Neil among class of GPA leaders
SLIGO footballer Neil Ewing was part of the latest group of inter-county players from all over Ireland who graduated from the Jim Madden GPA Leadership Programme at a special ceremony at Maynooth University on Friday, January 24th. A total of 21 players representing the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and 10 players representing the Women’s Gaelic Players Association (WGPA) from 21 counties in total made up the Class of 2019.
A further 13 GPA members and 6 members of the WGPA graduated from the Special Purpose Award in Professional Leadership. This is an optional accreditation pathway for those who have already completed the initial programme and is awarded by Maynooth University through the Department of Education.
The Jim Madden Leadership Programme has been developed specifically with inter-county players in mind.
The tailored programme sees students paired with a professional life coach with whom they work to address their individual development needs. Participants gain skills which they can draw on in their personal, sporting and professional lives.
The programme has been made possible through the support of Michael Madden and his family who have dedicated this programme and curriculum to the memory of their late father Jim, who was a tireless grassroots GAA and community activist in Tipperary.
2020 will be the sixth year of the programme with a further 33 players, including Stephen Gilmartin, from hurling, football, camogie and ladies football starting out.
Speaking at the graduation Paul Flynn, CEO of the GPA, said: “The work we carry out at the GPA comes under three key pillars; welfare, development and representation.
“This graduation shows once again how we are having a positive impact in the development of players as we continue with our aim of helping them develop on and off the field.
“It’s a testament to the success of the programme and that would not be possible without the ongoing support of the Madden family who we once again thank most sincerely.”
Maria Kinsella, WGPA Chairperson added: “It is great to be part of the 16 WGPA members who are graduating and also to see another 12 ladies footballers and camogie players starting out on the programme. The Jim Madden GPA Leadership Programme is massively beneficial and I can testify to that from my own personal experience. The WGPA always strive to support players to achieve their potential both on and off the field. It’s great that we can offer this support to our players and is one of the many ways in which we work closely with the GPA in what is an ever-strengthening relationship.”
Michael Madden, sponsor of the Jim Madden Leadership Programme, said: “We are delighted and honoured with the success of the Jim Madden Leadership Programme over the last five years.
“We are proud that the programme was inclusive from launch involving both the GPA and the WGPA, the impact and outreach to thousands of primary school children and the participants’ dedication and commitment to the programme each year.
“The professionalism and dedication of the GPA and WPGA made it an easy decision for the Madden family to extend the support for an additional two years,” he added.