Two key members of boxing clubs have today been awarded their County Award in the Federation of Irish Sport’s 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards
Mick Duddy of Ring Boxing Club, Derry and Amanda Spencer of Jobstown Boxing Club, Dublin – both were nominated through the public process underway between November 13th and December 18th, for their commitment to their clubs and local communities.
Supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships these dedicated volunteers will be celebrated at a national awards ceremony in Dublin on Thursday 29th February 2024, which was also attended by the Chairperson of IABA’s Board of Directors, Niall O’Carroll
With a record-breaking number of entries, the 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards have seen nominations from over 50 different sporting disciplines, highlighting the widespread impact of volunteering ranging from mass participation sports to new and emerging sports. The 32 county awards were presented, honouring outstanding volunteers from every corner of the country who have demonstrated commitment and dedication, serving as role models within their communities and inspiring others to get involved in sports volunteering.
FULL LIST OF 2023 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS
| County | First | Surname | Club |
| Antrim | Cathryn | Watson | Ballymoney Hockey Club |
| Armagh | Ciarán | Maguire | O’Hanlon’s LGFA |
| Carlow | Stephen | Dargan | Carlow FC |
| Cavan | Fidelma | Sheridan | Cumman Na mBunscol Co. Cavan & Erne Eagles Rounders Club |
| Clare | Claire | Cuddihy | Clare Comets Basketball Club and Ennis Raptors basketball Club |
| Cork | Eoin | Kelly | Beech Hill Table Tennis Club |
| Derry | Micky | Duddy | Ring Boxing Club |
| Donegal | Damien | Devine | Deele Community Anglers |
| Down | Arnold | Morgan | Banbridge Table Tennis Club |
| Dublin City | Henry | Gillanders | Mount Pleasant LTC |
| Dublin DLR | Matt | Hanlon | Dalkey Devils Volleyball Club |
| Dublin Fingal | Nuala | Garrihy | Fencing Ireland |
| Active Dublin South | Amanda | Spencer | Jobstown Boxing Club |
| Fermanagh | Ian | Ross | Enniskillen Rugby Club |
| Galway | Tony | Stephens | Claregalway GAA Club |
| Kerry | Lorcan | Murphy | Iveragh Athletics Club |
| Kildare | Roy | Baker | Irish Martial Arts & Kickboxing Ireland |
| Kilkenny | Ashley | Godden | Kilkenny Swimming Club |
| Laois | Jackie | Byrne | Mountrath St. Fintan’s GAA |
| Leitrim | Mary | McMorrow | Manorhamilton Community Tennis Club |
| Limerick | Wanda | Dwane | Mungret St Paul’s GAA Club |
| Longford | Ben | McCormack | Ballymahon Vocational School |
| Louth | Fintan | Cooper | Glen Magic Soccer Club |
| Mayo | Phelim | Halligan | Claremorris Ultimate Kickboxing Club |
| Meath | David | Quinn | Dunshaughlin Youths Football Club |
| Monaghan | Una | Forde | Monaghan Harps GAA |
| Offaly | John | Corboy | Birr Town FC |
| Roscommon | Philip | Gordan | Lough Ree Angling hub |
| Sligo | Simon | Cavanagh | GAA Handball |
| Tipperary | Paddy | Doyle | Moyne Athletic Club |
| Tyrone | Rachel | McBride | Riding For Disabled Omagh |
| Waterford | Sally | Kavanagh | Waterford Hockey Club |
| Westmeath | Nuala | Lawlor | Shoot ‘n Stars Special Olympics |
| Wexford | Martin | Moylan | Dunbrody Archers |
| Wicklow | Ruth | McDonagh | Bray Hockey Club |
The economic significance of volunteering in sport cannot be overstated, it has an estimated value of €1.5 billion annually to the Irish economy. This figure underscores the immense social and economic benefits derived from the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the Irish sporting landscape.
Speaking at the awards, Minister Thomas Byrne noted; “Volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport and I am delighted to see their vital contribution recognised and celebrated by these awards. As Sport Minister, I am acutely conscious of the challenges involved with volunteering and I recently welcomed the publication of the Sport Ireland Policy on Volunteering in Sport, which sets out an ambitious vision for a sports sector with the best volunteering culture in the world. The success of Irish sport would not be possible without the many thousands of volunteers that willingly dedicate their time every week, in every part of Ireland, to help others enjoy their sport and I want to thank every volunteer for their valuable contribution.”
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor commented; “We are delighted to bring together the 2023 recipients of the Volunteers in Sport Awards from all over the country to receive their award from Minister Byrne today. Without this army of volunteers in clubs all around the country we would not have the level of grassroots participation that we do. It is important to take this time out and show our appreciation to the many unsung heroes of sport. We have heard today how sport can have such a meaningful and positive impact on our physical and mental health. And these volunteers are the conduit to providing that benefit.”