Offaly hurler graduates from GPA leadership programme

Offaly hurler Jason Sampson was among those who recently graduated from the Jim Madden GPA Leadership Programme.

Sampson of Shinrone was part of the Offaly team which won the Christy Ring Cup last year, also securing promotion to Division 1 of the Allianz Hurling League.

The programme develops a group of inter-county players from Gaelic football, hurling and camogie 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.

Over 200 inter-county players have benefitted from the programme since it began eight years ago.