FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT HONOURS IRELAND’S SPORTING VOLUNTEERS

Friday 28th February 2025: The Federation of Irish Sport celebrated 35 recipients of the 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards, recognising one individual from every county in Ireland (four in Dublin) for their exceptional commitment to enabling sport and physical activity thrive in their local sports club and communities. Present at the awards to pay special tribute to the volunteers was Minister Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform who gave the keynote address.

 

In addition to celebrating the 32 county individuals, Co. Limerick’s Martin Casey was revealed as the Outstanding Achievement Award recipient for his impact as a leader in community engagement through sport.

 

Martin Casey’s dedication to Limerick Sports Partnership (LSP) and his local community has had a transformative impact, particularly in promoting physical activity, inclusion, and engagement. His journey with Limerick LSP began in Transition Year through the Voluntary Inspired Participation (VIP) Programme, where he gained coaching qualifications and contributed 100 volunteer hours. With LSP’s support, he later obtained coaching and gym instructor certifications, giving back an additional 50 volunteer hours.

Over the past four years, Martin has been instrumental in leading initiatives that expand access to sport and physical activity. His work with the Travelling Community, including a mid-term camp that engaged 46 children from Limerick City halting sites, has significantly boosted participation. He also played a key role in developing and delivering the Women’s Self-Defence Programme, which was expanded due to high demand, empowering women with essential self-defence skills.

 

In his role as a coach and tutor, Martin’s leadership, passion and ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds have made Limerick Sports Partnership more inclusive and welcoming. His unwavering commitment continues to inspire and strengthen community engagement through sport.

 

Speaking at the awards, Minister Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform commented: “The Volunteer in Sport Awards are always one of the highlights in the sporting calendar. It is a pleasure to once again represent the Government as we celebrate the contributions and achievements of our incredible volunteers who sacrifice time, effort and energy so that we can all enjoy sport at local, national and international level. Volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport at all levels and it is important they are formally recognised and encouraged so they continue to drive interest, passion and participation in sports in our communities. I congratulate all those honoured on the day and thank them for their contribution to our society.”

 

 Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor stated: “The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to honour the 2024 Volunteers in Sport Award recipients, recognising the incredible individuals whose dedication sustains grassroots participation and strengthens communities. Volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport, enabling 1.47 million club members to engage in sport and physical activity. These awards are a vital tribute to their invaluable contribution.”

 

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of Irish sport, driving participation across all disciplines. Sport Ireland research reveals unprecedented levels of engagement, with nearly two million adults participating in sport weekly. That’s a real testament to the tireless efforts of volunteers. They don’t merely contribute – they transform aspirations into achievements, making sport accessible and enjoyable for all. We all owe them a debt of gratitude and we’re happy to play our part in recognising their dedication.” 

Head of Louth Sports Partnership, representative of the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships and member of the judging panel, Graham Russell said: “The 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards highlight the nationwide impact of volunteers in driving inclusive participation and strengthening communities through sport. Their dedication breaks down barriers, enriches lives, and promotes active living for all ages and abilities. The National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships is proud to celebrate these unsung heroes who make sport accessible and beneficial for so many.”

 

County	First	Surname	Club	Sport
Antrim	Paddy Joe	Branney	Belfast’s Star Boxing Club	IABA
Armagh	Francis	Reynolds	Sarsfields GAC	GAA
Carlow	Justine	Collins	Carlow Hockey	Hockey
Cavan	Brian	McKeown	Cavan Boxing Club	IABA
Clare	Nicola	Welford	Derg Athletics Club	Athletics
Cork	John Bosco	Hurley	Liscarroll Handball Club	GAA Handball
Derry	Alan	Nash	Na Piarsaigh Doire Trasna	GAA/LGFA
Donegal	Audrey	Magee	Raphoe Badminton Club	Badminton
Down	Alwynne	Shannon	The Feel Good Factor	Mountaineering
Dublin City Sports & Wellbeing	Paddy	O Reilly	Ballymun Health & Fitness community group	Multi-sport
Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown	Ruby	Morrow	Monkstown Hockey Club	Hockey
Dublin Fingal	Emily	Crawley	Swords BC	Basketball
Active South Dublin	Denis	Commins	Peamount United	FAI
Fermanagh	Phil	Flanaghan	Tempo Maguires GAA Club	GAA
Galway	Frances	Daly	Special Olympics Swimming	Special Olympics
Kerry	Lynda	McGrath	Tralee Boxing Club	IABA
Kildare	Suzanne	Whelan	Naas Pythons Basketball Special Olympics Club	Special Olympics
Kilkenny	Mick	O’Keeffe	Thomastown Athletics Club	Athletics
Laois	Patrick	Brennan	Crettyard CLG GAA	GAA
Leitrim	Mark	Butler	Carrick on Shannon Rowing Club	Rowing
Limerick	Martin	Casey	Limerick Local Sports Partnership	Multi-sport
Longford	Gerry	Doyle	Heartland Wheelers Cycling Club	Cycling
Louth	Pat	Greene	Seapoint Pitch and Putt Club	Pitch and Putt
Mayo	Myles	Cresham	Castlebar Boxing Club	IABA
Meath	Pat	Comey	Trim AC	Athletics
Monaghan	Pat	McCabe	Clones Town FC	FAI
Offaly	Jude	Feehan	Offaly community games	Community Games
Roscommon	Tony	Christie	Ballinameen GAA Club	GAA
Sligo	Jean	McConnell	Sligo RFC	IRFU
Tipperary	Paddy	Fitzgerald	Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams GAA Club	GAA
Tyrone	Kenny	Curran	Loughmacrory Handball Club	GAA Handball
Waterford	Gavin	Lonergan	Little Vikings special Olympics	Special Olympics
Westmeath	Aoife	McCarthy	Mullingar Handball Club	GAA Handball
Wexford	Nicky	Haberlin	New Ross Rugby Football Club	IRFU
Wicklow	Brian	Whelan	Irish Federation of Sea Anglers	Irish Federation of Sea Anglers