Cannon hopes Philadelphia’s Foróige foundation will be first of many in US

Minister for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciaran Cannon, will be launching the first branch of Foróige in Philadelphia next week.

Minister Cannon said he hopes it will be the first of many of the clubs in the US.

Minister Cannon said: “Originally founded in 1952 under the name ‘Macra na Tuaithe’, the youth branch of Macra na Feirme, Foróige is Ireland’s most successful youth organisation and believes that each person has an important contribution in making the world around them a better place.

“Foróige takes its name from ‘Forbairt na hÓige, or ‘the development of youth’ and this is appropriate in the context of the establishment of a branch of the organisation in Philadelphia as it represents a further development of ties between America and Ireland and between the young people of both nations.

“At the time of the organisation’s foundation nearly 70 years ago, most people only went to school until they were 14 and then either stayed at home or emigrated to the US or UK.

“Foróige brought out the civic spirit in young people and bridged the gap that often existed between the rural and urban divide in Ireland.

“Now we are further bridging the gap we call the Atlantic Ocean. This will become a new means of sharing a common bond between our two countries and will strengthen the next generation of Irish Americans across the US.

“I hope it will not only serve as a future template to be taken up by other Irish-American communities, but will also perhaps lead to many visits between our countries by members of the organisation to further cement our cultural bonds.”

ENDS