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

Feb 13, 2026

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

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FULL LIST OF 2025 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS

Federation of Irish Sport Unveils New Award Recognising Community Sporting Excellence supported by Clann Credo – Community Loan Finance

Dec 9, 2025

The Federation of Irish Sport is delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new award category for the 2025 Volunteers in Sport Awards – the Club/Community Sport Organisation Award, proudly sponsored by Clann Credo – Community Loan Finance.

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/