‘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 NUI 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.

The DEYLI is now looking for interested clubs/individuals across the island of Ireland to get involved with the programme.

About the Initiative

DEYLI has seen over 600 young GAA members (aged 15-18) complete the yearlong programme, gaining from NUIG 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.

Click HERE for further information.

Facilitators will receive full training and ongoing support. A minimum of two facilitators would take on to run the programme with a group of approx. 15 young people in within their club. The programme comprises of three modules, two of which are facilitated, and one is undertaken by the young people independently. 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

Interested clubs can sign-up at any point over the next number of weeks by simply clicking on the link HERE.

All interested clubs will be asked to nominate two club members to support the delivery of the DEYLI within their club. DEYLI facilitators will receive full training and ongoing support. This is an opportunity for your club to get involved in a programme that is proven to make a real difference to young people's lives.

Should you have any queries you can contact Blánaid Carney Health & Wellbeing Co-ordinator at blanaid.carney@gaa.ie