After two successful events to kick off 2025, Fórsa Youth is planning a table quiz on Thursday, 20th March to raise funds for Stop the Wall. Stop the Wall is a grassroots Palestinian campaign that has been organising resistance against the apartheid wall since its construction in 2002. 

Fórsa Youth held a highly successful information night titled "What the Fórsa" on Thursday, 30th January. Held at Fórsa HQ, the event brought together members from across the civil and public service, offering them a unique opportunity to learn more about unions, their role, and the various ways to get involved with the union’s activities. 

The evening featured an insightful panel consisting of Fiona Dunne, director of training, Michael Kerrigan, assistant general secretary and Fórsa Youth’s own recruitment officer, Aine Bullock.  

The panel shared their expertise on what a union is, how unions help workers, and the importance of attracting more members to strengthen the movement. The event was chaired by Fórsa Youth chair, Hugh McInerney, who guided the discussions and facilitated questions from the audience. 

What the Fórsa event, L-R Hugh McInerney (Fórsa Youth chair), Aine Bullock (Fórsa Youth recruitment officer), Michael Kerrigan, (Fórsa Youth assistant general secretary), and Fiona Dunne ( Fórsa director membership, training and development)

The following day, Friday 31st January, saw Fórsa Youth’s first network meeting of 2025. The committee outlined its plans for the year and were delighted with the ideas and engagement of all those who attended.  

The meeting concluded with a vote on the campaigns to prioritise, with members selecting political issues such as the housing crisis, outsourcing, underfunding of public services, and a low-pay campaign. These campaigns are set to guide Fórsa Youth’s advocacy efforts throughout 2025, with a strong focus on improving the lives of workers across Ireland. 

Fórsa Youth’s network meeting, L-R Rachel Fennelly (Fórsa Youth secretary) and Hugh McInerney (Fórsa Youth chair). 

As 2025 progresses, Fórsa Youth will continue to provide opportunities for members to become more active and engaged with the union’s mission. If you are interested in getting involved, email forsayncsecretary@forsa-rep.ie.   

The next Fórsa Youth event is a table quiz in aid of Stop the Wall on Thursday, 20th March in Fórsa HQ, with more details to follow. Stop the Wall is a grassroots organisation campaigning against the separation barrier built by Israel along the Green Line and inside parts of the West Bank. The next meeting is planned for Friday, 11th April in Galway.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.