Louth People Invited to 'Be The Arrow' By President Higgins

President Michael D. Higgins is inviting the people of Louth to join a national celebration of Gaisce – The President’s Award, which has empowered 649 young people locally in the past year alone.

Louth people of all ages are being encouraged to join the Be The Arrow: Gaisce 40th Anniversary Challenge, and take on a personal or group challenge during May.

An Post has also unveiled a special Gaisce 40 postmark, which will feature on all standard letters from An Post between 12th and 25th May.

Over half a million young people have participated in Gaisce since its inception in 1985, a sign of its lasting impact, with almost 27,000 Gaisce recipients awarded in 2024 alone, the highest number since the programme began.

‘Be The Arrow’ is inspired by President Higgins’ inaugural speech in 2011, where he urged young people to "be the arrow, not the target." Gaisce is calling on individuals, schools, workplaces, and communities to set a challenge, push themselves, and make a difference, just as thousands of young people across Ireland have done over the past four decades.

“As Patron of Gaisce, may I offer my best wishes to all those who will be participating in ‘Be the Arrow’ this May,” said President Higgins.

Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce – The President’s Award, says that for four decades, Gaisce has been dedicated to inspiring young people aged 14 to 25 to find purpose, set ambitious personal goals, push their limits, give back to their communities, and embrace adventure.

”We regularly hear from past Gaisce Awardees, and their message is clear – ‘Gaisce guided me at a time in my life when I needed it most’.

“Our ‘Be The Arrow’ challenge invites people of all ages to embrace that same spirit of adventure and achievement, not only to celebrate the impact of the past 40 years, but to help build momentum for the next 40 to ensure young people have every opportunity to fulfil their potential.”

President Higgins added:

“Society is strengthened when it supports a diversity of experiences and perspectives. The promotion of an inclusive society is one to which every person can make a valuable contribution.

“Achieving equality is not simply about opportunities for the individual; it is also about how we change our spaces and our systems to ensure they actively drive and encourage inclusion.”

Whether you missed out on doing Gaisce in school, or simply want to challenge yourself with purpose, Be The Arrow is the perfect fit.

Participants can choose from:

1. A Volunteering Challenge – Give back to a cause, support your community with a clean-up, or volunteer your time or expertise to a local charity.
2. A Physical Challenge – Walk, cycle, hike, swim or take on a fitness goal.
3. A Skills Challenge – Learn something new, from painting to public speaking, sign language to improving your Irish.

Everyone who takes part and completes their challenge will receive a commemorative digital Gaisce Challenge Certificate from President Higgins, celebrating their achievement as part of the 40th anniversary.

Anna McHugh, An Post Head of Corporate Communications, said:

“An Post is delighted to support Gaisce with this special postmark, which tells people across Ireland and the world of Gaisce’s 40th anniversary, bringing back happy memories to former Gaisce participants and encouraging more people to get involved this year."

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An Post staff across the country are also embracing the challenge, reflecting An Post’s ‘Making Better Happen’ commitment to communities.

Majella Killeen, from Galway and the very first Gaisce Gold Award recipient, reflects on the lifelong impact Gaisce had on her life:

“Reflecting 40 years on, I can honestly say that taking part in Gaisce had a life-long impact. I always recall the words of President Hillery back when I achieved my Gaisce Award, saying that one hour a week can make a huge difference to your life, and that’s definitely true for me. I feel very proud to be here today to mark Gaisce’s 40th anniversary and I encourage everyone to get involved in the special anniversary challenge.”

How to Get Involved

• Sign up now at www.bethearrow.ie
• Take on a personal challenge during May 2025
• Share your journey on social media using #BeTheArrow and tag @Gaisce
• Encourage friends, family, your community, or colleagues to join in!

Whether you're revisiting an opportunity you missed or setting yourself a new challenge, this is your chance to Be The Arrow!