Ulster GAA President Michael Geoghegan has praised the many young GAA volunteers who have completed the Joint Award in 2025.
Speaking at an Ulster GAA Awards Breakfast in Armagh City Hotel ahead of the AIB Intermediate Ulster Club Football Final, Michael commended the young people who have been inspirational over the last number of months, dedicating so many hours to the programme.
133 young GAA members have undertaken the bronze Joint Award Initiative through Ulster GAA and their club in 2025, with 64 completing their bronze award this year, including Ulster GAA’s Young Leaders.
The Joint Award Initiative is a partnership with the Gaisce President’s Award and Duke of Edinburgh Award whereby young people in the six counties undertake the same programme and can select which award they prefer. Young volunteers from Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal complete Gaisce – the President’s Award.
For Bronze Award, participants have completed 13 hours over 13 weeks volunteering in their club, 13 hours over 13 weeks skills development, 26 hours over 26 weeks of playing/training our games and a 1 night, 2-day hiking expedition. This is a great commitment by the young participants to develop their skills and abilities while helping their clubs and community.
Awarding the young participants, Ulster GAA President Michael Geoghegan said:
“We are delighted to work as a Licenced Organisation for the Joint Award offering many young Gaels the opportunity to achieve either Gaisce – The President’s Award or Duke of Edinburgh Award through Ulster GAA and their Club.
“This programme aligns well with the GAA with many of the young people already enjoying playing our games and can easily count this towards their physical section. The other sections are volunteering and skills development, which also sit very well with the GAA. Clubs benefit greatly from the efforts of these young volunteers helping out and bring their unique perspective and enthusiasm to the jobs at hand. Skills development is important for the young people to develop their own skills and knowledge, and we have seen many completing their GAA coaching and officiating courses, learning Irish in their club, preparing and participating in Scór to name just a few.
“It’s heartening to see so many young people receiving their award, and to the clubs who have embraced this initiative and successfully brought so many young people through the programme.
“I take this opportunity to thank the teams of Gaisce, led by Avril Ryan, and DofE, led by Kate Thompson, who are always a great help to the team in Ulster GAA as we deliver this prestigious programme. Congratulations to all who have achieved their bronze award and good luck to those still working towards their award.”
For further information, visit www.ulster.gaa.ie/thejointaward or email sharon.haughey.ulster@gaa.ie
By Michael Devlin Wed 17th Dec
