Register Now! Roots and Shoots: A Student Volunteering Conference
The Roots and Shoots: Student Volunteering Conference will take place this Friday, 20 March, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Dora Allman Room at University College Cork (UCC) and online from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm The in-person event will be capped at 50 people, but don’t worry! The second half of the conference will be livestreamed, ensuring that students and supporters of volunteering from anywhere in the world can join and connect. This conference celebrates student leadership, bold ideas, and the transformative partnerships that empower campuses to shape a fairer, more sustainable world.
Roots and Shoots: Gaisce Gold Residential – Weekend 2
The second and final weekend of the Roots and Shoots: Gaisce Gold Residential in partnership with Student Volunteer Ireland and supported by Irish Aid took place in Connemara, Galway, from 16th to 18th January 2026. We welcomed back 16 fantastic young people to participate in workshops and hear from some incredible guest speakers, all focused on sustainable development goals (SDGs). One standout moment of the weekend was the participants’ project presentations, where they mapped the Sustainable Development Goals within their own communities. This exercise highlighted the wide range of organisations, initiatives and spaces already working towards positive social, environmental and economic change across Ireland. Advocacy and global citizenship were central themes of the weekend. emphasised in an
President Catherine Connolly Celebrates Remarkable Achievements of Ireland’s Young People at Gaisce Gold Award Ceremony
President Catherine Connolly will today present 50 young people with the Gaisce Gold Award at a ceremony in Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA Venues), Royal Hospital Kilmainham. This year’s celebration is especially significant, marking both the 40th anniversary of Gaisce and President Connolly’s first time hosting the prestigious Gaisce Gold Award ceremony. The Gaisce Gold Award ceremony celebrates the remarkable personal development and community impact demonstrated by these young people, who have completed the highest level of the President’s Award. Today’s Awardees join a four-decade legacy of participants who have shaped and strengthened communities across Ireland through
Roots and Shoots: Gaisce Gold Residential – Weekend 1 at Ratra House, Phoenix Park
The first weekend of the two-week Roots and Shoots: Gaisce Gold Residential kicked off at Gaisce HQ in Ratra House, Phoenix Park, from 9th – 11th January 2026. Sixteen young people from all over Ireland joined us from across Ireland, including Meath, Roscommon, Offaly, Dublin, and Westmeath. This group of young people brought an infectious energy and set the tone for an unforgettable weekend. The Gold Residential is often a highlight of the Gold Award journey for Gaisce Participants. It’s an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people and take on new challenges during a
We’re Hiring! Business Support Administrator (Full-Time)
Join the Gaisce – The President’s Award team as our new Business Support Administrator (Full-Time). Gaisce – The President’s Award is a self-development programme for young people which enhances confidence and well-being through participation in personal, physical and community challenges. The Business Support Administrator is a key hands-on role at Gaisce, responsible for ensuring the smooth daily operation of our office and administrative functions. This includes managing the processing and distribution of over 27,000 Gaisce Awards annually, supporting our President’s Award Leaders (PALs) and Award Partners (GAPs), and assisting with event preparation, stock coordination and office systems.
Generation Change: Embracing New Horizons
Date: Thursday, 9th October 2025 Location: Indeed Ireland, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2. Join us for Generation Change: Embracing New Horizons, a powerful event that shines a light on the transformative impact of hiring individuals with lived experience of custody. This event will also celebrate the role of the Gaisce Award in supporting young people in custody, helping to unlock new pathways to employment and personal growth. What to Expect: Inspiring Guest Speakers , including policymakers, industry leaders, employers, and individuals with lived experience. Real Stories from employers who have embraced inclusive hiring practices. Networking Opportunities with professionals, advocates, and stakeholders from across the justice
Clíodhna Malone Appointed Gaisce Development Officer for Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny
Gaisce – The President’s Award is delighted to welcome Clíodhna Malone as the new Development Officer for Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny. Clíodhna takes over from Paul Darby, who is currently on a career break. Prior to joining Gaisce, Clíodhna worked in community pharmacy for 9+ years in many roles, while also working in various education setting; previously working with GOAL Global as a GCE facilitator. She also worked in the International Development department in Maynooth University; as a lecturer on the Media, Advocacy and Development Module for 3 years and a tutor on the Introduction to Development Module for 2
Gaisce Defence Forces Challenge 2025 Applications Open
Are you ready to challenge yourself, grow your confidence, and take your leadership skills to the next level? Applications are now open for an unforgettable Gaisce Adventure Journey in partnership with the Defence Forces. This is not your average Adventure Journey. Taking place from 19 to 21 August 2025, this experience is designed to test your resilience and teamwork, all while fulfilling the Silver Award Adventure Journey requirement in full. Whether you're looking to step outside your comfort zone or simply want to try something new, this is your chance to make lasting memories, meet new people, and build valuable
Gaisce Summer 2025 E-Zine
Fáilte roimh Samhradh eile le Gaisce - Gradam an Uachtaráin We’re delighted to welcome another summer with our incredible PAL community! Whether you're taking a well-earned break until September or are still busy supporting young people, we hope you enjoy the summer months. A huge thank you to everyone who took part in Be The Arrow: Gaisce 40th Anniversary Challenge – what an amazing journey it’s been! Your energy, enthusiasm, and generosity, especially those who fundraised for the Gaisce SUAS Bursary Fund, have made a real difference in helping young people from marginalised backgrounds take part in the Gaisce Award.
An Post Marks Gaisce’s 40th Anniversary with Special Postmark
Gaisce – The President’s Award is proud to partner with An Post, to celebrate 40 years of the President’s Award with a special commemorative postmark. From May 15th to May 25th, the Gaisce 40 postmark will appear on everyone in all standard letters processed by An Post. Gaisce has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with An Post. Previously, An Post marked our 25th anniversary with a special postage stamp and also collaborated with us on the Bulbs for Bees challenge in 2021. We marked the launch of the Gaisce 40 postmark, along with Be The Arrow - Gaisce’s 40th Anniversary
