Kilkenny Student Rory O’Reilly Wins Youth Leadership Award

The Youth Leadership Awards held by the Rotary Club of Kilkenny recognized outstanding students, with Rory O’Reilly of Christian Brothers’ College emerging as the winner. This year’s competition saw participation from students across seven local schools, highlighting the leadership potential in the community.

During the award ceremony, Sian Moloughney, President of Kilkenny Rotary Club, announced O’Reilly as the top candidate. She praised all participants, noting that the selection process was challenging due to the high caliber of candidates.

In her remarks, Moloughney expressed gratitude to the Rotary volunteers who conducted interviews at the schools and acknowledged the support from teachers throughout the competition. “The decision was particularly tough, given the excellence displayed by all students,” she stated.

Rory O’Reilly will now advance to represent Kilkenny in the regional final of the Youth Leadership Awards, scheduled for next month in Kilkenny. The overall winner of this regional event will earn the opportunity to travel to the European Parliament as part of an international student group, further enhancing their leadership experience.

The Youth Leadership Awards aim to foster the leadership skills of young individuals, encouraging them to take active roles in their communities. This year’s event reflects a commitment to recognizing and nurturing the talents of the next generation. The involvement of multiple schools underscores the collaborative effort to promote leadership among youth in Kilkenny.

As the competition progresses to the regional final, O’Reilly’s achievement serves as an inspiration to his peers and a testament to the dedication of students in Kilkenny. The Rotary Club continues to play a pivotal role in shaping future leaders through initiatives like these, reinforcing the importance of community and leadership development in educational settings.