Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative

‘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.

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.

About the Initiative

DEYLI has seen over 1000 young GAA members (aged 15-18) complete the yearlong programme, gaining from the University of Galway a FETAC level 6 third level qualification in Youth Leadership and Community Action for their efforts. This unique programme evokes and honours the values Dermot Earley epitomised and is designed to foster them in a new generation of young Irish leaders. The programme comprises of three modules, two of which are facilitated, and one is undertaken by the young people independently.

Facilitators will receive full online training and ongoing support. It takes a minimum of two facilitators to deliver the programme with a group of approx. 15 young people in their club. Each of the facilitated modules comprise of 15 one-hour sessions. How the programme is delivered is up to the facilitators. It can be run weekly or can be done in a block of a few sessions at a time.

How to get involved

Should you have any queries you can contact Stephen Quinn, National Community & Health Co-ordinator stephen.quinn@gaa.ie