A strong sense of “hunger” among young Catholics was evident at this year’s conference organised by Evangelium Ireland, which brought 115 participants to Cork for a day of talks, discussion and Mass.
Held at the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, the event marked the first time the group’s annual conference has taken place outside Dublin. Speakers included Fr Gavan Jennings, Dr Catherine Kavanagh, Dutch-based evangelisation expert Paul Graas and Sr Mary Andrea Lesko.
Reflecting on the day, organiser James Bradshaw said engagement from attendees was striking. “There was a real sense of hunger… you could see it in the questions people were asking,” he said.
He suggested this reflects a “quiet revival” among young adults, even as church closures and diocesan restructuring continue across Ireland. That tension was underscored by the conference’s focus on St Augustine, taking place as an Augustinian church in Cork is set to close.
Mr Bradshaw also highlighted the need for attendees to stay connected beyond the event, pointing to the presence of groups and booths, including Holy Family Mission. “We provide the weekend,” he said. “The next step is to get involved.”