10 minutes with Thomas Moloney of Foróige
Thomas Moloney, area manager for Cork with Foróige, the nationwide youth development organisation that works with over 52,000 young people each year.
Thomas Moloney is an area manager with Foróige in Cork, overseeing youth services across the city and county. His journey into youth work began as a young volunteer in his early twenties and has grown into a career spanning more than three decades. As someone who left school early before later returning to education, Thomas’s own experience of community support and opportunity has shaped his lifelong commitment to creating pathways for young people to thrive.
I began my journey through the YMCA where I completed the STEP programme (Support, Training and Enterprise Programme) in 1993. The programme supports young people aged 17 to 25 to move from unemployment into education or employment.
As someone who had left school early, this was a really important opportunity for me. It gave me the confidence to return to education and think differently about what might be possible for my future.
Following the programme, I remained involved with the YMCA as a volunteer for a number of years. During that time I returned to education in UCC where I completed a Certificate and Diploma in Youth and Community Work. While studying between 1994 and 1996, I completed a placement with Ógra Chorcaí in the Ballyphehane and Greenmount youth projects under the guidance of Fiachra O’Callaghan.
That experience was the beginning of my youth work journey and it set me on the path I’m still on today.
My involvement really grew very naturally. What began as a placement and volunteering gradually developed into part-time work and then full-time roles over time.
I stayed because I could see the impact youth work was having in communities and the difference it could make in the lives of young people. Being part of that work and supporting young people to find their own path is something that has always stayed with me.
As area manager for Foróige in Cork, I support eight Senior Youth Officers who in turn lead a team of around 85 staff delivering youth services across the city and county.
Our work involves close collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Department of Justice, the Department of Education and Youth, Cork ETB, An Garda Síochána, city and county councils, school principals and higher education institutions.
One of the major projects we are currently progressing is the development of a city centre flagship base on Patrick’s Hill. This refurbished premises will bring together a range of services including youth projects, Foróige Clubs, volunteer initiatives, summer schemes and mentoring supports under one roof. The project has received significant support from Cork City Council, Cork ETB and the Department of Justice.
Foróige is also working closely with Cork City Council on several advocacy projects including the Cork Docklands development. We want to ensure that dedicated youth space is included in these long-term plans. While these developments may be five to ten years away, it is vital that we are involved now to help secure future facilities for young people.
Alongside this, I am involved in a number of other strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the services we provide and continuing to improve the support available to Foróige young people and their communities.
At Foróige, we believe in young people and they are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in their ideas, their energy and their ability to create real change in their own lives and within their communities. Our goal is to support them to take an active role in their own development and in the development of society.
For me, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing the real difference that youth work can make on the ground. When you see the impact of the support being provided to Foróige young people, their families and their communities, it makes the work incredibly worthwhile.
There have been many important moments over the years. Returning to UCC to complete my certificate, diploma and eventually a degree in Youth and Community Work was a major personal achievement.
As someone who had left school early, obtaining a professional degree was a turning point for me. It opened the door to new opportunities and allowed me to move into paid roles within youth work.
My journey progressed from volunteering and working through the Community Employment scheme to serving as a Youth Officer and later an assistant manager. Today I am the Foróige Area Manager for Cork, a role previously held by people I greatly admired and who supported me along the way.
Outside of my work in youth services, I also had the privilege of serving as a Cork City Councillor for ten years representing the South West Ward. I was honoured to serve as Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork in 2018 and 2019 and to represent the city in that role.
Remember that every day is an opportunity to learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or look for support when you need it.
Mistakes will happen, and that is part of any career. The important thing is to learn from them and do better the next time.
When challenges arise, focus on the most immediate priority, the crocodile closest to the boat, and take things one day at a time.
It is important to recognise that we cannot address every need for every individual. There will be times in your career where, despite providing the best support possible, the person you are working with may not be ready to accept or act on that support.
That can be difficult, but it is part of the work.
It is important to be a people person and to be able to engage with young people, parents, guardians, families, the wider community and professional services.
Having some grounding in these areas can be very helpful when starting out. My advice would be to remain authentic, open and honest. By building strong relationships with young people and communities on the ground you can make the greatest difference.
A strong work ethic and empathy are essential, along with the ability to build relationships and support teams.
Youth work also requires flexibility and creative problem-solving. You need to be able to respond to challenges as they arise while staying grounded in the core values that underpin youth work.
Strong relationship building, group facilitation and leadership skills are all important, alongside the practical skills needed to develop programmes, manage administration and advocate effectively for young people.
Much of the work we do with young people, families and communities produces outcomes that are not always immediately visible. Youth work is often a long game.
Sometimes the work you are doing now may only make sense years later when a young person comes back and tells you that something you said or did at the time helped them later in life. That is part of the nature of youth work and something you come to understand over time.
For me, the most important thing is to stay grounded in your community and the people within it.
It is important to stay politically aware and informed about what is happening both locally and nationally. When working with young people and communities, the most valuable insights often come from the people on the ground.
Being part of those conversations and listening to the people around you is often more valuable than following any particular individual online.
In many ways, the best resources are the people around you.
The people already working in projects and communities are an incredible source of knowledge and experience. Networking is invaluable, not just within your own role but further afield.
Taking opportunities to connect with people and build relationships will always be one of the most valuable resources you have.
Disneyland Paris. We have been going almost every Christmas since our girls were two and three years old. They are both in college now but when it comes to Disney and Christmas none of us are in any rush to grow up.
I am really looking forward to diving into the third season of The Capture. I am also enjoying The Good Doctor and Matlock, the new series.
Homemade shepherd’s pie with no vegetables. I do not do vegetables.
