This year’s cohort of Cuala Transition Year students participating in the Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative (DEYLI) have just completed their second module, presenting their group research projects at Cathal Brugha Barracks on 14th March.

Now in its 10th year at Cuala, the DEYL initiative honors Dermot Earley’s legacy of sporting and professional achievements, alongside his commitment to community service. A partnership between the GAA, Foróige, and the University of Galway, the program equips young people with essential leadership skills, empowering them to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world around them.

GAA members aged 15-18 can participate in this yearlong programme, earning a FETAC Level 6 third-level qualification in Youth Leadership and Community Action from the University of Galway. This unique programme not only honours the values Dermot Earley embodied, but also instills them in a new generation of young Irish leaders. The programme consists of three modules two of which are facilitated, and one is undertaken by the young people independently.

The event at Cathal Brugha Barracks was opened by a former DEYLI graduate, 2nd Lieutenant Finn Richardson (pictured below left). Finn reflected on his experience in the 2018 programme and introduced our students who presented on a range of topics – Public Transport, Burnout in Sport, Pitches4Cuala, Loneliness, Respect for Referees and Gender Inequality in Sport. Dermot Early’s daughter, Ann Marie (pictured below right) was blown away with the standard of the presentations!

Students are now starting on their Module 3 projects and hope to graduate at the University of Galway in November.

A huge thanks to the facilitators of the programme – in particular Kevin Spain (pictured below centre) and Patricia Sheehan who have been leading the programme at Cuala since 2014!