Four boxing club members been accorded their 2024 Volunteer in Sport Awards in their respective counties.
Paddy Joe of Star BC Belfast is the Antrim winner, Brian McKeown of Cavan BC has claimed the Cavan crown, Myles Cresham of Castlebar BC is Mayo’s Volunteer of the Year and Lynda McGrath of Tralee BC is the Kerry winner. They, and 25 others from across sport were celebrated at a special ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown.
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.
Minister Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform commented: “The Volunteer in Sport Awards are always one of the highlights in the sporting calendar. It is a pleasure to once again represent the Government as we celebrate the contributions and achievements of our incredible volunteers who sacrifice time, effort and energy so that we can all enjoy sport at local, national and international level. Volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport at all levels and it is important they are formally recognised and encouraged so they continue to drive interest, passion and participation in sports in our communities. I congratulate all those honoured on the day and thank them for their contribution to our society.”
Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor stated: “The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to honour the 2024 Volunteers in Sport Award recipients, recognising the incredible individuals whose dedication sustains grassroots participation and strengthens communities. Volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport, enabling 1.47 million club members to engage in sport and physical activity. These awards are a vital tribute to their invaluable contribution.”
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 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards highlight the nationwide impact of volunteers in driving inclusive participation and strengthening communities through sport. Their dedication breaks down barriers, enriches lives, and promotes active living for all ages and abilities. The National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships is proud to celebrate these unsung heroes who make sport accessible and beneficial for so many.”
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 |