Federation of Irish Sport Celebrates Volunteers in Sport from 32 Counties, Championing Community Spirit, Dedication and Participation

Feb 26, 2026

Garry Mc Gillion (Co. Tyrone) receives Outstanding Achievement Award

Federation of Irish Sport Celebrates Volunteers in Sport from 32 Counties, Championing Community Spirit, Dedication and Participation

The Federation of Irish Sport, supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships celebrated 36 recipients of the 2025 Volunteers in Sport Awards, recognising one individual from every county in Ireland for their exceptional commitment to enabling sport and physical activity thrive in their local sports club and communities. Attending the awards to pay special tribute to the volunteers was Minister Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy who gave the keynote address.

• 32 countywide celebration of volunteers in sport at annual awards ceremony, supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships.
• Awards honour contribution of Ireland’s 460,000 volunteers across all sports.
• Contribution of volunteers estimated to be in excess of €1.5billion annually.

In addition to celebrating the 32 county individuals, Co. Tyrone’s Garry Mc Gillion was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award. Garry’s boxing journey began as a young competitor, but his career was tragically cut short following the Omagh Bombing in 1998. Despite the trauma and personal loss, Garry redirected his passion into lifelong voluntary service. Garry’s contribution also extends to leadership and governance through his work on the Ulster Boxing Council and the Central Council in Dublin, ensuring Ulster boxing continues to have a strong and trusted voice nationally. Garry Mc Gillion exemplifies resilience, dedication, and outstanding community spirit.

For decades, Garry has been a dedicated coach with his local club, giving 3–4 evenings each week to training and mentoring young boxers. His focus has always been about more than success in the ring, he uses boxing to help young people overcome hardship, build resilience, confidence, discipline, and achieve their personal best in sport and in life.

Speaking at the awards, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy commented: “The culture of volunteering in sport is one that we have a proud tradition of in this country, and so it is fitting that we celebrate some of the outstanding individuals and groups from all sectors of the sporting community at this event. Be it coaching teams, preparing pitches, administering timetables, driving participants to training, matches or competitions, none of it happens without the dedication of volunteers.  I want to wish all of the nominees the very best of luck, and to thank them, and the wider volunteering community, for all of their contributions to sport around the country.”

Speaking about the significance of the awards, Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, said: “The Federation of Irish Sport is delighted to honour the extraordinary volunteers who dedicate their time, passion, and energy to supporting sport and physical activity across Ireland. Their commitment not only enriches Irish sport but also strengthens communities nationwide.

“Their dedication is worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy each year. These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the immense scale of volunteering required each week to support 1.47 million club members throughout the country.”

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the driving force behind sport in Ireland. Their contribution helps sustain clubs and communities. From coaches to committee members, officials and event helpers, their contribution helps keep people active and connected.

“Sport Ireland research highlights the sheer scale of this commitment, with hundreds of thousands of people giving their time to support sport, including more than 268,000 involved in coaching – most of them volunteering, many with children. This generosity reflects a deeply rooted culture of involvement that underpins sport right across the country.”

Shane McArdle Coordinator of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership and member of the adjudication panel said: “The National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships is delighted to come together to collectively support and promote the annual Volunteers in Sport Awards. The awards are a nationwide celebration of the grassroots activities and spirit of volunteerism that is the backbone driving sport and physical activity in our communities.”

Championing Community Collaboration and Lifelong Service to Sport

This year’s awards saw the introduction of an inaugural club/community award in association with Clann Credo to highlight the breadth of volunteer commitment across the country, recognising the collective impact of volunteer-led groups supporting sport and physical activity nationwide.  The provincial honourees were in Ulster: Leander ASC; Celebrating over 60 years of intergenerational volunteering. From Munster: Shannon Paddlers Kayak and Canoeing Club – Removing barriers, creating a welcoming environment and promoting “Wellness on the Water”. In Leinster: Naas Pythons Special Olympics Club – Founded in friendships, prospering through empowerment. From Connacht: Moyne Villa Football Club and Community Grounds – The power of volunteers and community resilience. Details of each club can be found on the event website.

The inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Tony Davitt, which recognised six decades of dedication and service as a highly respected legend in Irish boxing. Known for his decades-long dedication as a coach, mentor and community sporting figure starting out at Julianstown Boxing Club and Phoenix of Ballyboughal Boxing Club where he currently trains the next generations.

The Volunteers in Sport Awards are presented by:

See below for full list of 2025 recipients.

#DedicatedtotheDedicated

SEE BELOW FOR FULL LIST OF 2025 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS AND PROVINICAL CLUB AWARD RECIPIENTS

2into3 Partner Event: Being Grant Ready Nov 2025

Nov 25, 2025

The Federation was delighted to co-host a webinar for members with our Partners 2into3 on the practical steps members can take to make their CSFF grant applications more robust. Expert insights were shared by Patricia Keenan the Director of Funding Services at 2into3. She has worked for local authorities, government departments and social enterprises at a senior level before embarking on consulting in 2005. She has a track record of delivering 50+ webinars and in-person events to over 5,000 attendees and has directly supported more than 80 CSFF grant applications across a wide range of sports with a 93% success rate overall. The event proved very popular with member and there was excellent engagement.

The Community Sport Facilities Fund is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.

• The Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, has allocated over €1.4 billion to almost 19,000 projects since 1998.
• The programme prioritises participation, accessibility, and sustainability, with targets including 60% national participation in sport by 2027.

Being Grant Ready for CSFF – tell the story!

1.Who are the people that will benefit from this project?

2.What would you like to fund? Ambition…

3.Why should you get this over another application?

Once you answer these then think about….

I.Where is the project

II.How much will your ambition cost? How much funding would you like to get from the Community Sport Facilities Fund? How will you match this?

III.When will you complete the work?

Members can look back at the full webinar. To request the link and slideshow presentation, please email info@irishsport.ie

Celebrating Excellence in Irish Sport: Winners of the 2025 Industry Awards Announced

May 21, 2025

• Celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact across Irish sport.

The Federation of Irish Sport proudly hosted the 2025 Irish Sport Industry Awards last night for the 8^th annual gathering, recognising outstanding achievements across the Irish sport sector. Held in Dublin and attended by industry leaders, sponsors, and government representatives, the ceremony celebrated innovation, leadership, and excellence in sport on and off the field.

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, who commended the shortlisted finalists, winners and all those working in sporting organisations for their vital role in shaping Ireland’s sporting future.

Outgoing Special Olympics Ireland CEO Matt English is presented with the Outstanding Achievement in Sport Award by Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Charlie McConalogue TD 

One of the special moments was the presentation of the Outstanding Achievement for Contribution to Irish Sport Award to Matt English, who recently stepped down after 17 transformative years as CEO of Special Olympics Ireland. His leadership has impacted thousands of athletes and families across the country, helping to create a more inclusive sporting landscape.

Other individuals honoured included Neasa Russell, who received the KPMG Women in Sport Award for her visionary leadership within Paralympics Ireland and wider advocacy for gender equity in sport. Meanwhile, Hazel Nolan, Senior News & Sports Broadcaster at FM104, was honoured with the Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award, recognising her decades-long dedication to spotlighting Irish sport across multiple platforms.

The coveted title of National Governing Body of the Year went to Badminton Ireland. Emerging from the challenges of the pandemic, Badminton Ireland’s 2022-2028 strategic plan has driven remarkable growth and inclusivity, with membership rising to over 17,300—including 23% from ethnic minorities or first-generation Irish and affiliated clubs increasing to 420.

Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn in conversation with MC Sean O’Rourke during the Irish Sport Industry Awards 2025 at College Green Hotel in Dublin. 

Mayo Sports Partnership was awarded the Local Sports Partnership of the Year, who have delivered measurable health outcomes, fostered community engagement, and strengthened links between sport and healthcare through a shift toward preventative, community-based physical activity.

The evening also featured two engaging conversations highlighting the power and potential of Irish sport beyond the field of play. Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn sat down with MC Sean O’Rourke for a fireside conversation to reflect on her journey from RTÉ to the Seanad, sharing insights on sport, advocacy, and public life. This was followed by an insightful panel discussion where Minister Alan Dillon TD, Jill Downey, and Peter McKenna explored sport’s growing economic impact and Ireland’s global opportunity as a host nation for major international events.

Minister Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Sport and Postal Policy TD, said, “‘The Irish Sport Industry Awards are an important means of showcasing and celebrating the consistent excellence on display in the sports industry in the country. They are a recognition of the close collaborative relationship between sport and business. I would like to extend my congratulations to the Federation of Irish Sport for the hosting of these awards for what is the 8th time. Looking across all of the finalists for these awards it is easy to see the incredible range of talent and expertise at play, and it gives an insight into the quality of programmes currently on offer throughout the country, and the drive to improve and innovate.”

Federation CEO Mary O’Connor praised the award winners, saying: “This year’s winners reflect the diversity, strength, and heart of Irish sport. From innovation in business to community-driven inclusion, each honouree is helping build a stronger and more impactful sporting ecosystem. We’re especially proud to recognise leaders like Matt English, whose legacy reminds us why we do this work.”

The Federation thanks all sponsors, partners, and guests for making the 2025 Awards a memorable celebration of Irish sporting excellence.

2025 Irish Sport Industry Award Winners