Clane GAA is delighted to offer members aged 16 to 18 the opportunity to take part in the 2026/2027 Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative (DEYLI). This programme is designed to help young people build confidence, develop practical leadership skills and make a positive difference in their community.
You do not need to consider yourself a leader already. DEYLI is about discovering your strengths, challenging yourself, learning to work with others and developing skills that can benefit you in school, sport, work and everyday life.
The initiative is named after the late Dermot Earley, one of Gaelic games’ most inspirational leaders, and is delivered through a partnership between the GAA, Foróige and the University of Galway.
What Will You Gain?
Through DEYLI, you will have the opportunity to:
Build confidence and communication skills
Understand your strengths, values and leadership style
Develop teamwork, problem solving and decision making skills
Learn how to communicate and work effectively with others
Gain practical experience of leading a community project
Develop presentation and project planning skills
Challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone
Make a positive contribution to your local community
What Does the Programme Involve?
The programme runs from Wednesday October 7th 2026 to Wednesday March 10th 2027, with 16 workshops, each lasting approximately two hours.
When: Wednesdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm Where: Clane GAA Dates: 7th October 2026 to 10th March 2027 Attendance: A minimum of 80% attendance in each module is required to successfully complete the programme. Timetable: Full schedule to be confirmed.
The workshops will include discussion, activities, self reflection and practical learning. Participants will also work as part of a team on a Community Action Project, giving them the opportunity to put their leadership skills into practice.
Module 1 focuses on personal development, self awareness and communication. You will explore your strengths, values and leadership style while developing your confidence and ability to communicate effectively.
You will also develop your presentation skills and gain confidence in communicating your ideas to others.
Module 2: Leadership in Action
Module 2 puts your learning into practice. Working as a team, you will develop and deliver a Community Action Project based on an idea or issue that can make a positive difference locally.
You will gain practical experience in:
Team leadership and collaboration
Project planning and organisation
Problem solving and decision making
Communication and presentation
Turning ideas into action
The project will culminate in a team presentation where you can demonstrate what you have learned.
Module 3: Optional University Qualification
Participants who want to take their DEYLI experience further can choose to complete Module 3.
This optional module provides an opportunity to work towards a University of Galway qualification in Youth Leadership and Community Action.
Module 3 costs €300, payable directly to the University of Galway.
Completing Module 3 provides an opportunity to gain an additional recognised qualification and further demonstrate your leadership, community involvement and personal development.
Commitment and Eligibility
DEYLI is a rewarding opportunity, but it requires commitment.
To successfully complete the core programme, participants must:
Attend at least 80% of the workshops in each module
Actively participate in sessions and activities
Complete the required self reflection and learning activities
Participate fully in the Community Action Project
Work positively and respectfully with other participants and facilitators
The programme is open exclusively to Clane GAA members aged 16 to 18, with a particular focus on TY students.
Places are limited. If applications exceed the number of available places, shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview.
Programme Cost
Modules 1 and 2: €60 contribution towards course materials Module 3: Optional, €300 payable to University of Galway
Meet Your Facilitators
The programme will be facilitated by Mick Manning, Melissa Lyons, Dáire Dillon and Tracy O’Dea, all Foróige trained facilitators.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are ready to challenge yourself, build your confidence, develop valuable leadership skills and make a difference in your community, DEYLI could be for you.
Applications
Online Applications will open on or before Friday next September 11th.
Please keep an eye on our social channels and check back here for the application form link.
Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee a place. If the programme is oversubscribed, an interview process may be required.
