The Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative

Dublin GAA Launch:

The Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative

The family of the late great Dermot Earley Snr believe a new initiative in his honour can help the next generation of young Irish leaders make their mark in the world. The Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative, brought together by the GAA, Foróige and National University of Ireland Galway, commenced in Parnell Park on Wednesday 9th September for North Dublin clubs and Wednesday 16th September for South Dublin Clubs.

27 young GAA club members took on the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through this exciting programme that evokes and honours the values Dermot epitomised and held so dear.

Dublin North: Con McCord, Nicole Burnett (Craobh Chiaran) Alan Manning, Amber Keane, Mark Fitzachary (Fingal Ravens) Dillon Constantine (Whitehall Colmcilles) Aishling Boyle (St Vincents) Shauna Carton (Erin Go Brath) Ciara Mc Dunphy (Raheny) Conor Ahern from the Simmonstown club in County Meath also joined the North Dublin group.

Dublin South: Adam Cramp (Ballyboden st Endas) Clara O Sullivan (St Olafs) Riona Mc Tavish (Round Towers) Niall Creegan (Lucan) Orlaith O' Sullivan, Conor Mc Clure, Cormac Spain, Jack Hartnet, Jennifer Dunne, Kevin Kirwan, Mairead Martin, Michael Conroy, Roanan Gammell, Ryan Kelly, Sinead Wylde (Cuala)

Facilitating the participants journey on launch night was Stephen Maguire (Fingal Ravens) and Marc Gallagher (Foróige) with Kevin Spain and Katie Duffy and Fergal Martin also facilitators on the programme. All facilitators have received four days training in NUIG, achieving a Foundation Diploma in Training and Education for their time and efforts.

Speaking on behalf of the Earley family, Ann Marie, former Kildare GAA star, said:

“Enabling young people to achieve their full potential was something my Father was passionate about. We are delighted to give our support to this initiative and look forward to the positive influence these young leaders will have on their GAA clubs, their communities and beyond.”

The lucky participants, aged between 15- and 18-years-old, will explore all elements of leadership before being asked to put their skills to work in their own clubs and communities. Those who complete all three modules between September 2015 and May 2016 will be eligible to graduate from NUIG with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action.

For more information contact Stacey Cannon, GAA National Health & Health Coordinator on Stacey.cannon@gaa.ie or 01 8192387 or visit www.gaa.ie/community/community-development/dermot-early-youth-leadership-initiative/.