Eight young Down GAA members recognised as Ulster GAA Young Leaders

Thursday 4th January 2024

The young people gathered ahead of the AIB Ulster Club Senior Football Final at Armagh City Hotel in mid December to receive their impressive set of certificates and awards from Ulster GAA Vice President Michael Geoghegan.

The eight Down people came from four clubs - Bryansford, Carryduff, Dromara and Drumagth.

The young people, the largest ever group to complete the Young Leaders Programme, showed great determination and commitment completing the six-month programme which included volunteering in their clubs, playing Gaelic Games, completing a skills development programme at a three-day Young Leaders Academy in the Athletic Grounds in Armagh and online workshops.

On completion of the programme, the young people from clubs across Ulster received the following awards:

• 2023 Ulster GAA Young Leaders Award
• GAA Foundation Coaching Award
• GAA Safeguarding Award
• Sports Inspire 50 Award
• Volunteer Now’s Youth Impact Award – 50 hrs
• Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award or Bronze Gaisce – the President’s Award

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Ulster GAA Vice President Michael Geoghegan said, “It’s great to see so many young people committed to helping out at their local GAA club, giving of their time and skills. In doing so, these young people have been able to put into practice some of what they have learned through the Young Leader Workshops to help out in their clubs. This programme is hugely successful because it benefits the young participants and their clubs. The young people go away with an impressive set of awards and certificates which they can use for University applications, job interviews and their own career progression. They also go away with new friendships from across Ulster and many will continue to be involved in Ulster GAA programmes.

“This is a big commitment by young people, who already have a lot of activity in their lives, but these young people have shown real leadership and determination to participate fully in this programme and I congratulate each of them. They are a real example of the positive impact that can be made by young people in their communities through the GAA.”

Well done to 2023 Ulster GAA Young Leaders!