See press release about Drimnagh Club 4U who are getting ready for TV Debut in “Ireland’s Top Teens” Awards
Excitement and anticipation is building this week in the Drimnagh Club 4U Youth Group as members prepare to make their TV debut in “Ireland’s Top Teens”, a two-part TV programme which goes behind the scenes and follows the positive contributions that young people make to their local communities as part of the ‘permanent tsb Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards’.
The Drimnagh Youths, who implemented a community pride project to highlight the positive aspects of Drimnagh in an effort to reclaim the negative stereotypical media reports often associated with the area, were chosen from fifty groups who entered the TV Awards. Ten groups from all across the country will be showcased in the TV Programme, with the final shoot taking place at a major awards ceremony in The Helix in Dublin on Thursday 28th October. One lucky group will be crowned “Ireland’s Top Teens” as part of the Awards ceremony and TV Show. The “Ireland’s Top Teens” show will be broadcast on TV3 on Sunday 7th November and Sunday 14th November.
Nadine O’Neill, (aged 18) from the group said, “We are so excited. We have put our hearts and souls into our project and we are hoping to do ourselves and our area proud. It has been a major experience for us so far. Firstly, in being chosen for the TV Show, then having our project filmed and now we are all getting ready for this major awards ceremony at the Helix. We are going to enjoy every minute of it as it is not every day you get to go on TV to the Nation. I just hope everyone will tune in to see us in action.”
The Drimnagh Youths decided on their project as they weren’t happy about negative media reports about Drimnagh after a tragedy involving the death of a young Polish man who was stabbed. They carried out a number of initiatives to reclaim pride in their area and rekindle the vibrant community spirit and supporting environment that exists in the area. One of the initiatives which worked really well was a visit to the local day care centre, Mother McAuley Centre, where they had a fun day out with the older people of the area which inspired a level of trust and understanding between the young people and the older people who attend the day centre. A sense of pride and positivity has emerged as a result of the projects.
Mr. John O’Brien, Branch Manager, permanent tsb Bank, Walkinstown Road, Dublin 12 who have supported the Citizenship Awards since 2006 said, “We wish the Drimnagh Club 4 U members the very best in the Awards and with the TV show. They deserve to take their place among those young people who take action and make a difference in their communities. It is great to be associated with something positive and uplifting and we are looking forward to being part of the whole experience in The Helix and to honouring all the young people for their amazing efforts.”
Mairí McMahon, Chairperson, National Council of Foróige said, “The TV Show is a new twist to the Citizenship Programme and the Awards this year. There are 10 very different projects, all exceptional in their own way, which have made their mark on their local community and on society in general. The task of deciding who will be crowned “Ireland’s Top Teens” lies with an independent judging panel and it won’t be an easy task. I’d expect a lot of debate and soul searching before the final decision is made.”
Two of the youth group members will go through the final hurdle on behalf of the group and will be put through their paces at a final interview with the judging panel in the coming weeks in the hope of being crowned “Ireland’s Top Teens”.
The ‘permanent tsb Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards’, now in their fourth year, recognise and salute outstanding examples of youth citizenship in action whereby young people, through their voluntary community work, make a difference to the lives of communities both locally or internationally. Any youth group or club across the country can enter. Over 12,000 young people from all different backgrounds and locations participate in the programme every year.
For further information:-
Niamh Cremins, Foróige Ph: 086 8075332
