Mayor Of Clare Pays Tribute To Youth Service Visionary

Commenting on Fr. Sean Sexton’s contribution to the development of the service, Councillor Madeleine Taylor-Quinn, Mayor of Clare said, ‘In 1969, the then Bishop of Killaloe Michael Harty decided to establish a youth service in Clare. This was subsequently continued and supported by the current Bishop Willie Walsh. The Church filled a void that the Government of the time had failed to redress. Fortunately for both Bishops Fr. Sean Sexton was the outstanding man for the job, and they were lucky to have someone of his calibre to undertake this daunting task.’

Mayor Taylor-Quinn continued, ‘Fr. Sean undertook the establishment of a Youth Service in Clare with focus, determination, diligence and foresight. His visionary work from a green field situation has resulted in the development of a Youth Service that is second to none’.

There are 50 full and part time employees, 300 specially trained volunteers, and 2,500 people currently participating in the service. A further 15,000 people have benefited from the many supports provided through the service since its establishment in the late 1960s.

According to the Mayor, ‘In paying tribute to Fr. Sean Sexton it must be remembered that his work shone light into the lives of many young people, provided hope and opportunity where there was none, and enabled people to advance and progress in life with confidence and self worth.’

She continued, ‘Fr. Sean Sexton is highly regarded and respected not alone throughout this county but across the country. Nationally he is regarded as the expert on youth services and he has served on all national advisory bodies and policy-making groups. He remains the only member to serve on all advisory groups.’

‘On behalf of the people of Clare, I thank him for his major contribution to the youth and communities of this county and salute him for his outstanding contribution to his native Clare’, concluded Mayor Taylor-Quinn.

The Clare Youth Service is the co-ordinating body for Youth Services in County Clare. It has changed and developed since its humble beginnings in 1969 and today the umbrella organisation includes the Ennis Youth Centre (1980), Community and Youth Education Community Training Workshops (1983) and Youth Information Bureau (1985).

It is linked by affiliation to Youth Work Ireland (Formerly The National Youth Federation) and by contract to FÁS through the Community Training Centres.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Mayor of Clare Councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn (087-2402341) is available for interview.
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900