Gaisce News

Catch up on everything that Gaisce has been up to! You can filter the news that is specifically for PALs or participants using the buttons below.

Record number of young people achieve Gaisce Awards in 2018

July 9, 2019

9th July 2018: Gaisce – the President’s Award today launched a new Impact Report illustrating the activity of the organisation throughout 2018. 2018 was a record year for Gaisce – The President’s Award, as more than 15,000 young people achieved a Gaisce Award, and The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, presided over the largest ever Gold Award Ceremony in Dublin Castle. 10th December 2018: The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, presided over the largest ever Gold Award Ceremony in Dublin Castle. PHOTO: Maxwell Photography President Higgins has long had a special interest in the Gaisce programme, and as Patron...

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“Being an immigrant did not affect my Gaisce goals"- Gaisce Gold Participant Tracey Sefu Zinyama

June 20, 2019

Tracey pictured with her Gaisce Silver Award which she received last October. To mark World Refugee Day we asked Gaisce Participant Tracey Sefu Zinyama about her Gaisce experience. Tracey is 21-years-old and originally from Harare, Zimbabwe. She came to Ireland when she was 15 with her mother and siblings. Tracey initially heard about Gaisce in 2017 through a Foróige conference which she attended in Sligo. The programme appealed to her sense for adventure and interest in meeting the President of Ireland Michael D.Higgins. Tracey began her Bronze Award soon after this conference, taking up activities in three challenge areas: personal skill,...

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President appoints Mr. Philly McMahon to the Council of Gaisce – The President’s Award

June 13, 2019

Mr. Philly McMahon and Mr. Justin McAleese pictured today after Philly was appointed by President Michael D. Higgins to the Council of Gaisce – The President’s Award for a 3-year term. Justin McAleese has just been re-appointed for a second term. President Michael D. Higgins today, 12th June 2019, has appointed Mr. Philly McMahon to the Council of Gaisce – The President’s Award for a 3-year term. Mr. McMahon will join the President’s fellow appointee Mr. Justin McAleese, who has just been re-appointed for a second term. Making the announcement, Chair of Gaisce – The President’s Award John Cunningham said,...

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Gaisce Adventure Seekers take on Defence Forces Challenge!

June 11, 2019

30 young Gaisce participants from across Ireland concluded four days of hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, swimming and army assault courses last Friday as they took part in the annual Defence Forces Adventure Challenge. Joel Osaghae from Tallaght, Dublin The young recruits aged between 15 and 17 were put through their paces by personnel from the 2nd Brigade Artillery Regiment of the Defence Forces, who led the Gaisce participants through a host of incredible adventure challenges, training and team-building exercises. The Defence Forces Adventure Challenge shows young people just what they can achieve when they step outside their comfort zone. Yvonne McKenna, CEO...

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“I was given the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone“ – Gaisce Gold Award Holder Lucy McGill

May 31, 2019

Gaisce Gold Award Holder Lucy McGill from Dublin receiving her Gold Award from President Michael D. Higgins at a ceremony in St Patrick's Hall, Dublin Castle on 10th December 2018. Photo: Maxwell's We were delighted to have Gaisce Gold Awardee and Dublin native Lucy McGill share her Gaisce Journey with us at our Silver Ceremony in Griffith College Conference Centre, Dublin on May 3rd 2019. After four years of hard work, Lucy received her Gold Medal in Dublin Castle on 10th December 2018 from President Michael D. Higgins. Here is her Gold story in her own words. Physical Recreation: Hockey For my...

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“Gaisce really helps you to develop as a person and to build your own self-esteem and confidence” – Jamie Moore, UN Youth Delegate

May 15, 2019

I think part of the point of Gaisce, is not just to come and do your 13 weeks or 50 weeks. It is to try to hook you in longer term to civic duty and volunteerism and to try to get you to contribute to the community. A different perspective Everything you do with Gaisce is a learning experience and gives you a bit of perspective on life. I think Gaisce as a whole brings you many new different viewpoints that stick with you as you grow and enter the workforce. In my current work in community development, the skillset that...

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Gaisce Gold participant Lorcan Tuohy-Donnelly interview

May 9, 2019

Lorcan Tuohy-Donnelly, is currently doing a Gold Award in Borrisokane Community College, Tipperary with the support of his PAL Deirdre Kyne. Having completed his Gaisce Silver Award last year, he spoke to Spin SW DJ Louise Cantillon last week ahead of our Gaisce Silver Awards in Limerick last week to give her an insight into what doing Silver is all about. You can listen to the full interview at the end of this post. More on Lorcan's Gaisce Gold Journey Community Work Lorcan was recently honoured at the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards for the fantastic volunteering activities he is involved in...

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Gaisce are seeking Volunteers for Garden Parties at Áras an Uachtaráin

May 8, 2019

Would you like to be an event volunteer at one of Áras an Uachtaráin's Garden Parties this June? We are looking for friendly and outgoing Gaisce participants, and awardees, who would like to assist the Áras an Uachtaráin with their upcoming Garden Parties this June. The role involves meeting and greeting attendees, helping with queries and acting as Gaisce ambassadors at the events. You must be 18 years or over to volunteer at this event. About the President’s Garden Parties Following in the tradition of previous Presidents, President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina host a number of garden parties in...

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