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

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, is delighted that a new youth leadership and development programme, devised by NUI Galway and Foróige in partnership with the GAA and the Alan Kerins Projects, will honour the wonderful legacy of the late Dermot Earley.

“Dermot Earley, on and off the playing field, 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.

“The programme is aimed at equipping our future leaders with the requisite skills and knowledge espoused and practised by Dermot Earley. Participants who complete the programme will be accredited with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action from NUIG.

“The application process has now opened to select 15 participants, aged between 15 – 18 years old, from GAA clubs in County Roscommon, Kildare and Galway and give them the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through this exciting programme.

“The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, September 27th, at 5pm. An application form and further details can be found on www.gaa.ie/deyli.

“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 and Roscommon’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 statue in Gorthaganny, clearly shows the strength of the legacy he has left behind.”