Irish Jesuits Student Leadership Conference

The Irish Jesuits Student Leadership Conference took place on Tuesday 21 October 2025 in Tullamore, Co Offaly. Belvedere College, Clongowes Wood College, Gonzaga College, Coláiste Iognáid and Crescent College Comprehensive all participated in the event.

The highlight of the day was hearing from keynote speaker, Clongowes Wood College past pupil, Jack Kavanagh who was paralysed after suffering an injury when he dived into shallow water. Jack spoke about the initial despair he felt after the accident “For some time I asked ‘why me?’ but then I asked ‘why not me?’” Listen to the interview above.

Jack now has his own business, and gives talks on motivation, and mental well being and sports, all around the world.

Jonathan Tiernan, Education Delegate, conducted the interview. It was recorded by Ruth Douglas of the Jesuit Education Desk who organised the day long event.

Throughout the day Students had the opportunity to engage with peers from the Jesuit network. They also attended workshops hosted by Foróige focusing on values and decision making, effective communication, goal setting, and student council leadership.