The Federation of Irish Sport has revealed the recipients of the 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards, recognising 35 outstanding volunteers from across the country for their tireless dedication to sport and physical activity in their local communities.
These inspiring individuals will be celebrated at a special ceremony on Friday, 28th February 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown.
The prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award, which highlights one individual’s extraordinary contribution to Irish sport will be revealed on the day.
A Nation of Sporting Volunteers
Every week, 460,000 volunteers generously dedicate their time to support 1.47 million club members across Ireland, keeping local communities active, engaged, and connected.
From coaching youth teams to managing operations and promoting child safety, these volunteers form the backbone of Irish sport, making an extraordinary impact at the grassroots level.
Honouring Volunteers Who Keep Irish Sport Thriving
Throughout November and December 2024, the Federation of Irish Sport called on the public, sports clubs, Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies in Sport to nominate volunteers whose contributions have made a meaningful difference.
This year’s awards saw a record number of nominations from over 53 sporting disciplines, reflecting the incredible diversity of volunteering in Ireland.
“The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to celebrate our volunteers in sport and to pay tribute to these incredible individuals who give their time and energy to enrich Irish sport and strengthen communities,” said CEO Mary O’Connor.
“These awards are a vital nationwide recognition of the scale of volunteering that is required every week to support 1.47 million club members around the country.”
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of Irish sport, driving participation across all disciplines,” added Sport Ireland CEO Dr Una May.
“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.”
“The Volunteers in Sport Awards is a unique opportunity for the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships each year to collectively celebrate the terrific work being done in every county in Ireland to drive greater and more inclusive participation in sport and physical activity,” said Graham Russell, Head of Louth Sports Partnership, and representative of the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships.
“The National Network of Local Sports Partnerships work closely with volunteers in the community and see the impact they have at grass roots level and in breaking down boundaries to participation. We are proud to champion the unsung heroes of sport.”
The winners come from Boxing, Gaelic Games, Hockey, Athletics, Handball, Badminton, Mountaineering, Basketball, Football, The Special Olympics, Rowing, Cycling, Pitch and Putt, Rugby, the Community Games, Angling and from multi-sport areas.
Among the latter is a good friend of Sport for Business Paddy O’Reilly who was nominated for his work with Ballymun Health and Fitness and is the co-founder of the PExpo.
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
These wonderful volunteers rarely seek recognition or even appreciation but when it comes that makes it all the more special.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The awards take place on Friday 28th February and we will be talking to Paddy O’Reilly, one of the winners later this week.
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
The Federation of Irish Sport and Sport Ireland as well as Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and others in this space are among the more than 300 members of the Sport for Business Community.
Our Coverage of Sport for Social Good is in partnership with Allianz.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.Â
