Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative celebrates inspiring graduates
Sinead Wylde and representatives from Cuala, Newbridge Sarsfields, and St. Josephs Doora Barefield pictured at the Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative Recognition Event.
Over 400 people gathered on Saturday, September 6th to celebrate the latest graduates of the GAA’s Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative. This initiative in partnership with Foróige, the University of Galway and Earley Family which is now in its 12th year continues to empower young people to reach their potential both on and off the pitch in their communities.
The DEYLI recognition event highlighted the achievements of participants who completed the programme for 2024/2025. The initiative blends leadership skills, personal development, and community involvement. The occasion honoured not only their hard work but also the spirit of the late Dermot Earley, whose values of integrity, resilience, and service remain at the heart of the initiative.
A special highlight of the day was the presence of Sinead Wylde, who has represented Dublin in both football and camogie and having won an All-Ireland medal with Dublin in 2023. Sinead having been a past participant of the DEYLI in her club Cuala shared her personal journey in sport and on the DEYLI. In her address, Sinead encouraged more clubs and people to join the programme and spoke about how she still leans on her experience gained from completing the programme in her personal and professional life.
Anne Marie Earley, daughter of Dermot Earley Snr, pictured at the Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative Recognition Event.
The event concluded on a touching note as Anne Marie Earley, daughter of the late Dermot Earley, addressed the gathering. She thanked the participants, facilitators, families and programme partners for their dedication to the programme and spoke about her father’s belief in the power of young people to inspire change. Her words served as a fitting reminder of the values at the heart of the initiative and left all in attendance with a renewed sense of pride and purpose to spread the word and encourage more clubs to sign up.
As the initiative continues to grow, the graduates of 2025 join a proud community of young leaders who are shaping the future of the GAA and Irish society. In November 2025, over 200 of the participants will also graduate from the University of Galway with a Foundation Certificate Youth Leadership and Community Action.
The GAA, Foróige, University of Galway and Earley Family are calling on clubs to get involved and if you wish to find more information about the programme, please contact stephen.quinn@gaa.ie. Several clubs who have been part of the initiative for years who have offered their time to speak with interested clubs and answer any questions they may have.
For any club that wishes to commence the programme for 2025/2026, Foróige are hosting online facilitator training on the dates below. If you wish to register for this training, please follow the link.
- Monday 22nd, Wed 24th & Monday 29 September from 6.30 -9.30 pm
- Tuesday 4th, Thursday 6th and Tuesday 11th November 6.30pm-9.30pm
Register for training HERE