Contribution of teenagers to be celebrated

MORE THAN 1,000 people will assemble in the south-east this weekend to honour youth achievement and celebrate the work being carried out by teenagers in their communities.

The 33rd No Name Club National Youth Awards will bring together 900 teenagers and 300 adult leaders.

The black-tie affair in Kilkenny’s Lyrath Hotel will feature the naming of the No Name Club Host and Hostess of the Year.

The nominees have been selected from 2,000 No Name Club hosts and hostesses across the country and will be honoured for their work within their club and the wider community and for the talents they bring to society.

Twelve teenagers have made it to the final of the national competition after being chosen to represent their clubs, communities, counties and regions at the regional finals of the competition held in February.

More than 40 clubs with 2,000 members were invited to put forward representatives to take part in the National Youth Awards. No Name Clubs are for young people aged 15 and over and provide them with an alcohol and drug-free alternative to pub culture.

MC for the big occasion is RTÉ’s south-east correspondent Damien Tiernan.

No Name Club chief executive Con Nolan described the gathering as “a unique occasion and a massive event” for the organisation.

“We work with teenagers to develop their confidence and leadership skills and the work of our hosts and hostesses highlights the fantastic contributions young people can make to society when they are supported.”