âYour attitude is more important than your ability, your motives are more important than your methods, your courage is more than your cleverness and always have your heart in the right placeâ - Dermot Earley Snr.
We are very excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025/26 Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative starting this September.
This is our first year running the initiative in Ardclough and we hope it will be the first of many to come. The Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative (DEYLI) takes its name from one of Irelandâs most inspirational leaders and one of Gaelic games most iconic proponents, Dermot Earley (1948- 2010). The initiative, a tribute to Dermotâs lifetime of sporting and professional achievements and his commitment to community service, is brought to life through a partnership between GAA, ForĂłige, and the University of Galway. The programme empowers young people to enhance their leadership capabilities to better enable them to reach their full potential and have a positive impact on the world around them.
This is our first year running the initiative in Ardclough and we hope it will be the first of many to come. The Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative (DEYLI) takes its name from one of Irelandâs most inspirational leaders and one of Gaelic games most iconic proponents, Dermot Earley (1948- 2010). The initiative, a tribute to Dermotâs lifetime of sporting and professional achievements and his commitment to community service, is brought to life through a partnership between GAA, ForĂłige, and the University of Galway. The programme empowers young people to enhance their leadership capabilities to better enable them to reach their full potential and have a positive impact on the world around them.
Requirements
This fantastic initiative is aimed at 15-18 year olds, particularly those in TY. The 2025/26 programme has 3 modules and will run for a total of 20 weeks, on selected Friday evenings between September and March. The program will be facilitated by fully trained Ardclough GAA volunteers.
Full commitment and attendance is expected, over 80% attendance required, plus full completion of all workbooks, is needed to successfully achieve the programme. You do not need to be a current member of Ardclough GAA to apply, however all participants must be GAA members and we can provide GAA âsocial membershipâ for a nominal fee to anyone who needs it.
- Module 1 focuses on the individual and your leadership skills, building your self-awareness, community skills, values, and communication skills. (15 hours)
- Module 2 focuses on your ability to lead as part of a team, enabling you to cultivate your skills further. (15 hours)
- Module 3 is a 20-hour self-directed community action project. During this module young people use their leadership skills to carry out a project that benefits their local or global community. The programme can count towards the Gaisce awards
The initiative is free of charge apart from the cost of workbooks and optional accreditation with Galway University. The cost of the workbooks is âŹ40 payable once your daughter/son has registered for the programme.
If participants choose to go on to complete Module 3, Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action (accredited at NFQ Level 6) a fee of âŹ300 is due to NUIG in order to obtain the accreditation.
Registration is open and is on a first come basis, with a limited number of places, and will close on Monday, 1st September 2025.
To register, please follow this link:
Are you interested in being a volunteer facilitator?
No specific experience is needed, just your enthusiasm to help develop young leaders! Volunteers will receive on line training and ongoing support from our other experienced facilitators.
This is a great opportunity to gain facilitation skills, have fun, and make a real difference to young people's lives.
To find out more. or to express interest, please contact the following by Friday 6th September: secretary.ardclough.kildare@gaa.ie
To find out more. or to express interest, please contact the following by Friday 6th September: secretary.ardclough.kildare@gaa.ie
