Young Creatives Shine at Face Off Events in Cavan and Monaghan
Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) celebrated the creativity, skills, and achievements of young people across Cavan and Monaghan this July, with two end-of-year events marking the success of the Face Off programme – one of three PEACEPLUS-funded programmes delivered under CMETB’s Journeys Programme.
Funded by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), Journeys is a four-year cross-border youth initiative aimed at empowering young people aged 16-24 to develop skills, increase employability, and build positive relationships across diverse communities. Face Off, the creative strand of the programme, uses the arts to foster self-expression, personal growth, and cross-community connection.
On 10 July, the Monaghan Face Off team hosted the Face Off Festival at Monaghan Peace Campus, celebrating the completion of the first year of the Journeys Programme. The event introduced the programme to the wider community while showcasing activities that may feature in the coming year.
A range of creative stations offered participants and guests opportunities to explore visual arts, creative writing, brain games, henna tattoos, and more. The day also featured lively dance and drama performances, along with presentations of projects developed by participants over the last year.
The Monaghan group’s main focus this year was the Show & Tell project, which collects anonymous stories from young people on themes of mental health and resilience. Selected stories were reimagined and performed through theatre, video, music, and movement, with plans to expand the project throughout the programme’s four-year span.
Other highlights include a community football match between the boys of Mullaghmatt and Monaghan Gardaí, held on 21 May, with hopes to re-establish regular community games in the future.
On 17 July, Johnston Central Library in Cavan hosted the Face Off Showcase, celebrating the creative achievements of participants and marking the close of this year’s programme.
Guests were welcomed with homemade treats prepared by the young people, setting a warm and inviting atmosphere. Attendees were also invited to take hand-crafted envelopes containing personalised, uplifting messages designed to spark connection and reflection.
The event featured a captivating harp and vocal performance by two sisters, followed by moving personal testimonials, original poetry, and a vibrant display of participant artwork.
Audience members, including parents, stakeholders, and representatives from community organisations praised the dedication, creativity, and personal growth demonstrated by the participants.
The Face Off team would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of the Peace Campus and Johnston Central Library, parents and guardians of participants, CMETB Youth Services, and all who attended the events.
Recruitment is now open for the next Face Off programme, running for six months and open to new participants aged 16 to 24. If you’re ready to explore your creativity and personal growth in a supportive and inspiring environment, we invite you to get involved. For more information, please contact the CMETB Journeys team at youthwork@cmetb.ie.
Face Off Cavan team and participants at Johnston Central Library.
Crocheted animals made by Face Off participant on display in Johnston Central Library.
Puppet crafted by Face Off participant on display at Johnston Central Library.
Monaghan Youth Theatre performance at the Peace Campus, Monaghan.
