Impressive host role for Tipp teens at awards event

Two inspiring young women from County Tipperary took on a new role this year as they returned to the Foróige NFTE Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2025 - not as finalists, but as hosts of the national celebration in Croke Park, Dublin on May 14.

Annamai Condon and Clodagh Desmond, students at Loreto Secondary School, Clonmel, previously took home the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 award for their business Stick It - a colourful and creative range of adhesive add-ons for stationery and personal items. This year, they brought the same energy and enthusiasm to the main stage, leading the event as MCs and cheering on this year’s finalists.

“Coming back as hosts was something we never expected,” said Annamai. “NFTE gave us the belief that our ideas mattered. Now we get to support others as they go on the same journey - that’s really special.”

Although Tipperary had no finalists this year, the county was proudly represented by these two young entrepreneurs who continue to be strong advocates for youth enterprise and creativity.

Odhrán O’Mahony, Chairperson of Foróige, commented “Year after year, NFTE proves just how powerful youth potential really is. The creativity, courage and commitment we’ve seen today is inspiring. Programmes like this don’t just teach business skills—they help young people see themselves differently. They leave believing they have what it takes to shape their own future, and that belief is something they’ll carry with them for life.”

Over 6,100 young people from 24 counties took part in this year’s NFTE programme, supported by 260+ trained educators, youth workers and volunteers.