'Your 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 place’ - Dermot Earley Snr.
We are very excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2026/27 Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative starting this September.
Following an incredible first year running the initiative in Ardclough ,GAA, we are delighted to open registrations for this coming year. In our first year we had 16 participants with 13 completing their NUIG community action project.
Following an incredible first year running the initiative in Ardclough ,GAA, we are delighted to open registrations for this coming year. In our first year we had 16 participants with 13 completing their NUIG community action project.
The Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative (DEYLI) takes its name from one of Ireland’s most inspirational leaders and one of Gaelic Games most iconic proponents, Dermot Earley (1948- 2010). The initiative, a tribute to Dermot’s lifetime of sporting and professional achievements and his commitment to community service, is brought to life through a partnership between GAA, Foróige, 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 old members of Ardclough GAA, particularly those in TY. The programme consists of 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.
- 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.
Full commitment and attendance is essential. Over 90% attendance required, plus full completion of all workbooks, is needed to successfully achieve the programme.
The cost of the programme is €50 which covers the €40 cost of the workbooks plus €10 to cover resources , treats & pizza, payable once your daughter/son has registered for the programme.
If participants choose to go on to complete the optional Module 3, Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action (accredited at NFQ Level 6) a fee of €300 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 Friday, 21st August 2026. Confirmation of a place on the programme will be sent via email and a parent / participant information evening will be held prior to the start of the programme. We welcome applications from all interested local young people and you don’t have to be a current GAA member to apply. However all participants must be GAA members and we can provide GAA ‘social membership’ for a nominal fee to anyone who needs it.
To register, please follow this link:
