News January 20th, 2026

Portlaoise student, Runner up in National Lions Club Youth Ambassador Award 2026

National Lions Club Youth Ambassador Award 2026 sees Portlaoise student finish Runner up

The Youth Ambassador competition is an annual event run by Lions Clubs Ireland. This competition acknowledges and awards young people between 15 – 19 yrs for their community involvement, their leadership skills and speaking ability. Each year local clubs run their own preliminary rounds to select their local Youth Ambassador.

Lions Club Ireland District 133 Young Ambassador National Awards Final in Portlaoise : Group of participants in the final including James Doyle , a student at St.Mary’s CBS Portlaoise- with Stephanie Keating ( District Young Ambassador Officer – Lions Club ) and Marion McGreevy (District Governor). Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee .

This year Portlaoise Lions Club were delighted to nominate James Doyle, a 5th-year student from St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise. The National Final took place on Saturday 17th January in the Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise.

Lions Club Ireland District 133 Young Ambassador National Awards Final in Portlaoise : Kevin and Mary Doyle with their son, James Doyle , a student at St.Mary’s CBS Portlaoise, Runner-up in the Young Ambassador Final – Sean Cruise ( President , Portlaoise Lions Club ) and Stephanie Keating ( District Young Ambassador Officer – Lions Club ). Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee .

During this event each Youth Ambassador underwent in depth interviews and made presentations to showcase their Community and voluntary Work. The overall winner of this National Competition received a bursary towards their community project, a trophy and will now represent Ireland in the European Final in Karlsruhe, Germany in October 2026.

Lions Club Ireland District 133 Young Ambassador National Awards Final in Portlaoise : James Doyle , a student at St.Mary’s CBS Portlaoise, accepts his Runner-up certificate from Stephanie Keating ( District Young Ambassador Officer – Lions Club ). Included in picture are: Portlaoise Lions Club members – Mary O’Riordan, Maire Ni Riordain (local coordinator), Marion McGreevy (District Governor), Sean Cruise (President of Portlaoise Lions Club), Orlagh Mahon and Richard Mc Sweeney( Portlaois Lions Club). Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee .

The Runner up and third-prize winners now have the opportunity to participate in the European Youth Exchange Programme. Portlaoise Lions Club extend huge congratulations to James, the National Runner up in this Prestigious Competition. We wish him well as he prepares for the European Youth Exchange.