Ireland’s sporting community gathered today to honour the 460,000 volunteers who sustain grassroots sport at the annual Volunteer in Sport Awards, hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport.
Opening proceedings, Federation CEO Mary O’Connor paid tribute to the “unsung heroes” who power clubs the length and breadth of the country.
“A special welcome to Minister McConalogue. Minister, we appreciate how busy your schedule is and for coming here today. It means a lot to everybody to have your attendance,” she began, congratulating the Minister on her work supporting sport and physical activity since taking office.
Addressing the award winners and guests, O’Connor framed volunteers as central to Irish life.
“It is often said that our local sports clubs are the heartbeat of our communities, and that is true. But if they are the heartbeat, then our volunteers are the lifeblood.”
She pointed to the scale of volunteerism across Ireland, noting that volunteers support 1.47 million club members each week, with an estimated economic value of €1.5 billion annually. More than 268,000 people serve in coaching roles, with 64 per cent coaching children.
“In 2026, we find ourselves living in what many call an era of entitlement,” she said. “Yet every day of the week, on rain-soaked pitches or in community centres from Donegal to Kerry, 460,000 people answer a different call. They are our volunteers in sport.”
While modern culture often asks, “What’s in it for me?”, she said volunteers demonstrate that the greatest reward lies elsewhere — in a child mastering a new skill, a team acting as one, or a former player returning to give back.
O’Connor spoke personally about growing up in a household steeped in community spirit, describing her mother as “the ultimate volunteer” who dedicated decades to her local GAA club, including compiling the weekly lotto returns until the age of 80.
“They are the type of people that have instilled the love of sport for me, and I don’t want you to underestimate the impact that you have in your communities,” she said.
She also acknowledged the contribution of local sports partnerships, the judging panel led by Roddy Guiney, Federation Chair Clare McGrath and the Board, partners including WX Media, Prime Awards and Clann Credo, as well as the Federation’s own small team.
“We are a small team, but we are a mighty team,” she said, singling out Clare Louise O’Donoghue for organising the event.
O’Connor concluded with a call to action for the next generation.
“To keep the light burning, we must move from a culture of consuming sport to one of contributing to it. Instead of ‘somebody will do it’, it must always be answered by, ‘I will do it.’”
Minister of State for Sport, Charlie McConalogue echoed those sentiments, describing volunteers as the foundation of Irish sport.
“We would not have a sporting sector without all of you here, and all of the people that work with you day in, day out across the country,” she said, congratulating the county representatives honoured on the day.
Referencing the scale of weekly participation, she said the estimated 460,000 volunteers represent “a phenomenal gift and contribution” to Irish society.
He acknowledged that volunteering often resembles a full-time role, encompassing committees, coaching, refereeing, administration and more.
“The culture of volunteering is one that we have a proud tradition of in this country,” she said. “It is very fitting that we celebrate some of the outstanding individuals and groups from all sectors of the sporting community here today.”
As Minister for Sport, he reaffirmed his commitment to placing volunteers at the centre of the next National Sports Strategy, with the current strategy entering its penultimate year.
“We have to make sure that volunteering is as accessible as possible, and absolutely valued and central to how we develop our national sport policy,” he said, inviting those present to contribute ideas on how government and sporting bodies can better support clubs.
He also highlighted record levels of capital investment in facilities through the Community Sports Facilities Fund, with €270 million allocated in the most recent round, following €170 million and €190 million in the two previous rounds. A new funding round will open this summer.
However, he stressed that facilities alone are not enough.
“The most important piece of infrastructure which all of you have in your clubs is the volunteer infrastructure,” she said. “That is what drives you forward and makes sure that the very best is made of the facilities that you have.”
The ceremony closed with congratulations to the winners and a recognition that, for many, the celebration would be brief before returning to committee meetings, training sessions and the everyday work that keeps Irish sport alive.
Image Credit: Federation of Irish Sport
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