Tributes paid to Faugheen Foróige Club founders at reunion night
The reunion of former members and leaders of Faugheen Foróige took place in Faugheen Pub
Former members and volunteer leaders of Faugheen Foróige celebrated the 44th anniversary of the youth club's foundation at a function in Faugheen village on Saturday, September 5.
Fr. Michael O’Byrne, who founded the Foróige Club in 1982, was the special guest at the reunion event in Faugheen Pub.
The former Foróige club members shared stories and memories of club nights and activities and celebrated the impact the club had in shaping them.
Faugheen Foróige’s first chairperson Carmel Hutchinson recalled how the club was formed by the much-loved Fr Michael O Byrne with the help of volunteers Ellen Kirby, Maura McCarthy, Joan Fahey, Anne Browne and Teresa Power.
She said the six leaders were the backbone of the club and were devoted to it. Themembers repaid their devotion by attending every week and being consistent and committed to the objectives of the club.
Carmel recalled the many activities members took part in through the club including talent shows, hiking in the Comeragh mountains, swimming lessons, quizzes, discos, visits to other clubs and much more. She acknowledged none of this could have taken place without the dedicated leaders.
"The highlight for many members was the weekend trip to Killarney in 1983, when we stayed in An Óige Youth Hostel.
“We cycled from Kate Kearney's Cottage to Muckross House like mad women and men. We had the enthusiasm and energy of those released from a Covid lockdown. It was the trip of a lifetime for most."
She concluded by thanking all for attending and by saying, “wouldn't it be great for today's teenagers to experience even a little of what we did in the Faugheen Foróige Club".
In his speech, Denis O Brien, Foróige Volunteer Development Manager, said he was delighted to be invited to celebrate this wonderful reunion and hoped the event could be part of a process to reestablish a Foróige Club in Faugheen
“It is only right that people who go through Foróige should have great memories of it, and tonight is a testament to that. It has been great to hear your stories of the club, how it impacted you and created a bond between you all.
“I want to thank especially all the adult volunteers who made it possible for you. Today, nearly 5,000 adult volunteers make Foróige possible for tens of thousands of young people,” he added.
Check out more photos from the celebration in this week’s edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops.