Scouting Ireland

At the 43rd World Scout Conference, Scouting Ireland's Dr Máire Fitzgerald was awarded Bronze Wolf. Máire is the youngest ever recipient of the Bronze Wolf which is the highest award in world scouting, and the 6th Irish recipient. Máire Fitzgerald has been a Scout since 1998 with 109th Cork Ballinora and in 2011 became involved at the international level as a member of the Programme team for the World Scout Jamboree in 2011. Currently, she is the Chairperson of Lee Valley Scout County and Scouting Ireland's International Commissioner. At the Regional level, Máire supported Rover Scouting between 2012 and 2019 through the European Region Agoras and contributed to the programme of successive editions of Roverway, the European Scout Region’s flagship youth event. She coordinated the development of the Regional Plan for 2019-2022, led the development of new rules of procedure for the European Scout Conference, innovated the volunteer recruitment and management process of the Region and served as the content manager of the Region’s Scout & Guide Academy. She currently continues to serve as the Coordinator for Innovation in the European Region’s Operational Framework. At the World level, Máire was a Youth Advisor to the World Scout Committee (WSC) between 2014 and 2017, leading the unit on working methods and delivering a set of mechanics for clear evaluation, continuous improvement, transparency, and accountability in the WSC that have since been implemented in Regional Committees and NSO National Boards. In the last triennium, Máire led the Task Force that conceptualised the merger of the World Scout Youth Forum and the World Scout Conference, facilitating the development of a more inclusive and accessible event showcasing youth engagement. She continues to serve as a WOSM Consultant in Good Governance and Youth Engagement until today, supporting NSOs with her expertise and insight. For her innovative service, advocacy and contribution to Scouting, she is a role model for her generation and a worthy recipient of the Bronze Wolf Award! World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM)

Scouting Ireland is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Sheehan ACCA MBA as CEO of the organisation. Sean has taken up his new role this month and will take over from Interim-CEO Joe Marken. Sean had a 35 year career as a banking and financial services executive, holding many senior positions in Bank of Ireland Group across Ireland and the United Kingdom. Sean's career to date reflects his personal attributes of taking accountability, high performance and delivery focus and always led by strong values and beliefs. Throughout his career, family and community have always come first. Sean has had the opportunity to influence and engage youth, both as a coach and mentor across multiple youth entities including Group Leader in Scouting Ireland, GAA, Hockey Ireland, Young Enterprise, etc. Sean is married to Anne-Marie and they have three girls, Cara, Beth and Katie. Sean has a deep passion and energy for youth, the outdoors and nature. Welcoming Sean Sheehan's appointment, Paul Mannion Chairperson of Scouting Ireland said; "On behalf of the board, the executive and the volunteer teams I am welcoming Sean Sheehan back to scouting, working this time in a professional capacity as CEO in our message to members this afternoon. The board and the SMT will work with Sean to understand our journey to date and use his considerable experience to move us forward as we renew our strategy in the coming year." Watch the welcome message from Sean Sheehan, CEO of Scouting Ireland here: https://lnkd.in/enyyRfBi

Scouting Ireland is looking for applications for Board of Director Casual Vacancy positions. This is an important opportunity to contribute to the leadership of Scouting Ireland. Due to an insufficient number of candidates putting their names forward for the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), we will have casual vacancy positions open on our Board. This is your chance to help guide and shape the future of our organisation. What is a Casual Vacancy? A casual vacancy occurs when a Board Member steps down or when a position remains unfilled after an election. These vacancies need to be filled to ensure the effective governance of Scouting Ireland. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive Board and strongly encourage applications from members of all backgrounds. Your involvement is crucial to ensure the continued success and vibrancy of our organisation. The process will begin post-AGM (after 14th September). Please complete this form: https://lnkd.in/em4Kv4dS

Minister Roderic O'Gorman is inviting expressions of interest to chair the Young Ireland Advisory Council. If you wish to express your interest in this role, be sure to submit your application soon. The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest is 15 July 2024 at 3pm. See http://gov.ie/youngireland for more details. Details of the role are here: https://lnkd.in/ezVu8KCK

After 9-years at the helm, I recently stepped down as Group Boatmaster (volunteer) at Malahide Sea Scouts. It has been an incredible journey, supporting a team of 120 dedicated volunteers who have successfully delivered a safe and impactful water-activities programme to 3,500 juniors each year for the past decade.   We have achieved significant growth and transformed into one of Ireland's largest and award-winning watersports centres, with a proudly earned accreditation as an Irish Sailing Training Centre. Opportunities for youth development and youth leadership has been at the core of everything we do and it has been very rewarding to witness the next generation of competent and influential leaders on the water. I step down to make way for this next generation of leaders. I am now excited to channel my passion and expertise towards Scouting Ireland as Team Lead (volunteer) for the sailing programme, where I look forward to contributing to the growth and development of the 50,000 members nationwide. https://lnkd.in/es5gwh-2 #Volunteer #YouthDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment

We were delighted to attend a reception to honour the first 11 participants from Ireland on the Japanese Government’s Ship for World Youth Program, who recently returned from their trip to Japan. 🇯🇵 Among the participants was Lydia Keating from Waterford, who is now embarking on her Gaisce Gold Award as part of our Dual Award partnership with Scouting Ireland. Best of luck with your Award Lydia! 👏 Gaisce CEO Avril Ryan joined Edel McCarthy from Scouting Ireland, Lydia Keating and H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland at the event. #GaisceAward #YourWayYourAward #YouthDevelopment #YouthAward #DualAward