Feb 7, 2025
- 35 volunteers to be honoured, €200 donation to each recipient’s local club
- Every week, 460,000 volunteers dedicate their time to support 1.47 million club members
- Economic contribution of volunteers in sport valued at €1.5 billion annually
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The Federation of Irish Sport proudly announces the recipients of the 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards, recognising 35 outstanding volunteers from every county in Ireland (four in Dublin) 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.
Speaking about the importance of the awards, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, Mary O’Connor said: “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. 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.”
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of Irish sport, driving participation across all disciplines. 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.”
Head of Louth Sports Partnership, representative of the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships and member of the judging panel, Graham Russell said: “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. 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.”
#DedicatedtotheDedicated
FULL LIST OF 2024 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS
| County |
First |
Surname |
Club |
Sport |
| Antrim |
Paddy Joe |
Branney |
Belfast’s Star Boxing Club |
IABA |
| Armagh |
Francis |
Reynolds |
Sarsfields GAC |
GAA |
| Carlow |
Justine |
Collins |
Carlow Hockey |
Hockey |
| Cavan |
Brian |
McKeown |
Cavan Boxing Club |
IABA |
| Clare |
Nicola |
Welford |
Derg Athletics Club |
Athletics |
| Cork |
John Bosco |
Hurley |
Liscarroll Handball Club |
GAA Handball |
| Derry |
Alan |
Nash |
Na Piarsaigh Doire Trasna |
GAA/LGFA |
| Donegal |
Audrey |
Magee |
Raphoe Badminton Club |
Badminton |
| Down |
Alwynne |
Shannon |
The Feel Good Factor |
Mountaineering |
| Dublin City Sports & Wellbeing |
Paddy |
O Reilly |
Ballymun Health & Fitness community group |
Multi-sport |
| Dublin Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown |
Ruby |
Morrow |
Monkstown Hockey Club |
Hockey |
| Dublin Fingal |
Emily |
Crawley |
Swords BC |
Basketball |
| Active South Dublin |
Denis |
Commins |
Peamount United |
FAI |
| Fermanagh |
Phil |
Flanaghan |
Tempo Maguires GAA Club |
GAA |
| Galway |
Frances |
Daly |
Special Olympics Swimming |
Special Olympics |
| Kerry |
Lynda |
McGrath |
Tralee Boxing Club |
IABA |
| Kildare |
Suzanne |
Whelan |
Naas Pythons Basketball Special Olympics Club |
Special Olympics |
| Kilkenny |
Mick |
O’Keeffe |
Thomastown Athletics Club |
Athletics |
| Laois |
Patrick |
Brennan |
Crettyard CLG GAA |
GAA |
| Leitrim |
Mark |
Butler |
Carrick on Shannon Rowing Club |
Rowing |
| Limerick |
Martin |
Casey |
Limerick Local Sports Partnership |
Multi-sport |
| Longford |
Gerry |
Doyle |
Heartland Wheelers Cycling Club |
Cycling |
| Louth |
Pat |
Greene |
Seapoint Pitch and Putt Club |
Pitch and Putt |
| Mayo |
Myles |
Cresham |
Castlebar Boxing Club |
IABA |
| Meath |
Pat |
Comey |
Trim AC |
Athletics |
| Monaghan |
Pat |
McCabe |
Clones Town FC |
FAI |
| Offaly |
Jude |
Feehan |
Offaly community games |
Community Games |
| Roscommon |
Tony |
Christie |
Ballinameen GAA Club |
GAA |
| Sligo |
Jean |
McConnell |
Sligo RFC |
IRFU |
| Tipperary |
Paddy |
Fitzgerald |
Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams GAA Club |
GAA |
| Tyrone |
Kenny |
Curran |
Loughmacrory Handball Club |
GAA Handball |
| Waterford |
Gavin |
Lonergan |
Little Vikings special Olympics |
Special Olympics |
| Westmeath |
Aoife |
McCarthy |
Mullingar Handball Club |
GAA Handball |
| Wexford |
Nicky |
Haberlin |
New Ross Rugby Football Club |
IRFU |
| Wicklow |
Brian |
Whelan |
Irish Federation of Sea Anglers |
Irish Federation of Sea Anglers |
Jan 30, 2025
Photo credit: Athletics Ireland
The Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, and the Minister of State for Sport, Charlie McConalogue TD, have today paid tribute to Thomas Barr, triple Olympian and European medallist, who has announced his retirement. Waterford native Barr is one of Ireland’s most successful ever athletes, having won a historic bronze medal in the 400m hurdles at the 2018 European Athletics Championships, becoming the first Irish male sprinter to win an outdoor European medal in the 84-year history of the event. He has represented Ireland at the Rio, Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games. Last year, he was a key member of the Irish mixed 4 X 400m relay teams which claimed bronze and gold medals at the World Relays and European Championships respectively.
Minister O’Donovan said:
“I congratulate Thomas Barr on his sporting achievements as he hangs up his spikes. The Déise can be very proud of all Thomas has achieved across his glittering career. Very few people have the honour of representing their nation internationally, and Thomas did this at the very highest level, at three Olympics, with his national record from the 2016 games still standing to this day. Thomas has been an extraordinary advocate for athletics and for sport in general, and I want to thank him and wish him well for the next challenge.”
Minister McConalogue said:
“Thomas Barr’s athletic record speaks for itself, as he has achieved unprecedented success in his chosen field of sprinting. Beyond his contribution on the track, his commitment to the growth of athletics in Ireland deserves recognition. I am sure Thomas will continue his involvement with sport in other ways, but for now, I want to reflect on all he has achieved and pay tribute to one of Ireland’s finest athletes.”
Jan 30, 2025
29 January 2025; In attendance are, from left, Principal Officer, Sports Policy and National Sports Campus Unit at the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Micheál Ó Conaire, Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor and Principal Officer, Personal Taxes Policy and Legislation Division, at the Office of the Revenue Commissioners Liam Smith, during the Federation of Irish Sport Annual Leaders Forum 2025 at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown, Dublin
- Over 100 attendees representing senior leadership in sport from National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships, Sport Ireland and FIS Commercial Partners and suppliers attend forum.
- Update on changes from 1 January 2025to sporting bodies tax exemption and relief for donations to sporting bodies and the opportunities it offers in the new in Finance Act 2024 for recognised NGBs who have s 235 exemption.
- 8 Thematic areas of new Sports Action Plan
- Participation – 1.89million participating regularly in sport and physical activity in Ireland.
The Federation of Irish Sport hosted their Annual Leaders Forum for 2025 under the title of Informing & Empowering Leaders & Decision Makers in Sport. This flagship event brought together influential voices in Irish sport, government, and finance to discuss key updates, insights, and strategies shaping the future of sport in Ireland.
The forum provided an invaluable opportunity for leaders and stakeholders in Irish sport to connect, engage, and learn about measures to grow financial stability through reforms to tax exemptions, charitable donations and loan financing.
Speaking on behalf of Revenue Liam Smith of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners gave a detailed presentation on the provisions in the Finance Act relevant to the sporting sector. This included explanations on eligibility of sporting organisations, qualifying projects, relevant donations, tax relief for companies’ vs individuals’ donations and governance requirements.
Principal Officer from the Department of Sport Micheál Ó Conaire highlighted the participation figures of 1.89 million participating regularly in sport and physical activity in Ireland. He also gave details under the 8 Thematic Areas for action plan 2024 – 2027 namely: Investment in Sport 2025 budget for Sports & Recreation Services is €230m (NSP doubling of funding target hit ahead of schedule, €256 million CSFF, €173m LSSIF), Active and Social Participation, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Facilities and Events, Sport and Education, Sport and Sustainability, Governance and Capacity Building and International.
The agenda also featured insightful contributions from partners of the Federation such as: ‘Ogier: Equality and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission’, 2into3, with Dennis O’Connor and Orla Dolan on transformative approaches in the sector in relation to philanthropy and talent management, concluding with Clann Credo Community Finance, and Regional Manager Tony Marshall highlighting innovative financial solutions for community-based sports organisations.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, said: “The Annual Leaders Forum is a vital moment for Ireland’s sporting community to come together, share ideas, and forge stronger collaborations. We are thrilled to have such a strong representation from our members here today to ensure they are informed on important matters that are relevant to them now and in the future. As we enter 2025, it is more important than ever to focus on financial, equality, and sustainable growth in sport.”
Office of the Revenue Commissioner key points:
- Changes from 1 January 2025 to sporting bodies tax exemption and relief for donations to sporting bodies and the opportunities it offers in the new in Finance Act 2024 for recognised NGBs who have s 235 exemption
- Main sporting bodies tax exemption (section 235 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 – TCA)
- New exemption for certain national governing bodies (s 235A TCA)
- Relief for donations to sporting bodies (s 847A TCA)
- Changes to s 847A TCA from 1 January 2025
- New relief for donations to national governing bodies for certain projects (s 847AA TCA)
Jan 28, 2025
Federation of Irish Sport and the Crowne Plaza Hotel Blanchardstown Renew Official Partnership for 2025
Crowne Plaza Hotel Blanchardstown is the host venue for the:
- 2025 Annual Leaders Forum ‘Informing & Empowering Leaders & Decision Makers in Sport’ in January
- Volunteers in Sport Awards 2024 in February
The Federation of Irish Sport is delighted to announce the renewal of its commercial partnership with the Crowne Plaza Hotel Blanchardstown as a Preferred Supplier for 2025.
Since 2022, the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown has served as the proud host venue for the annual Volunteers in Sport Awards, an event that honours the dedication and passion of those who give their time to support sport across Ireland. The hotel will not only host the 2024 awards at the end of February 2025 it will also host the Annual Leaders Forum for senior management of National Governing Bodies in Sport and the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships, solidifying its reputation as a trusted and versatile venue for events of national significance.
The Federation looks forward to building on the excellent working relationships for the coming year with the Crowne Plaza team who have been instrumental in ensuring memorable experience for all events hosted at the venue. Their professionalism and hospitality have made the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown a key services provider to the Federation of Irish Sport.
Located just minutes from the Sport Ireland Campus, the Crowne Plaza boasts a dedicated Conference Centre, offering a variety of options for National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships to host events of every size and scale. At the heart of the Crowne Plaza’s conference facilities is the impressive Heather Suite, which can accommodate up to 600 delegates. The hotel also features 14 state-of-the-art meeting rooms, offering flexible seating styles, including theatre and cabaret setups, making them ideal for a variety of gatherings.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, commented:
“Our renewed partnership with the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown is a testament to their exceptional facilities and consistent high standard of service. The Volunteers in Sport Awards is a highlight of our calendar, and the Crowne Plaza provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate the incredible individuals who drive Irish sport forward. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration in 2025 and bringing our Annual Leaders Forum to the Crowne Plaza for the first time.”
General Manager of the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown Agnieszka Lalor added:
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Federation of Irish Sport and are truly grateful for the opportunity to renew our collaboration. It is an honour to work alongside such an impactful organisation that supports the growth and development of sporting bodies across Ireland.
At Crowne Plaza Dublin Blanchardstown, we are proud to have hosted the Olympics team, Paralympic team, Irish Rugby Team, the All Blacks, and various other international teams, reinforcing our commitment to providing exceptional service and facilities for athletes from all corners of the globe. We are excited to continue offering the same high standards of service to all sporting bodies within the Federation and to contribute to the success of teams and individuals alike.
Thank you once again for your trust and partnership. We’re excited for what’s to come!”
For more information on the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown and its event facilities, visit Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown’s website https://cpireland.crowneplaza.com/dublin-blanchardstown/
Jan 14, 2025
“In recent years the only thing increasing faster than public liability premiums has been insurer profits, and today’s report shows that this was happening against a backdrop of significantly reducing public liability claims across whole sectors of our economy. It is unconscionable really.”
Speaking today on the publication by the Injuries Resolution Board of its report on “Public Liability Accidents”, the chair of the Alliance for Insurance Reform and CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA), Vincent Jennings said: “In recent years the only thing increasing faster than public liability premiums has been insurer profits, and today’s report shows that this was happening against a backdrop of significantly reducing public liability claims across whole sectors of our economy. It is unconscionable really.”
Some of the report’s key findings include:
· 1. Regarding personal injuries sustained by visitors to businesses and public spaces between 2019-2023, there has been a 40% reduction in claim volumes during this period.
· 2. The total value of annual awards in 2023 is almost €20 million less at 33.2 million, a reduction of 37% in just 5 years.
· 3. Claims in cafés, hotels, and restaurants more than halved between 2019 and 2023 (-52%). Shops and stores saw a 44% decrease, and sports and athletic areas experienced a 38% reduction.
· 4. There has been a very low volume of claims for accidents in childcare settings, a sector that has historically reported high insurance costs, with just 256 personal injury claims identified over five years, compared to nearly 170,000 children enrolled in 2020/2021.
Mr Jennings continued: “For years the message from insurers was that premiums track the volume of claims and the cost of settling them. Today’s report from the Injuries Resolution Board belies that narrative and we need the next government to step up and address this fundamental unfairness. Businesses, sports, community and voluntary groups are currently facing crippling costs of doing business and the Injuries Board data highlighting falling claim volumes and award sizes tells us public liability insurance shouldn’t be another one of these costs.”
The Alliance for Insurance Reform brings together 46 civic and business organisations from across Ireland, representing over 55,000 members, including the Federation of Irish Sport, 700,000 employees, 614,000 volunteers and 374,000 students in highlighting the negative impact of persistently high premiums and calling for real reforms that will quickly reduce liability and motor insurance premiums to affordable levels and keep them that way.
Dec 18, 2024
