She immediately gave the role of MC to Kevin Eddie O'Sullivan who introduced the guests - Barra O'Briain, CEO of County Cork VEC., Denis O'Brien, Area Manager with Foróige, Canon Sheehan, who was representing the Bishop of Kerry, Maud Lewis, who was representing Bishop Colton.  Also present were Councillors Paddy Sheehan (T.D.) and Noel Harrington, Mary O'Sulivan, Principal of Beara Community School, and a particular welcome to Minister Joe Walsh. Kevin then went on to explain the development to date of the Project and what it was all about.  Foróige, he explained, was founded in 1952 (originally known as Macra na Tuaithe) and their main purpose it to enable young people to consciously and actively involve themselves in their own development and in the development of the community.   There are 17 Youth Clubs operating out of West Cork and 450 in the whole of Ireland. There are 70 Youth Development Projectswhich involves 40,000 young people in it's activities each year.  Kevin then called on Laura Power, Castletownbere and Katie O'Leary from Bere Island who individually explained their hopes and dreams for the Project and why they were keen to get involved.  Following the well eloquent speeches, singers Sinead O'Dwyer and Katríona Sullivan sang beautifully for the audience rounding off with the ABBA Remix.  Next it was the turn of dancers, Aisling O'Sullivan, Orla O'Connor, Stacey Cronin, Marie O'Sullivan and Lisa Harrington who moved brilliantly on stage.

Kevin called on Deccie Wiseman, a person who is actively involved in Community Groups and has been for a long time, who pointed out the importance of parent involvement in such projects.  They are imperative to their success and survival. 

Next to speak was Denis O'Brien, Area Manager of Foróige, who stated that he was delighted that the Project was finally getting off the ground.  He thanked Donal Kelly, Carmel Fitzgerald and the Community School for their help over the years.  Because of the geographic location of Beara, it was indeed very necessary that the youth of the area be helped in every way they could in developing their own skills.  They will be the driving force of the project and he pointed that they are our future.  With so much emphasis on Alcohol, Drugs and the dangers that goes with them, it is vital that our young people have an alternative and that their development is encouraged in the right way.  He would be working closely with Gwen O'Donovan and assisting her in every way possible.  He wished her the best of luck.  Projects like these are funded by the Cork County VEC and Barra O'Briain was next to speak.  He emphasised that while it took a while for the project to get passed, he was indeed elated that funding was now being made available for Beara.

Kevin thanked all the speakers and then called on Minister Joe Walsh to say a few words.  When Minister Walsh took over the podium, he immediately complimented Kevin on the excellent job he was doing as MC and this was echoed by Paddy Sheehan from the floor who had the banter that he may be an up and coming TD and Minister. He also re-iterated what the previous speakers said about the young speakers, dancers and singers and how wonderful they performed. Minister Walsh explained that he has had a personal interest in Foróige work down through the years and how they were helping to shape our young people.  He pointed out that young Irish People were leading the way in many industries all over the World at present and part of this can be attributed to the work of Foróige as well as the Educational establishments.   Thankfully our young people today are assertive and confident and so it should be.  He pledged continued support to the project and wished it every possible success for the future.