Mid
Louth Youth Service proudly held its 5th Annual Pride celebration at Dee Hub in Ardee, marking a significant milestone in rural LGBTQ+ visibility and community inclusion. The event brought together young people, families, allies, and supporters for a vibrant day of music, food, workshops, and celebration.
Mid Louth Youth Service says this year’s Pride was made possible thanks to the generous support of Ardee Municipal Council, whose funding enabled the event to take place. A vital community partner, Ardee Welcomes, a local volunteer group committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, organised a fundraiser and donated the proceeds to support the event. Further financial contributions and essential items for attendees’ gift bags were kindly provided by Outcomers Dundalk.
Live music was performed by The New Fellas, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. Food was provided by Joe’s Deli and Fire Box Pizza, while marquee support was generously donated by Jim Tenanty and Dundalk Youth Centre.
Workshops formed a key part of the event, offering young attendees opportunities for creativity, empowerment, and reflection. These were led by Maria Treanor of The Mystic Fox and Laura Metcalfe of Moo Movement, both of whom hosted well-attended and engaging sessions. Thomas Metcalfe likewise captivated the audience with a dazzling display of masterful juggling artistry.
A highlight of the day was the community raffle, made possible by generous donations from local businesses and individuals. Prizes were kindly donated by: Marks Pharmacy, Mascot, OMG Store, O’Brien’s, Life Pharmacy, Bean & Scoop, Muldoon’s, The Barber Brothers, Brew 22 Ardee, Chop Shop Ardee, The Mystic Fox, O’Neill’s Menswear, Apache Ardee, Lavish Locks by Lyndsey, Sharkey Sports, Studio 9 Tanning, Ardee Pet Supplies, O’Flynn’s Pharmacy, McGoey’s Pharmacy, along with several private donors.
Mid Louth Youth Service said that while colourful and celebratory, Mid Louth Pride serves a deeper and vital purpose. In rural areas, where social conservatism and isolation often prevail, LGBTQ+ young people can feel marginalised or invisible. Events like this challenge those narratives and send a powerful message: that diversity is not just accepted—it is valued and celebrated.
Above: Francis Watters and Rorie Ball of 'The New Fellas' performing at Mid-Louth Youth Service's PRIDE 2025 event at Dee Hub, Ardee.
“Hosting a Pride event in a rural youth service setting is a powerful and necessary act of inclusion, visibility, and support for LGBTQ+ young people,” said Beth Carragher of Mid Louth Youth Service. “It provides a rare and affirming space where young people can be themselves without fear of judgement or discrimination.”
“Such events do more than celebrate identity—they build community,” she continued. “They allow LGBTQ+ youth and their allies to connect, share experiences, and find solidarity. This is especially crucial in rural areas, where access to LGBTQ+-specific resources and support networks is often limited.”
Mid Louth Youth Service says that organising events like Pride also contributes to youth development, building essential skills such as leadership, civic engagement, and advocacy. It empowers young people to become agents of change within their own communities.
LGBTQ+ youth are recognised as a priority group by youth services due to the unique challenges they face, including: higher rates of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression; bullying and social isolation, particularly in schools and rural areas; family rejection and, in some cases, homelessness; barriers to inclusive education and healthcare; a lack of safe, affirming spaces.
By centering LGBTQ+ youth in its programmes, Mid Louth Youth Service says it is actively responding to these inequalities and working to build a more equitable and supportive environment for all young people.
It adds that Mid Louth Pride is a testament to the strength, resilience, and inclusivity of rural communities. It stands as a clear demonstration that every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and proud of who they are—no matter where they live.
