Éire Óg is running the Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative (DEYLI) for 2025/2206.
Who: This programme is for teenagers aged 15-18 who are interested in developing their leadership skills. Most participants tend to be in transition year (fourth year). Priority is given to members of Éire Óg. However, to achieve workable group sizes and gender balance, other applicants are considered, particularly applicants from other GAA clubs.
What: During the programme, you will develop essential leadership skills in a safe and supportive environment. Module 1 focuses on the individual and your leadership skills, building your self-awareness, community skills, values, and communication skills. Module 2 focuses on your ability to lead as part of a team, enabling you to cultivate your skills further. Module 3 focuses on your individual leadership aspirations and offers you the opportunity to lead your own project within your community from conception to completion. Modules 1 and 2 can count towards the Gaisce awards as you are learning a new skill.
When: The programme contains three modules that will be run from 28th September 2025 until May 2026. Modules 1 and 2 consist of workshops that take place over 30 hours. Module 3 is a community action project that takes min. 20 hours. The first term of the programme – module 1, will run for 2.5 hours from 6.30pm to 9.00pm on a Sunday in Greystones Community College.
Costs: Module 1 and 2 costs €40 (to cover materials) and there is no cost for Module 3 which is a self-directed module.
Should any participant complete all three modules and then want to proceed with acquiring the accreditation of the programme (Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action) from the University of Galway, there is a €300 fee affiliated with this. The €300 is paid to the University of Galway. However, you can complete all modules without gaining accreditation if you wish.
Facilitators: The program will be facilitated locally by trained Éire Óg volunteers. There will also be guest speakers during the programme.
Accreditation: Participants who successfully complete all three modules will be eligible to receive a Level 6 Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action from NUIG (see costs above).
To complete Module 3 and graduate in 2026, participants must be at least 16 years old on the 1st January 2026 (NUIG regulation). Participants who are not 16 on the 1st January 2026 will still complete Module 3. However, their work will be submitted in 2027, thereby allowing them to graduate from NUIG in 2027.
Application and contacts: If you wish to take part in the programme, please fill out the online form https://forms.office.com/r/uwCADsbjkd
Note: This programme is a customised version of the Leadership for Life Programme, specifically designed for GAA members. If you are attending a Leadership for Life Programme in your school or with Foróige, then there is no point in attending this programme.
Participants must be prepared to attend all sessions and engage with the programme activities.
Please contact one of the following if you have any questions:
- Evelyn Burns 085-1498118
- Paddy Meyler 087-2233617
More information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XwUsec3OTw&feature=youtu.be
https://www.foroige.ie/our-work/programmes/leadership-for-life/leadership-programme-content/