On Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, Redeemed Gospel Church Mathare transformed into a vibrant hub of international sports diplomacy, youth empowerment, and cultural exchange as over 60 young leaders gathered to celebrate St Brigid’s Day 2026 with distinguished guests from Ireland. The event, co-organized by the Embassy of Ireland to Kenya and Mtaani Youth Sports Development (MYSD), brought together Her Excellency Ambassador Caitriona Ingoldsby, Olympic hurdler Derval O’Rourke, Paralympic champion Karen Shinkins, and passionate youth from across Mathare in a powerful dialogue about how sports builds character, develops leadership, and drives community transformation.

“Sports transcends borders,” Ambassador Ingoldsby noted in her address. “The discipline you learn on the football pitch in Mathare is the same discipline that builds strong communities. The teamwork you practice in your sports clubs is the foundation of good governance. And the leadership you demonstrate as young athletes is exactly what Kenya—and the world—needs.”

The Ambassador’s address reinforced the Ireland-Kenya partnership’s commitment to youth empowerment through sports, highlighting how the ongoing Youth Sports Empowerment for Community Transformation project exemplifies international cooperation at its best. The event, co-organized by the Embassy of Ireland to Kenya and Mtaani Youth Sports Development (MYSD),Down Town Youth Group, and Motobrix brought together Her Excellency Ambassador Caitriona Ingoldsby, Olympic hurdler Derval O’Rourke, Paralympic champion Karen Shinkins, and passionate youth from partner organizations in a powerful dialogue about how sports builds character, develops leadership, and drives community transformation

Following the keynote address, the event shifted into an interactive dialogue session facilitated by youth leader Rogers Kimathi, who expertly guided conversations between the Irish sports stars and Mathare participants. Derval O’Rourke, who represented Ireland in three Olympic Games, shared candid stories about her athletic journey—not just the victories, but the failures, setbacks, and moments of doubt that taught her resilience and determination. “Sports didn’t just make me a better athlete,” O’Rourke shared. “It made me a better person. It taught me that discipline is a daily choice, that teamwork requires trust, and that leadership means showing up even when you don’t feel ready.” Karen Shinkins, Paralympic champion and advocate for inclusive sports, spoke about how sports gave her a platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate for change. Her message resonated deeply with the youth: “You don’t need perfect facilities or expensive equipment to be a leader. You need vision, commitment, and the courage to use your voice. Everyone of you has that power.”

LOOKING AHEAD: FROM DIALOGUE TO ACTION

St Brigid’s Day 2026 in Mathare was more than an event—it was a statement. A statement that Mathare youth deserve world-class opportunities. A statement that international partnerships can be genuine and transformative. A statement that sports is a powerful tool for building character, leadership, and community change. As Ambassador Ingoldsby, Derval O’Rourke, and Karen Shinkins departed Mathare that Wednesday afternoon, they left behind more than memories. They left inspiration, connections, and a renewed sense of possibility among 60+ young leaders who now see themselves as part of a global movement.

For MYSD, the event reinforced our core conviction: when we invest in youth, trust their leadership, and create platforms for their voices, extraordinary things happen. The conversations have begun. The connections have been made. Now, the real work continues turning Wednesday’s inspiration into sustained action, transforming sports values into community impact, and building the next generation of Mathare leaders who will shape Kenya’s future. St Brigid would be proud.

Want to support the next generation of young athletes in Nairobi?

Contact us at: mtaani.sports@gmail.com | Phone: 0734257314

Together, we can create more inspiring stories and transform more lives through the power of sports.

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Mtaani Youth Sports Development – Empowering Youth, Building Communities, Creating Futures