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A sincere thank you to the Minister Charlie McConalogue for joining us and presenting the awards, your support for volunteers in sport is hugely appreciated.
Thank you also to the Crowne Plaza Dublin Blanchardstown Plaza for being such a fantastic venue and helping create such a memorable evening.

A big shoutout to MWX Media for capturing the spirit and sentiment so perfectly.
We are grateful also to Prime Awards for the medals and goody bags the Volunteers received.
Most importantly, thank you to all of our volunteers. Your dedication behind the scenes is what keeps sport thriving, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to recognise and celebrate everything you do. Each club was also rewarded with a €200 voucher.
#DedicatedtotheDedicated

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Entries are now open for submission, for a full list of categories, event updates and to enter the awards go to: https://irishsportindustryawards.ie/. Closing date for entries is: 2^nd April 2026.

We are delighted to announce the addition of two new categories this year: 

Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport and Physical Activity

This award is to recognise the support of lifelong participation for all in sport and physical activity. It is open to any organisation or enterprise either within the sport industry, or is using sport as a vehicle, which promotes increased inclusion, engagement and participation in sport and physical activity for those with a disability.

Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport and Physical Activity

This award shall recognise sporting bodies or businesses in the sport or physical activity sector who display a comprehensive strategy to promote sustainability in sport or physical activities to mitigate against environmental impact of their operations or participation of their members.

Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said: “The Irish Sport Industry Awards are an important platform for recognising our member National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships valuable contribution to sport through their initiatives, collaborations and commercial activations. While also spotlighting new and emerging sports tech enterprise innovations, many of whom have gone on to excel in international markets.”

We invite you to take a look back at the 2025 awards.

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The Federation of Irish Sport has announced a new partnership with Prime Awards as the Official Supplier to its two flagship annual celebrations — the Volunteers in Sport Awards and the Irish Sport Industry Awards.

Under the partnership, Prime Awards will design and produce the medals, trophies and branded merchandise that recognise excellence across both events, celebrating the individuals and organisations who contribute to the success of Irish sport.

The Volunteers in Sport Awards honour the vital contribution of volunteers across the country, whose efforts underpin community sport and are estimated to contribute €1.5 billion in economic value to the Irish economy each year.

The Irish Sport Industry Awards recognise the organisations and leaders driving Ireland’s growing sports sector, which contributes €3.7 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy and supports almost 65,000 jobs nationwide.

Established in 1939, Prime Awards is an Irish family-run business and the nation’s leading supplier of trophies, awards and promotional branded goods. Bringing together the heritage of MMI, Lee Brothers and Bright Promotions, the company combines more than 200 years of expertise in recognition and branding.

Based in Dublin, Prime Awards continues to design and manufacture in Ireland, serving clients across government, education, sport and corporate sectors. With modern facilities and a passionate team rooted in tradition, Prime Awards proudly carries a shared legacy forward while delivering excellence in quality, service and innovation.”

Speaking on the announcement Mary O’Connor CEO Federation of Irish Sport said, “This partnership will ensure that the achievements celebrated through the Volunteers in Sport Awards and the Irish Sport Industry Awards are marked with bespoke awards custom made by the skilled professionals at Prime Awards that reflect the pride, dedication and excellence of Irish sport. Their branded merchandise will elevate our awards ceremonies, conferences and increase FIS branding visibility.”

John Lee Business Development Manager of Prime Awards stated, “As Official Supplier to the Federation of Irish Sport, Prime Awards will play a key role in helping recognise the individuals from grassroots volunteers to national and industry leadership, whose contributions help shape Irish sport at every level. We are honoured to create the awards and promotional goods that celebrate dedication, performance and achievement at every level of Irish sport.”

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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

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Federation of Irish Sport Reveals 2025 Volunteers in Sport Honourees, Celebrating Exceptional Dedication and Community Service.

The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships recognising 36 exceptional volunteers from every county in Ireland (including four awardees from Dublin) for their unwavering dedication to sport and physical activity within their local communities.

These inspiring individuals will be honoured at a special awards ceremony on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, where Minister Charlie McConalogue TD. Minister for Sport & Postal Policy will give the keynote address.

A Nation of Sporting Volunteers

Volunteers remain the foundation of Irish sport. Each week, an estimated 460,000 volunteers give their time to support 1.47 million club members across Ireland, helping communities stay active, connected, and engaged. From coaching young athletes to managing clubs, promoting inclusion, and ensuring child safety, their contribution is vital at every level.

Honouring Those Who Keep Irish Sport Thriving

The 2025 awards attracted a record number of nominations spanning more than 49 sporting disciplines, reflecting the remarkable diversity and strength of volunteering in sport and physical activity throughout Ireland.

Championing Community Collaboration

This year’s awards see the introduction of an inaugural community award in association with Clann Credo to highlight the breadth of volunteer commitment across the country. The Club/Community Award, in association with Clann Credo will recognise the collective impact of volunteer-led groups supporting sport and physical activity nationwide, with one club from each province to be announced in this category. The recipients will be announced in the coming weeks.

A new Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising dedication over many years of service has also been introduced this year.

The event will culminate in the announcement of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award, celebrating one volunteer whose contribution to Irish sport has been truly extraordinary.

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.

“But of course, volunteers do far more than just support sport; they strengthen communities, foster belonging and make participation possible. Their contribution is invaluable. At Sport Ireland we’re very proud to play a role in recognising and supporting them.”

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.”

See below for full list of County recipients.

#DedicatedtotheDedicated

Brought to you by:

FULL LIST OF 2025 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS

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The partnership will provide Federation members with access to professional, high-quality media services designed to enhance visibility, audience engagement, and sponsor value across Irish sport.

Under the multi-year agreement, MWX Media will support members offering a wide range of services, including video production and editing, live streaming, media training, audio-visual podcasting, content creation, promotional material and event AV services. They offer affordable and viable options for National Governing Bodies and sporting organisations of every size.

Save the Date – Partnership Launch & Media Training Open Day
To launch the partnership and engage directly, FIS Members are invited to save the date of Tuesday 24th February when the Federation will be hosting an Open Day information session on an exclusive Commentary Media Training Course, which will be presented by MWX Media. Attendees will hear from MWX Media Operations Manager and Client Accounts David Streek followed by a course overview from Olympic Sports Broadcaster Duane Dell’Oca.

Commentary Media Training Course
Federation members will have exclusive access to a Commentary Media Training Course, aimed at developing professional broadcast skills and media confidence which can be tailored to take place over 4-days or a 1-day option.

MWX Media has extensive experience in providing services to sporting bodies at major international events including clients such as Swim Ireland, Cricket Ireland and Hockey Ireland. In addition to this they provide AV Production services for the Federation of Irish Sport annual awards ceremonies the Volunteers in Sport Awards and the Irish Sport Industry Awards. They specialise in sport live streaming, digital content, podcast production and media training. This partnership creates a strong synergy, providing Federation members with modern media tools, strategic support, and practical training to maximise exposure and commercial opportunities in a digital-first sporting environment.

For more information contact:
Clare Louise O’Donoghue Federation of Irish Sport, Head of Commercial and Marketing
M: +353 86 043 7887, E: clarelouise.odonoghue@irishsport.ie
David Streek (MWX Media Operations Manager & Client Accounts)
M: +353 87 1920 100. E: david@mwx-media.ie

Read More

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Speaking after the event Federation CEO Mary O Connor said

“We welcome this record €33.36 million investment in core funding for sport, including the 6.5% increase on 2025 levels. This is a significant vote of confidence in the sector, recognising the pivotal role National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships play, not only in delivering on the National Sports Policy, but also in advancing broader Government priorities.

With 64% of the population now active on a weekly basis, this funding will help strengthen participation, performance, and community impact across Ireland.

Importantly, 2026 marks the first year of Sport Ireland’s 3-year multi-annual funding model, a transformative development that the Federation of Irish Sport actively campaigned for. This change will support improved planning, workforce stability, and more strategic use of resources within sports organisations, providing the certainty needed for National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships to build capacity and continue making sport inclusive and accessible for all.

I want to thank both Minister O Donovan and Minister McConalogue for their work in securing funding and look forward to working with all in government to enhance opportunities for the sector”.

To read the full press release click the link.

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/record-level-of-core-funding-for-sports-bodies-in-2026/

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Please enjoy taking the time to have a look back at the work of the Federation on behalf of the sector during 2026.

The post A Look Back at 2025 first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

This new award celebrates the exceptional volunteer-led sports clubs, community organisations, and groups that make an outstanding contribution to promoting sport, physical activity, and community well-being across Ireland. The award recognises excellence in inclusion, participation, leadership, innovation, and positive impact through sport.

To submit a nomination, visit: https://volunteersinsport.ie/make-a-nomination/

Hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport and supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships, the awards honour the dedication, skills, and passion of individual volunteers from all 32 counties. This additional award shines a light on clubs and groups that operate entirely through volunteer effort and have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their members to help create participation, belonging and opportunity across diverse communities through sport.

Across Ireland, Clann Credo works with sports clubs and community groups of all sizes, helping them develop facilities and increase access to sport, particularly for young people and those who may face additional barriers to taking part.

“Clann Credo is proud to sponsor the Club/Community Sport Award as part of the Volunteers in Sport Awards. Every day we meet volunteers who are transforming their communities with energy and determination,” said Tony Marshall, Regional Manager at Clann Credo and a member of the adjudication panel. “This award recognises that commitment and celebrates the positive impact volunteers create right across the country.”

Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, added:
“We are delighted to have the support of Clann Credo for this new national honour championing the volunteer-led clubs that strengthen communities through sport and physical activity. This is a welcome addition to the 32 individual county recipients and marks an exciting expansion of the awards for 2025.”

A Celebration of Volunteerism in Irish Sport

Across Ireland, over 460,000 volunteers dedicate their time each week to ensure sport thrives in communities nationwide. More than 250,000 volunteer coaches contribute an estimated 1 million hours weekly, delivering vital opportunities for participation and inclusion. Their collective impact is valued at €1.5bn to the Irish economy, highlighting the immense contribution of volunteerism to society.

Nominations Open!

Nominations for the 2025 Volunteers in Sport Awards, including the new Sports Club/Community Sport Organisation Award sponsored by Clann Credo, are open until the 15^th December 2025.

The Awards celebration will take place on 26th February 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown, Dublin.  To submit a nomination, visit: https://volunteersinsport.ie/make-a-nomination/

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