The European Rally, run by Rural Youth Europe (RYE), saw 89 participants from 18 different youth organisations across Europe travel all the way to Novo Mesto in Slovenia.
Macra was represented by a team that included members from across the country.
Team leader: Denise Keohane – Whitechurch, Seandún Region, Co Cork.Sheila Keeshan – Portlaoise Macra, Co Laois.Regina Joyce – Multy Macra, Co Westmeath.Mary O’Neill – Waterfall Macra, Seandún Region, Co Cork.Sophie O’Donnell – Ballyhoura Macra, Avondhu Region, Co Cork.Fiona O’Leary – Bantry Macra, Carbery Region, Co Cork. Rural Youth Europe board member.The theme of this year’s rally was ‘Planting Ideas, Cultivating the Future’.
Throughout the week, our members participated in interactive workshops that focused on empowering young people to engage in active participation and involvement in policy-making in rural areas. Through a dynamic programme of interactive workshops and non-formal education, participants were equipped with essential skills in communication, advocacy, and teamwork. The event fostered active co-operation with youth organisations, highlighting the value of youth work and cultivating a sense of solidarity and civic responsibility.
Young people from across Europe were invited to join a week filled with learning, growth, and fun, developing competencies to drive change in their communities while forming lasting friendships. The European Rally offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers, improve public speaking, and take meaningful steps toward a better future in rural Europe.
Our members had the opportunity to showcase Macra at the organisation fair and to give the other attendees a taste of Éire with a selection of Irish produce at the international buffet. A highlight of the trip for our members was the excursion and host family days. Our members had the opportunity to visit the beautiful countryside of Slovenia and explore some local farms.
The rally wrapped up with the Rural Youth Europe award ceremony, which consisted of three categories. Each category had three finalists, and Macra was delighted to be represented in each of these. Our campaign Make the Moove was nominated for European Project of the Year, former Macra national president Elaine Houlihan was nominated for Inspirational Person of the Year and Freemount Macra (Cork) was nominated for Club of the Year. Macra was the only organisation to be represented in all categories, which is a testament to all the hard work taking place in our organisation. Unfortunately, we didn’t take the top spot in any of the categories, but were honoured to be named as runners-up in each.
Our members had an amazing week, full of learning, laughter and friendship.
The European Rally, run by Rural Youth Europe (RYE), saw 89 participants from 18 different youth organisations across Europe travel all the way to Novo Mesto in Slovenia.
Macra was represented by a team that included members from across the country.
Team leader: Denise Keohane – Whitechurch, Seandún Region, Co Cork.Sheila Keeshan – Portlaoise Macra, Co Laois.Regina Joyce – Multy Macra, Co Westmeath.Mary O’Neill – Waterfall Macra, Seandún Region, Co Cork.Sophie O’Donnell – Ballyhoura Macra, Avondhu Region, Co Cork.Fiona O’Leary – Bantry Macra, Carbery Region, Co Cork. Rural Youth Europe board member.The theme of this year’s rally was ‘Planting Ideas, Cultivating the Future’.
Throughout the week, our members participated in interactive workshops that focused on empowering young people to engage in active participation and involvement in policy-making in rural areas. Through a dynamic programme of interactive workshops and non-formal education, participants were equipped with essential skills in communication, advocacy, and teamwork. The event fostered active co-operation with youth organisations, highlighting the value of youth work and cultivating a sense of solidarity and civic responsibility.
Young people from across Europe were invited to join a week filled with learning, growth, and fun, developing competencies to drive change in their communities while forming lasting friendships. The European Rally offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers, improve public speaking, and take meaningful steps toward a better future in rural Europe.
Our members had the opportunity to showcase Macra at the organisation fair and to give the other attendees a taste of Éire with a selection of Irish produce at the international buffet. A highlight of the trip for our members was the excursion and host family days. Our members had the opportunity to visit the beautiful countryside of Slovenia and explore some local farms.
The rally wrapped up with the Rural Youth Europe award ceremony, which consisted of three categories. Each category had three finalists, and Macra was delighted to be represented in each of these. Our campaign Make the Moove was nominated for European Project of the Year, former Macra national president Elaine Houlihan was nominated for Inspirational Person of the Year and Freemount Macra (Cork) was nominated for Club of the Year. Macra was the only organisation to be represented in all categories, which is a testament to all the hard work taking place in our organisation. Unfortunately, we didn’t take the top spot in any of the categories, but were honoured to be named as runners-up in each.
Our members had an amazing week, full of learning, laughter and friendship.
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