Two Rebel teens receive major leadership award

Two Cork second level students were among 20 teenagers from all over the island of Ireland to be presented with an award for leadership.

Julie Murray and Ross Downing have received a Rotary Youth Leadership Development certificate. Julie, who is a fifth-year student in Regina Mundi College, and Ross who is a fifth-year student in Spioraid Naoimh in Bishopstown received their certificates at the new Europe House in Dublin recently from Rotary Ireland District Governor, Seamus Parle, and Fionnuala Croker, Acting Head of Office at the European Parliament Office.

Julie, who writes articles on a regular basis for her school newspaper, is also a keen sailor and hockey player. She said that while she learned a lot about the inner workings of the European Parliament, she also learned a great deal about Ireland.

She said: “I really gained a deep knowledge of Northern Irish politics from friends on the trip – something that just would not have happened had I not had the opportunity to meet them – and through that I got a greater understanding and appreciation of my own country’s politics and history.

“The highlight of the trip was walking into the hemicycle. It was something I will never forget and then getting up and speaking in front of more than 700 people is something I am incredibly grateful for and so proud of myself for doing. It was a privilege to get to experience it and a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Ross plays basketball for his school and also plays football with Bishopstown GAA club. He visited Lourdes with the Diocese of Cork and Ross and helped out on the pilgrimage, handing out meals and bringing the elderly and less able to masses.

For Ross the highlights were the visit to the European Parliament and meeting new friends. “For me the first highlight was getting to ask the First Vice President of the European Parliament a question in front of around 800 people. This was really scary, but I was well prepared from everything we had learnt throughout the week. The second was making lifelong friendships with people who were strangers to me at the start of the week.”

Ross believes the biggest issue facing young people today is mental health. “Many young people struggle with mental health issues, although they may not show it. It is one of the single biggest problems that politicians need to address, as it is not talked about enough and it is causing so much harm to young people.”

For Julie it is protecting women’s rights. “We should feel safe everywhere at all times. We do not get the same respect or opportunities as men and this needs to be addressed. If we start with young people teaching them to respect each other instead of harming, then we will create a safer world for everyone.

Both Julie and Ross said they would highly recommend the competition to their fellow pupils. Julie said: “If you have a bit of discipline and a passion you will flourish in this competition and make friends for life. Ross added: “This competition has taught me so much about myself and about the world around me. I would 100% recommend it.”

Seamus Parle, District Governor of Rotary Ireland praised the students’ passion for learning and their enthusiastic embrace of new experiences.

“While they were naturally nervous when they all met up in Belfast for the first time, their confidence grew in leaps and bounds as they shared new experiences, cultivated new friendships, and improved their communication skills.

“We were so impressed by the wide range of activities they are involved in; the level of knowledge they displayed on various topical issues and their ability to absorb so much information about the different parliaments they visited. Julie, Ross and the other students are a credit to themselves, their families, their schools and their communities and we are confident that the accomplishments and friendships they have made will stay with them forever as they continue to develop their skills and broaden their horizons.”

The Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition is open to 16 and 17-year-olds who are living on the island of Ireland.