Empowering the Next Generation: Financial Literacy Showcase at the Irish Funds Annual Conference 2025

Irish Funds Annual Conference 2025

At the Irish Funds Annual Conference 2025, the spotlight was firmly on the future as the Irish Funds Transition Year Programme took centre stage. A key highlight of the event was the celebration of the Irish Funds Transition Year Programme, which continues to make a meaningful impact on students across Ireland.

Minister Paschal Donohoe joined the event to present certificates to participating students, who attended alongside their dedicated teachers from St. Oliver’s Community College, Drogheda. In his remarks, the Minister commended the initiative, stating, “There is important work already being done by Irish Funds to support our future retail investors on their educational journey. Transition Year is a time for students to broaden their learning beyond the set curriculum to essential life skills.”

Final Session

The final session of the 2024/25 programme was hosted at Blackrock College, with Cormac Devlin TD in attendance. The session was led by a panel of industry experts including Aidan Farrell (Morgan Stanley), Ailbhe Flynn (Deloitte), Pat Lardner, and Conor McGuinness (Irish Funds). Students engaged in a dynamic review of their Financial Times Schools portfolios, explored the concept of investment risk, and discussed the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the financial world.

Wrap Up

The Irish Funds TY Financial Literacy programme reached a total of 750 students from 23 schools across 14 counties participated, supported by 43 volunteers from 13 member firms in the financial services industry. These numbers reflect not only the growing reach of the programme but also the importance of regionalisation in this industry.

Proudly sponsored by Deloitte, the Transition Year Programme highlights the importance of financial literacy. It equips individuals with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their money, savings, and future financial well-being.

Thank you

A huge thanks to the industry volunteers, programme coordinator Eibhlin Johnston and the dedicated team at Irish Funds—Natasha Haugh, Paula Morley, Claudia Moran, Sophie Walsh, Conor McGuinness, and Iris Pietri—whose efforts have been instrumental in delivering another successful year of this impactful initiative.

Conclusion

As financial literacy becomes increasingly critical for young people, the Irish Funds Transition Year Programme stands out as a powerful example of what can be achieved through education, partnership, and vision.