Federation of Irish Sports – Volunteers in Sports Awards 2023
The Federation of Irish Sport last week recognised recipients of the 2023 Volunteers in Sports Awards, celebrating their dedication and giving freely of their time locally to make sport happen. Proudly supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships the committed volunteers from all across the country were honoured at an awards ceremony with special guest speaker Minister Thomas Byrne, Minster of State with responsibility for Sport and Physical Education presenting the 32 county awards.
Speaking at the awards, Minister Thomas Byrne noted;
“Volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport and I am delighted to see their vital contribution recognised and celebrated by these awards.”. He added “The success of Irish sport would not be possible without the many thousands of volunteers that willingly dedicate their time every week, in every part of Ireland, to help others enjoy their sport and I want to thank every volunteer for their valuable contribution.”
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor commented;
“We are delighted to bring together the 2023 recipients of the Volunteers in Sport Awards from all over the country to receive their award from Minister Byrne. Without this army of volunteers in clubs all around the country we would not have the level of grassroots participation that we do. It is important to take this time out and show our appreciation to the many unsung heroes of sport.”
The recipient of the Sligo award is Simon Cavanagh of Sligo GAA Handball. Simon is the driving force behind Collooney Handball Club and holds a number of voluntary roles including club coach, children’s officer and co-ordinator of the weekly club bingo fundraiser. Alongside being Sligo County Handball Chairman, he is the administrator of Connacht Handball and is also actively involved in Sligo Community Games.
The Sligo award were sponsored by Sligo sport and Recreation Partnership. Commenting on the announcement of Simon Cavanagh as the recipient of the Sligo award Deirdre Lavin CEO of SSRP stated,
“The 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards serve as a reminder of the positive contribution volunteering sport makes to community life, and Simon epitomises the very best attributes of a volunteer by giving selflessly of his time, knowledge and handball expertise while sharing his passion for handball with so many players of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.”
