A student nurse from Co. Tipperary, Sinead Kelly explains what it is about the Youth 2000 Festival in Clonmacnois that keeps drawing her back

Last Sunday afternoon I sat on a Galway-bound bus which was packed full of teenagers. Feeling tired after the weekend's excitement, I listened carefully to the conversations of those around me as they recounted all that occurred throughout the weekend in Clonmacnois.

Curiously though, these young people discussed topics which are rarely considered among my peers. ''What did you think of what the priest said?'', ''Did you go to confession on Saturday night'' and ''Who did you meet in your share-group?''. These were some of the questions which they asked each other as they pondered aloud all that happened during Youth 2000's annual summer festival.

Second time

This was my second time attending this event. I had been a participant at the previous year's festival. I attended with a friend having no expectations but just a curiosity for something new. I was surprised and delighted with what I found - a four-day event with great music, talks, Eucharistic Adoration, celebration of Mass and confession, along with games, camping and chats until the wee hours of the morning.

Being so uplifted by my experience of last year's Youth 2000 Summer Festival, I was eager to attend again in 2010. This time things had changed for me. I was no longer happy to simply be there; I wanted to help and assist in the wonderful work being carried out by Youth 2000 and I decided to volunteer to work in first aid throughout the days of the festival.

The 2010 Festival in Clonmacnois followed a similar format to that of the previous year. The four-day event kicked off on Thursday night with highly entertaining and hilarious comedy-sketches which were performed by other volunteers. All the young participants were welcomed enthusiastically and we were given the same warm welcome which I experienced the preceding year.

Once all were welcomed and everyone had settled in, the festival began with the celebration of Holy Mass. Mass took place everyday of Youth 2000's event at Clonmacnois and we, the young participants, were really encouraged to place the Eucharist in the centre of our lives. Each of the Masses at the festival were celebrated with great reverence and the lively music provided by Elation helped us all to pray and enter into the what was happening before us on the altar.

During the weekend we were treated to engaging workshops on the Church's teaching on the Blessed Sacrament, Confession and we were given great encouragement and direction on how to live the ''good life'' - one of cheerful commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church. The main talks were given by Fr Larry Richards, a straight-talking and merry American priest who explained the Catholic faith with clarity and humour. It is clear that Youth 2000 events, which facilitate an honest presentation of the Faith, attracts and fascinates young people.

Encouraged

There were many more events which we were invited to attend. These included talks given by David Quinn of the Iona Institute and Dr John Sheehan of the Mater Hospital. Of course we were all also encouraged to visit the historic site of the Clonmacnois Monastery and tours were provided.

In addition to all the workshops and presentations, there was a concert given by Elation along with loads of fun and games in the fresh country air of Clonmacnois. The entire festival was an unmissable opportunity to form great new friendships, learn about our Catholic faith and deepen our relationship with Christ.

Sitting on that bus as I returned home, I was lonely for the great friends which I had made over the weekend. More than that though, I was full of joy as the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnois is a joy-filled place, particularly in mid-August when Youth 2000 host their summer festival. During these days young Irish people share the Faith with their peers and help to bring them closer to Christ. For me it is like a mini World Youth Day and I'm sure that next year I will be joined by many more volunteers who, like me, were inspired to join in the work of Youth 2000. This work is vital, for it leads youth to the heart of the Church!