Ulster GAA was recently recognised by Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly for its role in delivering Gaisce President’s Awards to young people across the province’s nine counties.
Volunteer Development and Policy Officer Sharon Haughey-Grimley was honoured to attend Gaisce’s PALCon in Dublin Castle where she was awarded the President’s Award Leader Civic Merit in recognition of outstanding service to the young people of Ireland through Gaisce – The President’s Award.
Ulster GAA delivers Gaisce to young people aged 14 years and older in Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal while also delivering the prestigious award to young people in the six counties through the Joint Award Initiative with the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The awards align closely with Ulster GAA, encouraging young people to volunteer in their clubs, play our sports, develop personal skills and complete an adventure journey.
Almost 300 young people have achieved Gaisce – the President’s Award or Duke of Edinburgh Award through Ulster GAA over the last three years. The programme offers young GAA members an opportunity to commit to a six-month programme for Bronze whereby they volunteer 13 hours over 13 weeks to their club, play our games for 26 hours over 26 weeks and develop a personal skill for 13 hours over 13 weeks.
Ulster GAA President Michael Geoghegan commented: “It is a great privilege to see our work recognised with this Civic Merit Award. Many young people develop their Irish Language, learn an instrument, develop their coaching and officiating skills through GAA-led skills programmes, some even learn to drive through this programme.
“It’s a great way for young people to challenge themselves and to develop key skills and attributes which will serve them well in their future education and career paths. It benefits clubs greatly to be involved in this programme as they get additional volunteer help and also prepare these young people for future volunteer and leadership roles in their clubs.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about this programme, please contact sharon.haughey.ulster@gaa.ie
By Michael Devlin Fri 5th Dec
