Diocesan Youth Councils exist to promote the spiritual, social, educational and recreational aspects of life of the Church of Ireland youth of the the area.

Their vision is to enable young people in their spiritual Christian journey through bringing the youth of parishes together in worship, social events and fun They organise many youth events throughout the United Diocese.

There are three different Youth Councils in the Diocese: Laois, Ferns and Kilkenny/Carlow. Each Council is formed of a committee drawn from various local parishes and they work very hard to ensure there are lots of youth based Church activity for thosefrom 11years up. They meet regularly to plan and organise ideas, strategies and events.

They organise both Under 18 and over 18 events so that all ages are catered for up to the age of around 26.

Laois CiYC is one of the oldest, most established and respected Youth Councils in Ireland. LCiYC includes the parishes of Abbeyleix, Rathdowney, Portlaoise,Stradbally,Castletown/Mayo, Mountmellick and Mountrath. Its committee of 24 teenagers and young adults represent all the parishes in County Laois and meet regularly to bring ideas together to make things happen. There is everything from water polo, overnight sleepovers, day trips, junior and over 18 discos and of course the Harvest ball when over 300 young people come each year to socialise, meet, eat, dance and enjoy themselves!

Laois CiYC has its own Web site www.lciyc.cashel.anglican.org and any enquiries can be e-mailed by clicking the link below

Ferns Youth Council has recently been reformed and has a strong committee of some 20 teenagers and young adults. They represent the Co Wexford Parishes of Bunclody, Gorey, Ardamine, Ferns, Enniscorthy, Clonroche, Wexford and New Ross. They have comprehensive pattern of activity such as Trips to Oakwood Adventure Centre in Wales, Fancy dress Table Quizzes, Fun Days, Sports Days, under 18 discos and of course worship.

In the recent times Kilkenny Carlow Youth Council has been relatively inactive but plans are well underway to build up the Youth Council again from January. Kilkenny Carlow CIYC includes the parishes of Kilkenny, Carlow, Kells, Bagenalstown Leighlin, Tullow, Kiltegan and Baltinglass. However in the Kilkenny area there is an exciting new Youth venture with Regenerate which you can find out more about by clicking here

Regenerate Web site

Please visit the Laois CiYC web site to check events that will be happening in the near future.

A prayer for the Youth Councils