Youth encouraged to be the best they can be

ENNIS hosted a major seminar for students in Glór on Tuesday commemorating the visit of Muhammad Ali to the town in 2009.

Ennis Town Council joined with Clare Youth Services in organising and funding the event, which was built around the Ali philosophy of ‘being the best you can be’.
Approximately 500 secondary school pupils from the county town’s  schools were in attendance at the seminar, which was held from 9.30am to 2pm.
Compered by Bláithnaid Ní Dhonnchadha of TG4, it featured talks from inspirational figures such as former Munster Rugby star, Alan Quinlan; Ian Taylor, the youngest Irishman to climb Everest and owner of Seaworld in Lahinch; Derval Dunford, mindfulness and relaxation practitioner and founder of Suí and Orla Tinsley, 24-year-old journalist, author and campaigner for Cystic Fibrosis patients. Orla is a sufferer from the disease and also received the Rehab Young Person of the Year award.
Mayor of Ennis, Michael Guilfoyle said before the seminar, “On September 2, 2009, Muhammad Ali visited Ennis, an occasion that will live long in the memories of the people of the town. It was an inspirational day and I know that Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie thoroughly enjoyed the visit and were very moved by the occasion. Ennis Town Council wishes to preserve the unique experience of that day and build on Muhammad Ali’s links to Ennis with this special seminar to inspire young people to achieve their ambitions and be the best that they can be”.
Leaflets and fliers were available for students, offering advice on depression, sexuality, exam stress and other relevant topics. A graffiti wall was erected in the lobby, where students could write up answers to questions posed on it. Inspirational movies were shown between talks, as well as a short horror film to take advantage of the Hallowe’en holiday.
Brian McManus, senior touth work manager at Clare Youth Service, noted, “The town council approached us and asked if we wanted to participate in a seminar commemorating the Ali visit. They wanted to do something for the younger people this time.
“The theme is ‘Be the best you can be’. We want to show everyone the opportunities they have or might have access to and show them some inspirational stuff”.
Jean Tierney, also a member of Clare Youth Service, added, “We have lots of programs for young people in the country; we have band nights, music and film appreciation.
“There are 3,000 students we cater to in Clare and 32 active clubs and projects.”