The Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative, brought together by the GAA, Foróige (Ireland’s leading youth organisation) and the National University of Ireland, Galway, is commencing in Cork, Donegal, Dublin North, Dublin South, Galway, Kildare, Monaghan, Tipperary and Roscommon. The initiative gives young people the opportunity to take part in Foróige’s Youth Leadership programme which has been customised for this partnership with the GAA.
Helping to facilitate their journey are a troupe of facilitators who have volunteered from within the GAA and Foróige. They have received four days training provided by Foróige and NUI Galway, achieving a Foundation Diploma in Training and Education for their time and effort. Speaking on behalf of the Earley family at the initial launch, Dermot Jr, 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, 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.
