Foróige appoints new chief

The fourth CEO in Foróige’s 73 year history has been announced as Cork man Eric O’Brien.

Having begun his career as a youth worker, the Togher man has dedicated over two decades to Foróige, working in communities across the country and helping shape national programmes that empower young people to realise their potential.

He said: “I started out sitting in the same seat as many of our youth workers do now. From my early days in Foróige in Blanchardstown to managing services nationwide, I’ve seen every side of youth work. Every step taught me something new about what young people need and what great youth work looks like. Those experiences have shaped how I lead today.”

Throughout his career, O’Brien has remained passionate about the people who make youth work possible - the volunteers and staff who dedicate their time to helping young people thrive.

He added: “What makes youth work powerful is that it ripples out, it lifts young people, strengthens families, and connects communities. It’s not abstract to me, it’s real and tangible. It’s a young person finding their voice, a volunteer or staff member making that one connection that changes a life. That’s what keeps us doing this work.”

Speaking on his new role and vision of Foróige’s future, he said: “I’ve delivered youth work, I’ve managed it, and I’ve seen its impact up close. The CEO role for me is about bringing all that experience together - the frontline understanding, the management insight, and the belief in people - to build on Foróige’s incredible legacy and strengthen it for the future. This role is an opportunity to shape what comes next, to make sure Foróige continues to be a place where innovation, inclusion and impact thrive.”