive impact on society. 

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland added: "Empowering Generations is central to our mission as a philanthropic hub for Ireland. To achieve that goal we’re delighted to be partners with NYCI. The Local Champions network aims to amplify the voices of young people and showcase the transformative power of youth work. It is bringing together an inspirational group of young people, and we look forward to seeing them connecting with their local representatives to share how youth work changes lives.”