Charismatic leader & legend Dermot Earley set to inspire new generation

The family of the late great Dermot Earley Snr believe a new initiative in his honour can help the next generation of young Irish leaders make their mark in the world.

The Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative, brought together by the GAA, Foróige and National University of Galway Ireland was piloted in three counties last year, Roscommon, Galway and Kildare.  For 2015  it was rolled out to a further 5 counties including Monaghan. Monaghan  have 18 participants in the first year. Provided by the GAA in partnership with Foróige the Monaghan launch commenced in Cloghan –Monaghan GAA Centre of Excellence on Tuesday 27th October 2015.

18 young GAA and Foróige club members from clubs throughout the county have been given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through this exciting programme that evokes and honours the values Dermot epitomised and held so dear. Helping to facilitate their journey are the facilitators  Conor  Mc Elvaney, Alison O’ Hanlon and Caroline Mc Intyre  who volunteered from within the GAA and Foróige and have received four days training in NUIG, achieving a Foundation Diploma in Training and Education for their time and efforts.

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.”

To inspire the lucky participants Monaghan GAA Health and Wellbeing Ambassador Stephen Gollogly  attended the launch event.

The lucky participants, aged between 15- and 18-years-old, 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.

For more information contact Stacey Cannon, GAA National Health & Health Coordinator on Stacey.cannon@gaa.ie or 01 8192387 or www.gaa.ie/community