Carmel Walsh Elected President of the National Youth Council of Ireland 

We are incredibly proud to share that our own Carmel Walsh, Director of Youth Services here at Belong To, has been elected as the new President of the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI). 

The announcement was made following the NYCI Annual General Meeting, where Carmel was elected to lead the board after serving as Vice President last year. With three years on the NYCI board and fifteen years of frontline experience, she brings a powerful blend of practical knowledge and strategic vision to the role at a critical time for the sector. 

In nominating her for the presidency, Belong To CEO Kieran O’Donovan highlighted exactly why Carmel is the leader the sector needs right now: 

“Carmel is not someone who just talks about the youth sector from a distance – she lives it. She knows the daily realities, the intense pressures, and the funding struggles facing every single organisation. Our sector needs fierce advocacy and steady leadership right now. Carmel brings both.” 

Launched at the AGM, the NYCI Annual Report 2025, highlighted both the massive impact of the sector – engaging nearly 5,700 youth workers, volunteers, and young people across 340+ events – and the growing challenges it faces, including rising costs and staffing pressures. 

As President, Carmel will lead the NYCI Board in providing strategic oversight and amplifying the collective voice of youth organisations across the country at a time when young people are facing increasingly complex challenges.  

Speaking on her election, Carmel shared her vision for the road ahead: 

“I am honoured to step into the role of President at NYCI. I genuinely believe in the collective power of our sector. We are at our best when we stand together and speak with one united voice. My focus will be on working tirelessly to protect, support, and elevate every member organisation, ensuring that no young person, and no community, is left behind.” 

We want to extend our warmest congratulations to Carmel, to the newly elected board members, and a massive thank you to outgoing President Denis O’Brien for his years of dedicated service. 

To read more, visit NYCI https://www.youth.ie/articles/nyci-announces-new-president-and-board-and-publishes-annual-report-2025/