Westmeath hurler graduates from GPA Jim Madden Leadership programme

Westmeath and Lough Lene Gaels hurler Derek McNicholas is among those who have graduated from the Gaelic Players’ Association’s Jim Madden Leadership Programme.

The programme develops a group of inter-county players from Hurling, Camogie and Gaelic football with the necessary skills, motivation and experience to become real leaders in the community.

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.

Close to 250 inter-county players have benefitted from the programme since it began nine years ago.