A fifth-year student from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra has been named as one of just 20 teenagers from across Ireland to receive a prestigious Rotary Youth Leadership Development certificate.

Tommy O’Connor, a resident of Rathmore, was presented with the award at Europe House in Dublin following a competition that has been run by Rotary Ireland for over three decades. The programme rewards young people who show clear leadership potential through their community work and extra-curricular activities.
As part of his prize, Tommy took part in an all-expenses-paid trip to Belfast, Dublin, and Strasbourg. The itinerary included a tour of Stormont, visits to the Dáil and Seanad, and a private tour of the European Court of Human Rights. The highlight of the journey was a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where the group was welcomed by President Roberta Metsola and participated in "Euroscola," a simulation of how MEPs debate and vote on EU policy.
Tommy is already a well-known figure in local community circles. He is an active member of Kerry Comhairle na nÓg and the youth branch of the Rathmore Social Action Group, where he assists with local gardening, painting projects, and visiting the Rathmore Day Care Centre. He has also been a central figure in local fundraising efforts for those affected by conflict in Gaza, Ukraine, and Somalia.
A talented performer, Tommy has been a member of the Killarney Musical Society for four years, appearing in local productions of Evita and All Shook Up.
Tommy said the week provided a unique insight into how politics affects daily life. "I have learned so much about the functions of each parliament, but I also learned more about myself as a person," he said. "The highlight for me was meeting fellow teenagers from all over the island and making what I believe will be lifelong friends."