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Kerry: 565 young people unemployed for six months or more

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THE National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) has highlighted concerns at the number of young people across county Kerry who are unemployed for six months or more. New data from the Department of Social Protection show that the number of young people under 26 in Kerry in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance or Benefit for six months or more is 565.

The NYCI, whose members work with over 380,000 young people nationwide, expressed concern at the figures. James Doorley, NYCI deputy director, said: “We are concerned at the number of young people who are unemployed in Kerry, particularly those unemployed for six months or more. This disappointing figure is mirrored at the national level, where we have over 11,711 young people long-term unemployed.

“The EU Youth Guarantee Programme guarantees a work, education or training opportunity to any young person unemployed for four months or more. In 2013, the Government committed to the implementation of the Youth Guarantee in Ireland. Yet four years on, despite the improving economy and labour market, we still have too many young people out of work,” explained Mr Doorley.

The NYCI is calling on Government to develop an action plan under this scheme in order to reduce the number of young long term unemployed to 5,000 - more than halving long term youth unemployment by the end of 2018. “It is vital we support young jobseekers into education, training and work experience and prevent the drift into long-term joblessness. This will require a renewed focus on the implementation of the Youth Guarantee and the provision of additional education and training places,” said Mr Doorley.

He added: “We recommend an additional investment of €47.4m in Budget 2018 to reduce the number of young people long term unemployed by the end of 2018. This is the gross cost, as this investment would lead to reduced social welfare payments as more young people move into employment - saving €33.4m per annum. While the net financial cost would be €15m, the social, economic and community benefit of having over 6,000 more young people in gainful employment is incalculable.
“As the economy recovers we should be much more ambitious in tackling long term unemployment in particular among young people. Our proposals are achievable and we look forward to engaging with the new Taoiseach on this issue in the coming weeks,” concluded Mr Doorley.
 


 
Above: James Doorley.

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Angland family celebrate Munster Fleadh triumph

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Angland family celebrate Munster Fleadh triumph


Glenflesk CCE and the local traditional music community are celebrating a major haul of silverware following the Angland family’s outstanding performances at the Munster Fleadh Cheoil in Lismore, County Waterford.


Siblings Colleen, Olivia, Seán, and Grace Angland earned a impressive collection of provincial titles, podium finishes, and All-Ireland qualification spots across multiple music, singing, and dancing disciplines.
Seán Angland delivered a stellar run in the 12-15 category, taking first place in the Melodeon alongside second-place finishes in Piano, Accompaniment, and Mouth Organ. He also secured second place in both the Duet and Trio competitions alongside his sister Olivia and Aoife Hobbert of Lixnaw CCE.
Olivia Angland added to the family success with third-place finishes in both the 12-15 Fiddle and Lilting competitions. She also excelled on the dance floor, winning first place in the 12-15 Mixed Set Dance and third in the Ladies Set Dance with Killarney CCE.
In the 15-18 age group, Colleen Angland secured double silver with second-place finishes in both the Flute Slow Airs and Whistle Slow Airs. Colleen, Olivia, and Seán also joined forces as members of the Cork-based Baile Átha an Spidéil Grúpaí Ceoil (15-18) to take third place in a competitive field.
Meanwhile, Grace Angland earned second place with the An Ríocht Senior Grúpaí Ceoil. The achievement sees Grace return to the All-Ireland stage in Belfast, following her national title win in Senior Piano at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann last year.

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Local musicians and dancers head for Belfast All-Ireland Fleadh

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Local musicians and dancers head for Belfast All-Ireland Fleadh

Musicians, singers, and dancers from both the Killarney and Kilcummin branches of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann are heading to Belfast this weekend for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann following major success at the Munster Fleadh in Lismore, County Waterford.


The All-Ireland competition runs from August 2 to August 9, with competitors from across the two local parishes travelling north to compete on the national stage.
Kilcummin CCÉ enjoyed an outstanding provincial tournament across music, language, and dancing. Eoin Foley claimed a Munster title in the 15 to 18 Button Accordion, while Micheál Healy took gold in the Over 18 Melodeon alongside a third-place finish in the button accordion. Brynn McCarthy secured her spot in Belfast after qualifying in Comhrá Gaeilge for 9 to 11 age group, while also picking up third place in Under 12 English Singing.
Dancers from the Moriarty School of Dancing dominated the set dancing competitions in Lismore, winning five Munster titles across Under 12 Ladies, Under 12 Mixed, Under 18 Ladies, Over 18 Mixed, and Over 35 Ladies. These five sets now join four previously qualified Kilcummin sets—the Over 18 Mixed, Ladies, and Half sets, along with the Over 35 Mixed—bringing a total of nine set dancing teams from the parish to the Belfast finals under trainers Adrian, John, and Mary Moriarty.
Killarney CCÉ members also celebrated a highly successful provincial championship, securing a haul of Munster titles and top-three qualification spots across various music, singing, dancing, and Irish language categories.

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