Dermot EarlEy Youth Leadership Initiative
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative starting on 18th September 2026.
This fantastic initiative takes its name from one of Ireland’s and Connacht's most influential leaders and greatest sporting heroes, Dermot Earley. It is aimed at 16-18 year olds, particularly those in TY. It was developed to help equip young people with the skills and qualities necessary to be good leaders, and to challenge them to use these skills to improve society.
The initiative has been successfully run in Clontarf over the last four years.
The programme will run for a total of 20 weeks, on selected Friday evenings at 5.30pm - 7.30pm between September and April. For more information, click on this link to read the leaflet.
The initiative is provided by Clontarf GAA as part of our Healthy Club programme. It is free of charge apart from the cost of workbooks and optional accreditation with Galway University.
If you are interested in finding out more, please register your interest. The initiative is provided by Clontarf GAA as part of our Healthy Club programme. It is free of charge apart from the cost of workbooks and optional accreditation with Galway University.
There are a limited number of places with preference given to TY students. There will be an online informational session (for those registered) on Tuesday September 8th at 9pm. Following the session, a form will be provided to complete an application. Places in the programme will be confirmed by Wednesday September 16th.
For any further information, please contact the Clontarf GAA DEYLI Coordinator at deyli@clontarfgaa.com.
‘25/’26 DEYLI Class with their Certs.
FAQs
What is the likely schedule?
We plan to run the modules from September through April. The timing for the workshop sessions is 5.30pm - 7.30pm on Fridays starting on 12th September
Must Participants be there for all the sessions?
Full commitment and attendance is expected and participants will be challenged to engage actively in every session. Over 80% attendance, plus full completion of all workbooks, is needed to successfully achieve the programme.
Must I be a member of a GAA Club?
We welcome applications from all interested local young people and you don’t have to be a current GAA member to apply. However all participants must be GAA members and we can provide GAA ‘social membership’ for a nominal fee to anyone who needs it.
Do I get a qualification at the end of the programme?
On completion of all 3 modules, participants have the option to apply to graduate from NUI Galway with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action, accredited at NFQ Level 6.
What is the cost involved?
To take part in the programme participants pay for the workbooks (c €40) and if joining one of the GAA clubs, the special social membership rate is €20. Application to NUI Galway to be awarded the Certificate is completely optional and NUIG charge approximately €300 for their assessment and accreditation process.
Is there a selection process to join the programme?
The places on the programme will be filled on a limited basis up to a maximum of 24 places, with preference given to current TY students and those who can commit to attendance.
Who will facilitate the programme?
The programme will be run locally by Clontarf GAA Club. It will be delivered by trained, volunteer facilitators, based on a structure and resources developed by the GAA and Foróige.
For any queries please contact:
Clontarf GAA DEYLI Coordinator: Kevin Sweeney at deyli@clontarfgaa.com.
or
Clontarf GAA Healthy Club Officer: Ciaran Doran at healthyclub@clontarfgaa.com / 087 2679255