Huge congratulations from us here at DLR Sports Partnership to Matt Hanlon from Dalkey Devils Volleyball Club. Matt, like many volunteers in Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown, worked tirelessly for his club in 2023 and is a real asset to the county and beyond!
• 32 County award winners named
• Supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships
• Unprecedented entries and over 50 sports nominated
• #dedicatedtothededicated
Friday February 9th, 2024: The Federation of Irish Sport today announced the list of recipients for the 2023 Volunteers in Sports Awards, celebrating the depth and breadth of volunteering in sporting communities nationwide. Supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships these dedicated volunteers will be celebrated at a national awards ceremony in Dublin on Thursday 29th February 2024. The invited special guest speaker is Minister Thomas Byrne, Minster of State with responsibility for Sport and Physical Education, which is testament to the commitment at government level to supporting and recognising the vital role of volunteers in advancing sports participation and community development.
With a record-breaking number of entries, the 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards have seen nominations from over 50 different sporting disciplines, highlighting the widespread impact of volunteering ranging from mass participation sports to new and emerging sports. The 32 county awards will be presented, honouring outstanding volunteers from every corner of the country who have demonstrated commitment and dedication, serving as role models within their communities and inspiring others to get involved in sports volunteering.
The economic significance of volunteering in sport cannot be overstated, it has an estimated value of €1.5 billion annually to the Irish economy. This figure underscores the immense social and economic benefits derived from the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the Irish sporting landscape.
In addition to the county individuals being recognised, anticipation will be high as one exceptional individual will be awarded with the overall Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor commented;
“We are looking forward to celebrating the exceptional contributions made by volunteers in sport from all over the country. Working behind the scenes volunteers play a crucial role in fostering community engagement, promoting physical activity, and driving the success of sporting events nationwide, they are truly #DedicatedToTheDedicated. The awards promise to be yet again another remarkable event acknowledging the time and passion of those involved in sport locally and to say, ‘thank you’ for their dedication.”
Commenting on the announcement of the list of recipients, Head of Sport, Louth LSP, Louth County Council and member of the judging panel Graham Russell stated,
“The 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards serve as a reminder of the power of volunteering in sport, celebrating individuals whose unwavering dedication enriches lives, strengthens communities, and encourages a culture of active living.”
For more information, please visit www.volunteersinsport.ie
FULL LIST OF 2023 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS
Antrim Cathryn Watson Ballymoney Hockey Club
Armagh Ciarán Maguire O’Hanlon’s LGFA
Carlow Stephen Dargan Carlow FC
Cavan Fidelma Sheridan Cumman Na mBunscol Co. Cavan & Erne Eagles Rounders Club
Clare Claire Cuddihy Clare Comets Basketball Club and Ennis Raptors basketball Club
Cork Eoin Kelly Beech Hill Table Tennis Club
Derry Micky Duddy Ring Boxing Club
Donegal Damien Devine Deele Community Anglers
Down Arnold Morgan Banbridge Table Tennis Club
Dublin City Henry Gillanders Mount Pleasant LTC
Dublin DLR Matt Hanlon Dalkey Devils Volleyball Club
Dublin Fingal Nuala Garrihy Fencing Ireland
Active Dublin South Amanda Spencer Jobstown Boxing Club
Fermanagh Ian Ross Enniskillen Rugby Club
Galway Tony Stephens Claregalway GAA Club
Kerry Lorcan Murphy Iveragh Athletics Club
Kildare Roy Baker Irish Martial Arts & Kickboxing Ireland
Kilkenny Ashley Godden Kilkenny Swimming Club
Laois Jackie Byrne Mountrath St. Fintan’s GAA
Leitrim Mary McMorrow Manorhamilton Community Tennis Club
Limerick Wanda Dwane Mungret St Paul’s GAA Club
Longford Ben McCormack Ballymahon Vocational School
Louth Fintan Cooper Glen Magic Soccer Club
Mayo Phelim Halligan Claremorris Ultimate Kickboxing Club
Meath David Quinn Dunshaughlin Youths Football Club
Monaghan Una Forde Monaghan Harps GAA
Offaly John Corboy Birr Town FC
Roscommon Philip Gordan Lough Ree Angling Hub
Sligo Simon Cavanagh GAA Handball
Tipperary Paddy Doyle Moyne Athletic Club
Tyrone Rachel McBride Riding For Disabled Omagh
Waterford Sally Kavanagh Waterford Hockey Club
Westmeath Nuala Lawlor Shoot ‘n Stars Special Olympics
Wexford Martin Moylan Dunbrody Archers
Wicklow Ruth McDonagh Bray Hockey Club
Local Sports Partnership Network
The network is made up of 29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) who are passionate about getting Ireland physically active, involved in sport and ensuring everyone in the community has the chance to be included.
LSPs play a crucial role in community engagement through sports and physical activities. With dedicated professionals and volunteers, LSPs provide tailored opportunities, impacting over 340,000 individuals annually and contributing to the well-being of Irish communities.
To find your local Sports Partnership click here. https://volunteersinsport.ie/lsps