Following on from its successful rollout in 2015-16, the GAA, Foróige, and National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) are delighted to announce that the application process for the Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative is now open to male and female GAA club members aged 15-18 years-old.

The initiative is available to members in counties Roscommon, Galway, Mayo, Dublin, Kildare, Offaly Antrim, Donegal, and Monaghan. Since 2014 the programme has grown from an initial three counties to 11 counties at present. It is hoped that the programme can continue to prosper and grow, with a view to it being rolled out nationwide in the near future.

Fully supported by the family of the late Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces Dermot Earley Snr, the initiative is designed to support the next generation of young GAA leaders in achieving their full potential.  The training is undertaken in lively and interactive workshops with the hope that participants can make their mark in their GAA clubs, counties, and indeed their country.

The programme is run over three modules between September 2017 and May 2018 as candidates develop leadership skills that Dermot Earley Snr epitomised on and off the field. 30 hours of self-directed learning is also required before participants put their enhanced leadership skills into action through a club or community-based action project.

Those who complete all three modules will have the opportunity to graduate from NUIG with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action. The workshops will take place in participants’ own county and will be facilitated by a troupe of tutors qualified in Training & Education (see application form and information leaflet attached for more details).

All application forms should be accompanied by a nomination form – note nominators cannot be a relative or a family member.

Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight Sunday 16th of July.

To apply for the programme please fill out the online application and nomination form at: http://www.gaa.ie/my-gaa/community-and-health/events/dermot-earley-youth-leadership-initiative-opens-applicants-counties/