Celebrating Ireland’s Sporting Volunteers: Nominations Now Open!

Federation of Irish Sport Launches 2026 Volunteers in Sport Awards

Supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships

• Nominations open until 9th December
• Recognising volunteers from all 32 counties
• To nominate a volunteer visit www.awards.irishsport.ie

For Immediate Release – 9th November 2026: The Federation of Irish Sport today launched the 2026 Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships, calling on communities across Ireland to recognise and celebrate the volunteers who are the backbone of sport and physical activity nationwide. Getting behind the launch were leading Irish International Cricketers Lorcan Tucker (T20 Captain), George Dockrell and Gareth Delany.

The 2026 Volunteers in Sport Awards will once again recognise one outstanding volunteer from each of the 32 counties, with recipients honoured at a national awards ceremony on Thursday, 25th February 2027 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown. The event will bring together volunteers, sporting organisations and community leaders from across Ireland to celebrate the extraordinary contribution made by volunteers to Irish sport.

Across the country, more than 460,000 volunteers give their time each week to support sport and physical activity, with over 250,000 volunteer coaches contributing an estimated one million hours weekly to clubs and communities. Their collective efforts help create opportunities for participation, encourage lifelong involvement in sport and contribute significantly to individual and community wellbeing.

Building on the success of previous years, the Club/Community Sports Award, supported by Clann Credo, will return in 2026. This award recognises a volunteer-led sports club, community organisation or group that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting sport, physical activity and community wellbeing.

Speaking at the launch, Mary O’Connor CEO Federation of Irish Sport said, “The Volunteers in Sport Awards are an important platform each year to recognise individuals from all across the country, representing the immense value they and thousands like them bring to their communities each week.

These volunteers play a vital role in creating opportunities for participation, fostering inclusion, strengthening communities and ensuring that sport remains accessible to people of all ages and abilities.”

Dr Úna May, Sport Ireland CEO, said: “Sport in Ireland relies on volunteers. They coach teams, referee matches, run clubs and give up their free time so that others can experience the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity. With over two million adults playing sport every week, their contribution has never mattered more. 

"As outlined in our Policy on Volunteering in Sport, Sport Ireland is committed to supporting the development of the sustainability and effectiveness of NGBs, LSPs and other partner bodies so that the wider sport system continues to grow. Volunteering plays a significant role in a strong and thriving sport sector. We are grateful to every volunteer, and proud to celebrate their work.”

The Federation of Irish Sport is encouraging sports clubs, National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and members of the public to nominate the volunteers who make a difference every day in their communities.

For further information and to submit a nomination, visit www.awards.irishsport.ie

ENDS

For more information Contact:

Clare Louise O’Donoghue, Head of Commercial & Marketing, Federation of Irish Sport

Mobile: 086 0437887, Email: clarelouise.odonoghue@irishsport.ie 

Photo caption:

9 November 2026; Clare Louise O'Donoghue, Head of Commercial & Marketing, Federation of Irish Sport alongside Irish international cricket players, from left, Lorcan Tucker, Gareth Delany and George Dockrell during the Federation of Irish Sport's launch of the Volunteers in Sport Awards 2026 at the Railway Union Cricket Club in Sandymount, Dublin. Photo by Paul Phelan/Sportsfile.