FANTASTIC! Tipperary student wins prestigious national youth leadership award

A secondary school student from Clonmel, Sean Doverman was one of just 20 teenagers from all over the island of Ireland to be presented with a Rotary Youth Leadership Development certificate at Europe House in Dublin recently.

The competition, which Rotary Ireland has been running for over 30 years, rewards young people with clear leadership potential based on their extra-curricular activities. Run in conjunction with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, the winners enjoy an all-expenses paid week-long trip to Belfast, Dublin and Strasbourg.

Sean, who is a fifth-year student at CBS Highschool Clonmel, received his certificate from Rotary Ireland District Governor, Michael Fleming, and Fearghas Ó Béara

Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland.

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The itinerary for the students’ trip included visits to Belfast, Dublin, and Strasbourg.

This year The Rotary YL Winners’ Trip differed to other years with everybody meeting on the Monday for registration, welcome and lunch at the Stormont Hotel Belfast. An excellent session was had with parents and family joining before it was time for goodbyes. The group then moved on to Stormont Buildings where Rotary had organised a Tour. The students met several politicians and also listened in on some debates from the visitors’ gallery.

On Tuesday, at the ‘Europa Experience’ visitor centre in Chatham Street, Dublin, they immersed themselves in all things EU related including a 360-degree cinema presentation. The students heard some very interesting presentations on the EU and particularly the European Parliament’s role and powers, as well as about traineeships which are available with the EU institutions.

After being presented with their leadership certificates, the students embarked on tours of the Seanad and Dail where they met several Ministers, TDs and senators.

Early the next morning they flew out to Strasbourg where they visited the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoyed a private tour of the European Court of Human Rights.

On the penultimate day of their stay, they went to the European Parliament where they and students from all over Europe were welcomed by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. The highlight for the students was taking part in Euroscola, a simulation of the work of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in a debate and vote on the EU’s actions to tackle disinformation.

Sean is involved in a host of organisations including the Green Schools Committee, Model United Nations, Young SVP, Cluain Training Centre and Enable Ireland. At school, Sean who plays the piano and sings, is interested in musical theatre and has performed in shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Legally Blonde and Westside Story.

He entered the competition in order to learn more about how to bring about meaningful change in the world as well as learning about potential careers.

“Through the competition, I’ve learnt a range of skills including communication, teamwork, leadership as well as public speaking and how to be more confident. I’ve also learnt a lot about how the EU and European Court of Human Rights operates, as well as the importance of a united Europe.”

“The highlight of my week was spending the day in the EU Parliament in Strasbourg. Being amongst 700 other European students, who share similar views and getting to talk in front of them gave me confidence in my public speaking. I also felt a strong sense of pride to be a European citizen and it gave me a clear goal as to where I see my future.”

For Sean, one of the biggest issue facing students is climate change.

“I’m really interested in sustainability, and I think climate change is the most pressing issue facing young people today. The situation is so serious we need to work together on adapting the way we live in order to prevent further damage.”

He said he would absolutely recommend the competition to young people in Tipperary.

“I would implore everyone in the area to get involved. Clonmel Rotary, Rotary Ireland, and my own school have been so accommodating. You will get out what you put in and so much more. The competition and the trip have been a truly unique, unforgettable experience.”

Michael Fleming, District Governor of Rotary Ireland praised the students’ enthusiasm and willingness to engage with the programme.

“I have to compliment Sean and all of this year’s winners on three counts. Firstly, for the wide range of artistic, sporting and community-based activities they are involved in. Secondly for the level of knowledge, they displayed on a wide range of topics, including European affairs. And thirdly for the extremely high standard of their contributions throughout the week of this trip.”

“Sean and the other students are a credit to themselves, their families, their schools and their communities. It was wonderful to watch this group work and socialise together, and we hope the bonds they formed this week will endure for a long time to come.”

“I would like to thank all the teachers and Rotarians who helped us along the way to plan and organise this trip and I would urge as many young people as possible from every part of the island to take part in next year’s competition” Mr Fleming concluded.

Fearghas Ó Béara Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland said;

"I was delighted to welcome this talented group of young leaders from across the island of Ireland to Europe House in Dublin before they set off on their journey to our Euroscola event at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. These students really made the most of their visit to our interactive 'Europa Experience' visitor centre, delving into the wealth of materials on the European Union and striking up lively discussions between themselves, and with our guides, about EU policies and actions.”

“Their level of engagement and enthusiasm is impressive, and I really enjoyed my own exchange with them about Europe as a project of peace and reconciliation, and Ireland's place in it, especially given the many current geo-political challenges to our freedoms and democracy. I was impressed by how eloquently they expressed their views, and the relevance of their questions.”

“The European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland is delighted to continue our partnership with Rotary Ireland and offer a prize for their Young Leaders competition of a sponsored visit to Strasbourg. I feel confident that our future is in safe hands with such socially engaged and politically curious young people like these winners."

The Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition is open to 16 and 17-year-olds who are living on the island of Ireland. For more information go to www.rotary.ie