Kildare County Council announces the first-ever Athy Youth Pride event

The first-ever Athy Youth Pride Event has been announced today (August 1) by Kildare County Council (KCC).

The event, which is being held in partnership with Athy Comhairle na nÓg and In Sync Youth and Family Services, will take place next weekend at the Athy Youth Café and Skate Park.

According to KCC, this will be a “free, fun-filled event” which centres around the celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride.

“The event is an important step forward in creating a more inclusive and supportive community for LGBTQ+ young people, their families, and their allies,” KCC explained. “Athy Youth Pride will feature a programme of music, art, and information, planned by, and for, young people.”

In addition, KCC claimed that the initiative was driven by the voices of Athy Comhairle na nÓg group, who identified the need for a local Youth Pride event.

With the support of In Sync Youth and Family Services, KCC’s Community Work Team, Shed FM, and other local stakeholders, the event aims to create a safe space where the LGBTQ+ community “is seen, valued, and celebrated”.

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The event will include:

Live performances by local youth artists
A pop-up art Workshop, which will involve creating a Pride-inspired mural
An ice-cream van and pizza

Carmel Cashin, senior community worker for KCC, said that the council is “delighted to support Athy Comhairle na nÓg with the first Youth Pride event”.

She added: “We hope that this event will be the first of many, and we hope to connect with others who share in this commitment and vision on the day.”

Newbridge-based Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender, who is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community, also welcomed the news.

He told the Leinster Leader: “As someone who has spent years working with young people and advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion, I’m absolutely delighted to see the first ever Youth Pride event in Athy.

“This is a brilliant example of what happens when young people are empowered to lead and are listened to Athy Comhairle na nÓg have shown real leadership here.”

He continued: “Events like this are more than just celebrations; they are powerful affirmations that LGBTQ+ young people in our communities are seen, supported, and valued.

“At a time when we are seeing a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in some quarters, creating safe, joyful, and inclusive spaces like this is more important than ever.

“Huge credit is due to all involved from the youth leaders and In Sync Youth and Family Services to the Kildare County Council Community Work Team.”

Cllr Pender concluded: “I truly hope this is just the beginning of a wider movement for Pride events that are accessible and youth-led across the county.”

The Cathaoirleach / Mayor of the Athy Municipal District, Fine Gael councillor Ivan Keatley, has been asked for comment in relation to this upcoming event.

Athy Youth Pride will run from 12pm until 4pm on Saturday, August 9, 2025.

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