Meet Our 2026 Gaisce Youth Ambassador Panel
We are delighted to announce our Gaisce Youth Ambassador Panel for 2026, another amazing group of young people coming together from across Ireland to represent Gaisce and inspire their peers and communities. Building on the success of our first-ever Youth Ambassador Panel in 2025, this new group brings fresh ideas, experiences and perspectives. Together, they will help showcase the many ways young people can grow, connect and challenge themselves through the Gaisce Award. This year’s panel also includes three returning Youth Ambassadors: Eoin, Ebun and Eimear, whose leadership and insight from the past year will bring continuity to guide and support the new group. Throughout their time on the panel, Youth Ambassadors will participate in workshops, attend events, develop new skills, share their experience, and engage in consultation and decision-making spaces. Gaisce is committed to supporting our ambassadors to learn, grow and make their voices heard.
Fáilte mhór to our 2026 Gaisce Youth Ambassador Panel: Aoife, Conor, Ebun, Eimear, Eoin, Hannah, Isabel, Katie, Orla, Radina, Rónán, Roz, Sam and Swasti!
We’re delighted to welcome you on board and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make over the year ahead.
Aoife McElroy
From: Monaghan
Age: 22
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: bubbly, athletic, determined.
Happiest When… At the gym
Gaisce Experience: I have completed the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Gaisce Awards. I enjoyed having the opportunity to pursue my interests and develop new skills throughout the programme. I also received my Gold Award from Michael D. Higgins in Áras an Uachtaráin, which was quite a memorable experience
Message To Gaisce Participants: Life is so short and you only get one shot at it, so say yes to every opportunity and always have a goal to work towards
Conor Clifford
From: Dublin
Age: 17
Pronouns: He/Him
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: determined, empathetic and ambitious
Happiest when… I am playing music
Gaisce Experience: I have obtained my Bronze Gaisce medal and I am currently working to achieve my Silver medal by participating in key activities that I enjoy for my Challenge Areas.
Message To Gaisce Participants: My message to Gaisce participants would be to not let anything hold you back from achieving your Gaisce award, as your level of ability does not define your participation.
Ebun Jamgbadi
From: Athlone, Roscommon
Age: 22
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Positive, Adventurous, Outgoing
My Gaisce Experience has been amazing, challenging and rewarding. I have grown from a young girl to a confident woman. Through doing Gaisce I have developed my skills and have changed my mindset. Now I am open to trying everything and anything.
Message To Gaisce Participants: Don’t be scared to try something new, believe in yourself because you can achieve the impossible. You’ve got this!!
Eimear O’Daly
From: Dublin
Age: 19
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Determined, chatty and smiley!
Happiest when…I’m running!
Gaisce Experience: Where do I start!? I’ve learned so much about myself and the world around me through my awards. Through volunteering, I learned how to care for the environment and I met so many great people. Through my personal skills, I picked up skills I wouldn’t have before!
Message To Gaisce Participants: Gaisce can teach you many important life skills that you can implement in your personal and professional life. It is so important to give yourself every opportunity to boost your CV, and to step outside of your comfort zone. Squeeze the lemon of life!! 🙂
Eoin Moylan
From: Offaly
Age:19
Pronouns: He/Him
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Social, ambitious, spontaneous.
Happiest When… Anywhere in Ireland when the sun shines.
Gaisce Experience: My Gaisce experience led me on a journey of self-resilience and discovery of my own strengths and weaknesses. It was an amazing experience to get involved locally in my community. It was a great achievement to receive an award for my hard work from the President of Ireland
Message To Gaisce Participants: To work for your own award, to keep going even when the work gets tough, as it will work out in the long run, and enjoy every step of the way.
Hannah McInerney
From: Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Age:18
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Musical, quiet, adventurous
Happiest When… I’m surrounded by my music and animals
Gaisce Experience: I started my Gaisce journey in TY. I had no idea what Gaisce was but have fallen in love with the idea of it all. With my Bronze and Silver in hand, I can’t wait to start my Gold award this year.
Message To Gaisce Participants: Gaisce is a great opportunity to get more involved in the community and you get to meet new people. You’ll discover things about yourself you never knew before. It’ll be the best decision you’ve ever made, trust me on that.
Isabel Browne
From: Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Age: 16
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Determined, sociable, helpful
Happiest When… Anywhere and everywhere I have family and friends around me!
Gaisce Experience: My Gaisce experience so far has been incredible. Working with others with the same drive for Gaisce as me has definitely been my highlight.
Message To Gaisce Participants: My message to Gaisce participants is to be open to any opportunity that comes your way and let that be your driving force.
Katie Ní Chróinín
From: Béal Áth’n Ghaorthaidh, Co. Cork
Age: 18
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Ambitious, dedicated, leader
Happiest When… Sitting around a campfire with my friends, eating s’mores and singing songs.
Gaisce Experience: My Gaisce journey started through Irish Girl Guides and has opened many new doors for me. I discovered my love for youth politics as Gaisce’s delegate for Seanad na n-Óg in 2022 and participated in the Defence Forces Challenge in 2024.
Message To Gaisce Participants: Gaisce is a brilliant opportunity to connect with new people, experience new challenges and step outside your comfort zone, so take every new experience in your stride 🙂
Orla Campbell
From: Bettystown, Co. Meath
Age: 22
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Open to new experiences, hard-worker, dedicated
Happiest When… Reading, spending some time on myself, discovering new places, watching/going to musical theatre places/shows, travelling.
Gaisce Experience: I got to gain new experiences, push myself to new levels and discover new things about myself. I also had fun and got to engage with my local community and have rediscovered an interest in event stewarding and volunteering.
Message To Gaisce Participants: Take a chance on the programme. Push yourself out of your comfort zone if the experience calls for it. Discover new experiences and learn new things. You might meet new people or make new friends
Radina Hristova
From: Maynooth, Co. Kildare
Age: 19
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Helpful, ambitious, outgoing
Happiest When… Reading a book by the fireplace
Gaisce Experience: Gaisce helped me in countless ways. It has helped me stay active through the physical activity, give back to my community, and has helped me figure out what I want to study in university!
Message To Gaisce Participants: Gaisce can help you find your way in life, whether it’s by learning new skills or just improving the skills you already have!
Rónán Blake
From: Ennis, Co. Clare
Age: 17
Pronouns: He/Him
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Motivated , ambitious and friendly
Happiest When… in the garden
Gaisce Experience: My experience has been so amazing , being actively involved in so many community-based and national projects has been incredible. Meeting new people and engaging with others who relate to you and want to make a difference has been truly inspiring and has made me want to pursue my Gaisce journey into the future.
Message To Gaisce Participants: Gaisce isn’t about being perfect — it’s about pushing yourself. It’s about discovering what you’re capable of, gaining confidence, and building real skills that matter beyond school. You’ll challenge yourself, give back to your community, you meet so many amazing people along the way and earn an award that’s recognised across Ireland and beyond.
Roz Waghorn
From: Dublin
Age:16
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Determined, Creative, Outgoing.
Happiest When… Exploring new places and experiencing new things!
Gaisce Experience: My Gaisce journey has meant so much to me, it’s helped me learn new things about myself and gain valuable skills. It’s been a great opportunity to work on things that matter to me, and it’s really helped my confidence and resilience. The people I’ve met along the way and the experiences I’ve had will stick with me forever and I’m so glad I have chosen to continue this journey.
Message To Gaisce Participants: It’s such a good way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things. You have the ability to learn so much and meet new people and it’s such a valuable experience.
Enjoy the journey, and you will never forget the skills you learn during it!
Sam Collins
From: Dublin
Age: 18
Pronouns: He/Him
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Creative, artistic and adventurous.
Happiest When… I’m in nature walking through forests and being around animals.
Gaisce Experience: Gaisce improved my teen life by keeping me active with hobbies and improving skills. It’s improved my mental wellbeing and physical strength.
Message To Gaisce Participants: Gaisce is a way to improve yourself and become the person you want to be. By joining, you develop personal skills, improve your chosen sport, give back to the community, and after the programme you will feel proud and accomplished overall.
Swasti Sahoo
From: Dublin
Age: 17
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Radiant, Ambitious, Confident.
Happiest When… I’m surrounded by my books, reading or writing without worrying about time or expectations. There’s something really grounding about being fully absorbed in a story or my own thoughts…It feels like a space where I can think clearly and be myself. I also feel happiest when I’m working towards becoming my dream version of myself, whether that’s learning something new, pushing myself outside my comfort zone or taking steps that feel aligned with my long-term goals.
Gaisce Experience: My Gaisce experience was genuinely one of the most meaningful things I’ve taken part in. It pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and try things I wouldn’t have done otherwise. Through it, I was able to take part in internships, explore different sectors and discover interests I never expected to enjoy. Gaisce didn’t just help me build new skills, it helped me gain confidence, independence and a clearer understanding of what I enjoy and where I see myself heading in the future.
Message To Gaisce Participants: I would honestly encourage every young person to do Gaisce because it opens up so many opportunities while helping you understand yourself better. It pushes you to step outside your comfort zone in the best possible way and gives you the chance to both grow personally and give back to others. Along the way, you meet unexpected people, form strong connections and become part of a really supportive and motivating community. The experiences and lessons you gain through Gaisce stay with you and it teaches you that every challenge is worth it, because when your goal is to learn, grow and experience new things, everything becomes a win 🙂
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Gaisce – The President’s Award is excited to introduce our very first Gaisce Youth Ambassador Panel! This amazing group of young people, from all across Ireland, bring fresh energy, unique perspectives, and a shared passion for making a difference.
Our Youth Ambassadors are here to represent and inspire – sharing their Gaisce stories, connecting with their communities, and showing others the incredible possibilities that come with stepping outside your comfort zone.
As part of the panel, they’ll take part in exciting training sessions, learn new skills, and explore topics like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), inclusion, and diversity. They’ll also get media training, hear from inspiring guest speakers, and build up their CVs – all while having loads of fun along the way!
We can’t wait to see this brilliant group’s impact as they share their ideas, shape the future of Gaisce, and make their mark in their communities. Watch this space!
Meet Our Youth Ambassadors
Killian Burke
From: Kildare
Pronouns: He/Him
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Ambitious, Adventurous, Courageous
Gaisce Experience: Where do I start! I began my Gaisce journey in TY with little to no experience in anything other than football. I was convinced that it was the only thing that I was good at. Gaisce allowed me to challenge myself and grow in different ways that I never thought was possible. I gained experience in sport refereeing, community volunteering, language learning and new sports such as running. I am now a marathon runner and studying to be a language teacher in UCD. I have built lifelong connections with other Gaisce Participants and organisations around the country. I can confidently say that Gaisce has reshaped my life for the better.
Message To Gaisce Participants: Dream big, challenge your comfort zone, be brave, don’t give up, listen to your heart and go for it!
Conor Dillon
From: Dublin
Pronouns: He/Him
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Energetic, Outgoing, Talkative
Gaisce Experience: I was the first person from the Central Remedial Clinic to do Gold which made me feel very proud. I organised a fundraising event which raised €5,700 which motivated me to take on more fundraising opportunities.
Message To Gaisce Participants: Be open to taking as many challenges as possible.
Laura Barry
From: Kildare
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Motivated, Calm, Resilient
Gaisce Experience: I thoroughly enjoyed both Bronze and Silver Awards. They gave me the opportunity to try new things and get out of my comfort zone. It was amazing!
Message To Gaisce Participants: Gaisce is a fabulous opportunity and you will learn so much. you should make the most of it!
Lucy Mullin
From: Mayo
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Motivated, Logical, Trustworthy
Gaisce Experience: My Gaisce experience enhanced my motivational skills, this programme ensured I demonstrated perseverance and self-determination which I feel are essential in any activity I pursue. I also feel I have improved my work-life balance, thanks to this opportunity. I had to practise good time management skills to ensure I achieved the Bronze and Silver Medals and in doing so I established a sense of stability in my life.
Message To Gaisce Participants: Choose activities that you are interested in and will be able to complete to the best of your ability. And enjoy the process, the weeks fly by!!!
Ebunoluwa Jamgbadi
From: Athlone-Westmeath/Dublin
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Positive, Adventurous, Outgoing
Gaisce Experience: My Gaisce experience has been amazing challenging and rewarding. I have grown from a young girl to a confident woman. Through doing Gaisce I have developed my skills and have changed my mindset. Now I am open to trying everything and anything.
Message To Gaisce Participants: Don’t be scared to try something new, believe in yourself because you can achieve the impossible. You’ve got this!!
Caoilfhinn Young
From: Dublin
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Creative, Bubbly, Hard-working
Gaisce Experience: My Gaisce experience from start to finish has had such a positive impact on my life. I started during covid and was struggling to continue my hobbies. Through doing the Gaisce Awards, I’ve been able to grow so much as a person in confidence and life skills. The volunteer work I started for my gold award has been my favourite part of my week and and planning to do it for as long as I can.
Message To Gaisce Participants: Gaisce has been such an important part of my life for the last three years. I have grown so much as a person and had had so many incredible experiences and highly encourage everyone to get involve. The Gaisce family is bigger than you think and we’re all here to support each other.
Eimear O’Daly
From: Dublin
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Bubbly, Determined and Chatty!
Gaisce Experience: My Gaisce experience has been incredible. I’ve gotten to meet so many new people and try so many new things, through my adventure journeys and getting involved with my local Tidy Towns (Baldoyle Wild Towns). It has been an eye opening experience to the real world around me and has taught me so much.
Message To Gaisce Participants: Throw yourself into every opportunity that comes your way, and be independent of the good opinion of others. Squeeze the lemon of life and always throw yourself out of your comfort zone. Gaisce is the perfect opportunity to do these things, and I’m sure you won’t regret it!
Sonya Naumova
From: Galway
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Positive, Dedicated, Pretty
Gaisce Experience: Gaisce has been a life-changing experience, helping me grow personally and gain real-world skills! The combination of volunteering, engaging in sports and acquiring a new skill, allowed me to develop toughness, leadership, and a sense of community. It made me leave my comfort zone and learn the importance of hard work and staying focused. The process has not only shaped me, but also enabled me to contribute positively and meaningfully to others!
Message To Gaisce Participants: Embrace the journey, celebrate your progress, and know that your efforts matter. The reward is the growth and impact you create – keep going! <3
Eoin Moylan
From: Offaly
Pronouns: He/Him
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Leader, Sociable, Hard-working
Gaisce Experience: My Gaisce experience led me on a journey of self-resilience and discovery of my own strengths and weaknesses. It was an amazing experience to get involved locally in my community and to see the hard work done by young people in their communities. It was a great achievement to receive an award for my hard work from an Uachtarán na hÉireann.
Message To Gaisce Participants: To work for your own award, to keep going even when the work get tough as it is always work it in the long run, and enjoy every step of the way.
Caitlin Curley
From: Offaly
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Kind, Funny, Bonkers
Gaisce Experience: I started my Gaisce journey in TY and haven’t looked back since! I’ve met new people, developed my skills and had great fun along the way!
Message To Gaisce Participants: It’s not the destination but the journey! Enjoy your time in Gaisce!
Divine Eugene
From: Dublin
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Funny, Creative, Introspective
Gaisce Experience: Doing Gaisce has been an unique experience for me in which I’ve been able to embark on a journey of self discovery and understanding the world around me. I think doing Gaisce has given me a chance to challenge myself, see what’s out there and try new hobbies. Through this, I’ve met so many new people and I would recommend to it to any young person!
Message To Gaisce Participants: Don’t be hesitant. If there’s something you’ve been meaning to try, start here. Give things a good chance and there’s always a reward. Keep at it!
Aoibhinn Coffey
From: Kerry
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Outgoing, Friendly, Sporty
Gaisce Experience: It has been one of the best experiences I’ve had. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone and I have met so many new people along the way. I have become more confident in myself and it has changed me for the better.
Message To Gaisce Participants: Push yourself outside of your comfort zone when it comes to choosing your activities and be open to meeting new people and forming new connections. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and what you put into your award is what you’ll get out of it so make sure your throw yourself into every aspect of the award