“The sun shone on us at the first ever Teenfest in South Dublin. The event held in Rathcoole and hosted by Tricia O’Halloran and her team in the Community Centre was fantastic. With workshops, obstacle courses, motivational talks, support services, a Quiet Room and even make up tutorials there really was something for every teenager. Rachael Boggans and her committee turned her daughter, Ellie’s, idea of a teen day into nothing short of a festival. As part of the day Anne O’Rriordan planted a Tree of Hope at the entrance to the Community Centre. This gesture symoblises the fact that we offer our support to the members of our community who are struggling with mental health challenges and serves as a reminder to reach out, like the branches of the tree will, for hope, sunshine and support,” said Cllr. Emer Higgins who helped to organise the event.
“Teenfest heard from guest speakers Nikki Bradley on positive mental attitude, Darren from Kickstart on fitness and my colleague and Olympic champion Councillor Kenneth Egan on talking addition challenges. Ireland’s Got Talent finalist Affia made a special appearance to delight fans.
“KPH, South Dublin County Council and Equita sponsored the event and we’re so grateful for their support. The underlying focus was on positive mental wellness and we had charities working in this area there including Jigsaw and Foroige. It was fantastic to see so many teenagers sign the TeenFest banner leaving positive messages for others and tributes to loved ones passed. The event was a great opportunity for teenagers to come together and it was fantastic that South Dublin County Council were there onsite to hear their suggestions and take on their feedback on spaces for teenagers as part of their youth consultation. Huge congratulations to Rachel, Ellie, Lisa, Stephen, Anne and Tricia for oraginsing what I hope will be the first of many TeenFests,” concluded Cllr. Emer Higgins.
Attached photo of the organising committee on South Dublin County Council’s Giant Bench l to r – Emer Higgins, Tricia O’Halloran, Anne O’Riordan, Stephen Joyce, Rachael Boggans, Lisa Byrne. Photo credit: Snap It Events.
