Volunteers in Sport Awards County Sligo Winner

JEAN MCCONNELL HONOURED AS COUNTY SLIGO’S 2024 RECIPIENT OF THE VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS

The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to announce that Jean McConnell has been named County Sligo’s 2024 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards. Jean will be honoured at a special awards ceremony on Friday, 28th February 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, alongside a volunteer from every county in Ireland (four in Dublin) in recognition of their dedication and passion for their local club. Locally, Sligo sport and Recreation Partnership is proud to sponsor the Sligo award which acknowledges the pioneering work undertaken by Jean in Women’s Rugby and Community Development in Sligo.

Jean McConnell’s impact on Sligo RFC has been transformative. As a founding member of the women’s rugby squad in the 1990s, Jean helped lead the team to the All-Ireland Final in 1999. Her leadership and commitment off the pitch have also played a key role in the club’s expansion to 21 teams, earning recognition as Connacht Rugby Club of the Year (2023/24).

Jean’s efforts to promote girls’ rugby and manage the Women’s Senior Team have elevated the club’s success. In addition, her work organising community outreach and fundraising events has contributed significantly to the club’s growth. Jean’s leadership roles, including Club President and Chair of the Connacht Schools Rugby Committee, exemplify her unwavering dedication to rugby and her community.

Throughout November and December 2024, the Federation of Irish Sport called on the public, sports clubs and sporting organisations 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.

Every week, 460,000 volunteers dedicate their time to support 1.47 million club members around the country to keep them engaged and active, making a social and economic contribution valued at €1.5 billion annually. These volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport, keeping communities active, healthy, and connected.

Speaking about the importance of the awards, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, Mary O’Connor said:

“The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to celebrate our volunteers in sport and to pay tribute to these incredible individuals who give their time and energy to enrich Irish sport and strengthen communities. These awards are a vital nationwide recognition of the scale of volunteering that is required every week to support 1.47 million club members around the country.”

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.”

CEO of Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership Deirdre Lavin remarked:

“The national Volunteers in Sport Awards is a unique opportunity for acknowledging the countless hours and energy invested by volunteers in sport and Jean Mc Connell is a shining example of the impact of volunteering on sport and communities. It is fitting to celebrate the terrific work undertaken by Jean to drive greater and more inclusive participation in the sport of rugby and in doing so bring enjoyment to all involved. SSRP is proud to sponsor the Sligo award and would like to congratulate Jean who is truly a great ambassador and role model for the many volunteers in sport across County Sligo.”