Thirty-one Young Leaders from across Ulster’s nine counties are spending their summer developing their skills and knowledge to help them become future volunteer leaders in their GAA clubs and counties.
Through the prestigious Ulster GAA’s Young Leaders Programme, the young people have completed an intensive three-day academy at the Athletic Grounds and Armagh Harps; completing their Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games, GAA Safeguarding Award, GAA for all Training, Never Cross the Line #GetConsent workshop, One Punch Seminar, and various fun coaching and participation opportunities.
Ulster GAA wheelchair hurler Paul Hannon was the inspirational special guest at the Academy, encouraging the young Gaels to strive for greatness no matter what challenges they face.
The Young Leaders will also complete a number of online workshops in August including sports nutrition, sports science and sports communication. All with the aim of developing future volunteers for GAA clubs and counties.
Building resilience and teamwork skills is also a key component of the programme and just this week, the young participants completed a challenging two day, one night hiking and camping expedition in the Mournes. Working together to navigate and set up camp together, their resilience and communications skills were put to the test. This element of the programme means they will also achieve the Bronze Joint Award (Gaisce – the President’s Award or Duke of Edinburgh Award).
Ulster GAA’s Young Leaders Programme is a six-month commitment requiring the young people to be physically active through Gaelic Games and also to volunteer within their clubs for 12 weeks.
By the end of the programme the participants will also be awarded with Sports Inspire 50 award for their commitment to volunteering and developing their skills.
Ulster GAA congratulates all the young participants and we wish them well for the rest of the programme.
2024 Young Leaders
Aoife Rice Éire Óg
Bláithín Gribben Ballinascreen
Cahan Kelly Pearse Ógs
Cairenn McGrath Belcoo O’Rahilly
Cara Cassin Carryduff GAC
Catriona McArdle Middletown
Claire McAleer Edendork
Dara Harney Pearse Ógs
Deirbhile Mohan St Patrick’s GFC Donagh
Ellie Lundy Claudy John Mitchell’s
Elsie Friel St Marys Convoy
Emma Meenan Éire Óg
Erin Donaghy Claudy
Imogen Knight Derrygonnelly Harps
Jack McArdle Culloville Blues
Josslyn McCartney Éire Óg
Kiara Turley Pearse Ógs
Laoise McConnell Middletown
Liam O’Brien Thomas Davis & Craobh Rua
Lucy McKeever St. Eunan’s GAA
Maeve Mulligan Lisnaskea Emmetts
Matthew McArdle Glenn GFC
Mia Moreland Éire Óg
Moya McClure Claudy
Muireann O’Kane Pearse Ógs
Nathan Caulfield St. Bronagh’s Rostrevor
Niamh Loughran Errigal Ciaran
Oliver Burrows Carryduff GAC
Shane Mc Cleary Pearse Ógs
Sinéad McSorley Carrickcruppen St Patrick’s
Thomas Mullan Dungannon Thomas Clarke GFC
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