Gormanstown

The Pioneer Youth Weekend is an annual event for Young Pioneers aged 12 - 18 and is a long standing event on the Young Pioneer Calendar. This year's gathering, held at the start of July, was a return to its roots, with Gormanstown College, site of the first weekend in 1988 playing host to the 50 young participants who attended for a weekend of activities, reflection, and, of course, fun.

The event was a mixture of interesting and informative talks and sporting and recreational activities, and included prayer events and Mass at which the youngsters assisted in the celebration. In addition to the young people, a team of about 15 group leader Pioneers, all in their 20s and older, Pioneers who support the event or accompany some of the youth groups, were present. Participants were drawn from counties Down, Cavan, Kildare, Laois, Mayo, Limerick, Cork, Westmeath and Meath.

During the weekend, the group was also addressed by Fr Bernard McGuckian SJ (Spiritual Director of the Pioneers) and three young Pioneers who discussed their positive experiences of being Pioneers and what it means to be a member of the association.

The weekend was organised by the Meath Diocesan Pioneers - the organising committee consisted of younger members holding committee positions with the support of the 'more established members'.

For more information on the Pioneers and the Pioneer Weekend visit www.pioneerassociation.ie www.bebo.com/pioneer_weekend or www.facebook.com (search for 'Pioneers - Ireland')