This Lá Gaisce and during our 40th anniversary year, we’re celebrating some of the voices that have helped shape our journey. From PALs who have guided and inspired, to participants who’ve grown through challenge and discovery, these stories reflect the heart of Gaisce: personal development, community spirit, and the courage to dream big.
Edward McEvoy, PAL, Co. Offaly
One of Gaisce’s earliest PALs, Edward first discovered the programme through a leaflet and visited its original office on O’Connell Street. At the time, he was a youth worker in inner-city Dublin, studying to become a teacher. Today, he’s the principal of Tullamore College.
Edward says:
“Gaisce for me is well-being in action. Community involvement develops you socially, the Personal Skill deepens interests and can be a source of relaxation and fulfilment, the Physical Skill fosters physical and mental health, and the Adventure Journey builds teamwork and character. Gaisce is even more vital and relevant to today’s young people than ever before.”
Clare Molloy, PAL, Co. Kildare
Clare has been a PAL at Patrician Secondary School for 18 years. Her passion for Gaisce shines through in her support for students.
Clare says:
“It’s wonderful to see students take on new roles and responsibilities. Often, they’re already doing activities that count, they just don’t realise it until we sit down together. One TY student volunteered at the breakfast club every morning, even after his hours were complete. He received our inaugural ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award.
We’ve also introduced Gaisce to our LCA group, and it’s been a perfect fit. Students are coaching, caring for chickens, kayaking, and more. The most important thing about being a PAL is showing students that you care, because when you do, they reflect that passion and effort.”
Jamaldeen Kazeem, Participant, Co. Dublin
Jamaldeen says:
“I discovered Gaisce at school, and I was motivated to do it because it was interesting, and I could explore a new skill. At first, I was nervous because we had to go on the Adventure Journey trip, but later on, I realised it was not bad, and I chose to do my Bronze Award.
Choosing my Challenge Areas was hard for me because there were a lot of things I wanted to spend my time on, but my PAL helped me and introduced me to a computer course that I liked for my Personal Skill Challenge Area. My other Challenge Areas were easy to choose because they were all new and interesting to do, like the homework club and badminton. The Personal Skill Challenge Area was the most challenging because it was new to me, but I got through it.
Gaisce had a big impact on me because it was all about learning and trying new things.”
Max O’Brien, Participant, Co. Dublin
Max completed his Silver Award through the Home Education Network and celebrated at Ratra House in July 2025.
Max says:
“It’s brilliant to finally get the award. Our experience was more self-directed, but our PAL kept us on track. The five of us were a tight-knit group and leaned on each other.
The highlight was our Carlingford trip—our guide was amazing, and we had a great time. I’m heading to college next, but I’ll definitely continue with my Gold. I’d recommend Gaisce to anyone. You make new friends, have new experiences, and keep growing. I started coaching under-8s as part of my volunteering, and I’ve kept going ever since.”
Roisin King, Gold Awardee, Co. Mayo
Roisin completed her Gold Award and attended the ceremony where she met President Michael D. Higgins.
Roisin says:
“Being part of the Gaisce community was fantastic. Everyone was so supportive throughout the 52 + 26 weeks and the Adventure Journey. But the Gold Award Ceremony was unreal, everything I worked for came together, and meeting the President was an honour I’ll never forget.”
Laura Bowen, Gold Awardee & PAL, Westmeath Volunteer Centre
Laura completed all three Gaisce Award levels and now supports young people as a PAL.
Laura says:
“The support I received from my PAL years ago stayed with me, and I’m still in touch with her today. That experience inspired me to give back. Supporting Bronze participants and watching them grow in confidence and achievement has been incredibly rewarding. Many go on to pursue Silver, and it’s amazing to see their journey unfold.”
Eoin Power, PAL, O’Carolan College, Nobber, Co. Meath
Eoin has been a Gaisce PAL for five years, supporting students in their personal development and community engagement.
Eoin says:
“I’ve been a Gaisce PAL for five years now, a role I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I have enjoyed giving students the opportunity to express themselves outside the classroom in areas that interest them specifically. It is empowering watching and helping students set and reach their goals, and the relationships built along the way are one of my favourite things about being a PAL.</p> <p>In teaching, one of our main jobs is helping students to develop skills and prepare for life after school. Gaisce helps students to be active citizens within their community, and it’s a chance for students to give back to their community in a meaningful way. Being a PAL is representative of life, as it’s not always about the destination or the result, but the journey and relationships developed along the way.”
Patrick Tuite, PAL & Scout Leader, Co. Meath
Patrick has seen the powerful synergy between Gaisce and Scouting through his work with youth members.
Patrick says:
“In my experience, the Gaisce Awards align closely with Scouting, but the structure of the award challenges adds focus. The emphasis on both individual and collective effort fosters unique team-building and personal development.
Youth members grow in confidence as they progress through the challenges, and their sense of accomplishment is plain to see. For many, the Adventure Journey is the first time they’ve conceived an idea, planned it, and followed through. Realising they can do this is incredibly empowering and can have a profound impact on their development into young adults.”