One of the newest editions to the YouthBank network is Kilkenny YouthBank

Many of Kilkenny’s members first met at the YouthBank showcase in Dublin, where they gained a better understanding of the YouthBank network from meeting members of other groups.
Following the showcase Kilkenny YouthBank began a series of workshops and fun activities as part of their training at Kilfinane. The training stage was a great success, as members had the chance to get to know each other and find out what to expect from their time in the group.
Reflecting on the training stage, Ian Heaney from Kilkenny YouthBank said, “The training was a fantastic experience as I was able to ask questions about the YouthBank process and get involved in the training activities. We were informed about how the YouthBank had to be run, and the workshops were great preparation for the stages of the process we would have to deal with in the future.”
After training Kilkenny YouthBank set about meeting and reviewing their first grant applicants. The group interviewed those who had applied for grants and they ranged from sporting teams, youth groups to bands. After meeting the applicants, the group found deciding who should get the grants a difficult task.
“The most challenging part of the process so far has been deciding which applicants to give grants to. There were disagreements within the group, but we managed to work through these by discussing our various opinions. We are now at the exciting stage of handing over the grant money to the successful applicants,” said Claire Bambrick of Kilkenny YouthBank.
The group are now looking forward to organising a presentation ceremony for the successful applicants. They are also trying to raise the profile of YouthBank by asking the groups who were given grants to display the YouthBank logo at events they may be holding in the future. Kilkenny YouthBank is now hoping to build on the success of their first year by providing other worthwhile groups with grants in the coming years.