New youth leadership training programme honours the wonderful legacy of Dermot Earley – Feighan

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has expressed his delight that a new youth leadership and development programme will honour the wonderful legacy of the late Dermot Earley, renowned Roscommon footballer and former Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces. The programme has been devised by NUI Galway and Foróige in partnership with the GAA and the Alan Kerins Project.

“Dermot Earley, on and off the playing fields, was a role model for young people and it is very fitting that this new project is being named the Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative, which will select participants from GAA clubs in County Roscommon, Kildare and Galway for a unique mentoring programme.

“During his football career, Dermot was known throughout Ireland for his skill, power, tenacity, sportsmanship and of course, his leadership.

“As we all know, he was not just a leader on the pitch but also enjoyed an illustrious military career which had many highlights, including his elevation to Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces.

“Dermot Earley proved to be one of our country’s greatest ambassadors and his legendary status as a player has been recognised worldwide.

“I’m delighted that the memory of the great man is being kept very much alive since his life was tragically cut so short by illness three years ago.

“This exciting youth leadership programme, along with Roscommon County Council’s Dermot Earley Bursary and the wonderful memorial in Gorthaganny, clearly shows the strength of the legacy he has left behind.”