Dermot Early Foróige Scheme Launched in Antrim

Following on from its successful rollout in 2015-16, the GAA, Foróige, and NUIG are delighted to announce that the innovative Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative has been extended to Antrim and the application opportunities, open to young GAA club members, male and female aged 15-18 years were eagerly taken up. Since 2014 the programme has grown its reach from 3 counties to 11 counties and Antrim are the first county in Northern Ireland to host the unique programme.

Fully supported by the family of the late great Dermot Earley Snr, the lively and interactive initiative is designed to support the next generation of young GAA leaders in achieving their full potential and in doing so to make their mark in their clubs, their counties, and indeed their country.

The initiative is a year-long programme running over three modules between September 2017 and May 2018. It involves 30 hours of workshops designed to develop the leadership skills that Dermot epitomised on and off the field. 30 hours of self-directed learning is also required before the 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 took place in participants own county and is facilitated by a troupe of excellently trained tutors who have already received a Diploma in Training & Education for their efforts and commitment.

On Friday 18th August the scheme was officially launched at the Antrim GAA offices in the Social Economy Village at Hannastown. Barney Herron (County Safeguarding Officer & Antrim GAA DEYLI Co-ordinator) got proceedings under way with addresses following from Paraic Duffy (Ard Stiúirthóir of the GAA), Collie Donnelly (Chairperson Antrim GAA), Michael Hasson (Ulster GAA Chairman), Séan Campbell (CEO Foróige) and Stacey Cahill (GAA National Coordinator DEYLI)

The launch was attended by young people who are participating in the scheme and their parents as well as representatives from Antrim Football Hurling, Camogie and Ladies Football.

Report by the saffron gael