Remember me
MORE THAN 5,500 pupils across Ireland took part in this year’s Young News Readers project, enjoying a special edition of The Irish News and activities in class every week.
Reaching students from Ballyshannon to Dublin, and Belfast and Castleblayney, the literacy project aimed at children aged 8-12 also included competitions, a visit from journalists and even a chance for students to carry out their own interviews.
Proudly sponsored by St Mary’s University College in Belfast, this year’s programme was divided into six different themes: introduction to newspapers, wellbeing, social media, environment, diversity and inclusion, as well as ‘future me’.
With research showing younger audiences often view news as ‘too boring and irrelevant’, Young News Readers aims to engage students with the topics they care about while offering them the chance to develop their literacy and critical thinking skills.
Neil Loughran (left) and Paul McConville from The Irish News sports team with Lorcan McGreevy of Bunscoil Phobail Feirste who took part in the Young News Readers Project A particular highlight this year was a compelling interview carried out by Bunscoil Phobail Feirste pupil Lorcan McGreevey with his grandfather Joseph McGreevey (82).
Born in Belfast in the aftermath of the Blitz, Mr McGreavey shared his memories, from playing football in the old Celtic Park stadium to surviving a bomb attack during the Troubles, as well as forging a successful music career and becoming a proud grandad.
Lorcan’s superb interview won his school a visit from senior sports journalists Paul McConville and Neil Loughran, who shared their experiences about life in The Irish News as well offering students the chance to win a signed Ulster All-Star jersey.
St Patrick’s Primary School in Hilltown was also this year’s winner for a media day, with pupils enjoying a visit to The Irish News, Q Radio and the Interpress printworks.
More than 5,500 students took part in the Young News Readers project this year 
