CMETB News

The Department of Education and Youth launch Youth Night (Oíche na hÓige) with €450,000 Support Fund

Oíche na hÓige 2025: National Youth Night to Celebrate Young People and Youth Work across Ireland

The Department of Education and Youth launch Oíche na hÓige 2025 with €450,000 Support Fund.

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB), along with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland, is joining forces with the Department of Education and Youth, the National Youth Council of Ireland, and a range of independent youth organisations to pilot Oíche na hÓige / Youth Night 2025 on Friday, 21 November 2025.

Oíche na hÓige aims to shine a national spotlight on the creativity, energy and impact of youth work in every community, from local villages to busy towns, celebrating the programmes, projects and people that make youth work such a vital part of community life.

Through events, performances, exhibitions, open days and youth-led activities, Oíche na hÓige will showcase the talent and leadership of young people, while recognising the invaluable contribution of youth workers and volunteers who support them.

To encourage participation across the country, the Department of Education and Youth has announced a €450,000 national grant scheme to help youth clubs and services host Oíche na hÓige events.

Funding will be distributed through local ETBs, with grants available as follows:

  • Up to €500 for youth clubs funded under the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme
  • Up to €1,200 for youth services funded under UBU Your Place Your Space

Applications can be submitted through the CMETB online portal at: https://cmetb.submit.com/

Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday, 20 October 2025 (close of business). Grants will be issued by Friday, 07 November 2025, allowing time to prepare for Youth Night celebrations.

Speaking on the launch of the grant scheme, Maureen McIntyre, Youth Development and Wellbeing Officer at CMETB, said:

“Oíche na hÓige is an exciting new opportunity to celebrate the positive impact of youth work across the country. It recognises the creativity, leadership and spirit of young people while highlighting the vital role of youth organisations in supporting them. We look forward to seeing communities come together on November 21 to celebrate our young people and the power of youth work.”

For more information, please contact CMETB Youth Services on 04730888