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.