Clan na Gael Celebration for Young Volunteers

CLAN na Gael GAC in Lurgan recently held a special evening to celebrate their young club volunteers who have been completing the Ulster GAA Joint Award Programme.

Ulster GAA President Michael Geoghegan visited the club, along with Avril Ryan from Gaisce – The President’s Award and Kate Thompson from Duke of Edinburgh Award, to present awards to 26 young GAA members.

The young people started out on the programme a year ago and have completed all sections of the award including 12 weeks volunteering, 12 weeks skills development and 24 weeks physical activity as well as a two-day, one night hiking and camping expedition in the Mourne mountains.

The participants undertook a range of activities including playing Gaelic games, helping develop their club community garden, litter picking, assisting with underage coaching, helping out with Games For All activities and involvement the club’s summer camps.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Ulster GAA President Michael Geoghegan said:

“It’s great to come to a club who has invested so much time in developing young volunteers. We are all aware of the investment in our players, in our administrators, in our officials, but it is also essential to invest in our volunteers, especially our young volunteers.

“Young people have so much to offer the GAA and through this Joint Award Programme, the young people of Clan na Gael have been able to spend their time doing good work and making a positive impact to their club and area. I congratulate all 23 participants who have achieved their Bronze Award and I commend all those who continue to work towards their award.

“I am also delighted to award three Silver Awards to Odhrán McCann from Dromara GAA, and Oonagh Doyle and Ellie-May Close from St Trea’s GAA club in Ballymaguigan. All three recipients are previous Ulster GAA Young Leaders and have worked extremely hard to achieve the Silver Award, being three of nine Ulster GAA’s first ever Silver Awardees.

“They are great ambassadors for their clubs, families and communities showing the positive contribution that can be made by young hardworking volunteers. I have no doubt this award will serve them well in their own futures for further education and career prospects.”

Anyone interested in getting involved in the Joint Award Programme, visit www.ulster.gaa.ie/thejointaward for more information and contact details.