Pictured above: All award recipients for 2024 alongside far left FIS CEO Mary O’Connor, FIS Chairperson Clare McGrath, centre Minister Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and far right Dr. Úna May CEO Sport Ireland and Graham Russell Head of Louth Sports, FIS Board Member and member of the adjudication panel.
The Federation of Irish Sport celebrated 35 recipients of the 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards, recognising one individual from every county in Ireland (four in Dublin) for their exceptional commitment to enabling sport and physical activity thrive in their local sports club and communities. Present at the awards to pay special tribute to the volunteers was Minister Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform who gave the keynote address.
- 32 countywide celebration of volunteers in sport at annual awards ceremony, supported by the 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
- Martin Casey (Co. Limerick) named Outstanding Achievement Award recipient
In addition to celebrating the 32 county individuals, Co. Limerick’s Martin Casey was revealed as the Outstanding Achievement Award recipient for his impact as a leader in community engagement through sport.
Martin Casey’s dedication to Limerick Sports Partnership (LSP) and his local community has had a transformative impact, particularly in promoting physical activity, inclusion, and engagement. His journey with Limerick LSP began in Transition Year through the Voluntary Inspired Participation (VIP) Programme, where he gained coaching qualifications and contributed 100 volunteer hours. With LSP’s support, he later obtained coaching and gym instructor certifications, giving back an additional 50 volunteer hours.
Over the past four years, Martin has been instrumental in leading initiatives that expand access to sport and physical activity. His work with the Travelling Community, including a mid-term camp that engaged 46 children from Limerick City halting sites, has significantly boosted participation. He also played a key role in developing and delivering the Women’s Self-Defence Programme, which was expanded due to high demand, empowering women with essential self-defence skills.
In his role as a coach and tutor, Martin’s leadership, passion and ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds have made Limerick Sports Partnership more inclusive and welcoming. His unwavering commitment continues to inspire and strengthen community engagement through sport.
Speaking at the awards, 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.”
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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 |