On Friday 17th October, Fórsa Youth held its Annual General Meeting (AGM). Young delegates from branches nationwide gathered at Nerney’s Court to commence the new committee term. 

The AGM focused on reviewing the past year’s progress, debating motions, and setting priorities for the year ahead. The meeting also saw the election of a new committee, representing young workers across Fórsa’s diverse membership. Among the main outcomes of the meeting was the agreement of a new Fórsa Youth Charter, which sets out the network’s guiding principles, goals, and commitments for the coming years.  

Newly elected Fórsa Youth Committee: (L-R) Niamh Cronin (Social Media officer), Brian Dooley (Vice-Chair), Hugh McInerney (Chair), Rachel Fennelly (Secretary), Áine Bullock (Recruitment officer), Bridget Moylan (PRO) and Fergal Twomey (Campaigns officer).

The election saw Hugh McInerney, Rachel Fennelly, Áine Bullock, and Fergal Twomey re-elected as chair, secretary, recruitment officer, and campaigns officer respectively. A motion was passed which saw the communications officer split into two roles: public relations officer (PRO), which will focus on internal communications and improving Fórsa Youth’s search engine optimisation (SEO), and social media officer, which will increase the network’s social media presence and output. Bridget Moylan was elected PRO, and Niamh Cronin was elected social media officer. Brian Dooley was elected vice-chair. 

The Youth Charter adopted at the AGM reaffirms Fórsa Youth’s role in empowering young workers, focusing on youth participation across Fórsa’s six divisions, building links with other trade unions, lobbying for better housing for young workers, and promoting fairness in the workplace.  

A number of motions were also proposed and debated. The motions passed included establishing Campaigns and Recruitment Working Groups, the establishment of an accessibility passport for disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent civil servants, and a motion mandating Fórsa Youth to lobby for more resources to ensure as many young voices are heard in as many places as possible.  

All in agreement, all motions passed on the day.

Fórsa Youth chair Hugh McInerney said: “We were absolutely delighted to see the level of engagement and enthusiasm from our members at the AGM. The unanimous passing of all motions proposed followed lengthy debate and discussion on each one. Likewise, the agreed Youth Charter underwent numerous edits before it passed. This is exactly what the committee wants; lively and informed discussion that leads to meaningful and purposeful action. This will be the cornerstone on which everything Fórsa Youth does this year will be built.” 

The newly elected committee pledged to continue strengthening youth participation within the union. Bridget Moylan, PRO, said “It was great to have so many engaged members join us in Nerney’s Court for the AGM. We are hoping to build on the momentum from last term and increase engagement. The new charter gives us a clear direction, and I’m excited for the year ahead!” 

The AGM closed with a renewed sense of energy and solidarity. The committee is determined to build on recent successes and ensure that Fórsa remains a union for all ages - active, inclusive, and forward-looking. 

Healthy debate as members discussed motions.

The next Fórsa Youth event is set for Thursday 4 December in Dublin, with more details to follow. Our first event of 2026 is due to take place in Galway on Thursday 22 January, followed by a meeting on Friday 23 January. 

Fórsa Youth will continue to provide opportunities for young members to become more active and engaged with the union’s mission. If you are interested in getting involved, email youthsec@forsa-rep.ie and follow @forsa.youth on Instagram.  

Fórsa Youth reps in attendance at the AGM 

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