Dermot EarlEy Youth Leadership Initiative (DEYLI) back for 2025/26
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025/26 Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative starting on 12th September 2025.
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 2025/26 programme has 3 modules and will run for a total of 20 weeks, on selected Friday evenings at 5.30pm - 7.30pm between September and March. 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.
There are a limited number of places with preference given to TY students. To register your interest in the course, please follow this link. There will be an informational session for those registered hosted on zoom on September 3rd at 9pm. Places will be confirmed by Friday 5th.
For any further information, please contact the Clontarf GAA DEYLI Coordinator Kevin Sweeney at kevinswee@gmail.com or 087 9192978
To register, please follow this link:
FAQs
What is the likely schedule?
We plan to run the modules from September 25 through March 26 . 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 kevinswee@gmail.com / 087 9192978
or
Clontarf GAA Healthy Club Officer: Ciaran Doran at healthyclub@clontarfgaa.com / 087 2679255