The Federation of Irish Sport today announced the County recipients of the 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards proudly supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships.
Recognising the depth and breadth of volunteering in sporting communities nationwide, these dedicated volunteers will be celebrated at a national awards ceremony in Dublin on Thursday 29th February 2024. The invited special guest speaker is Minister Thomas Byrne, Minster of State with responsibility for Sport and Physical Education, which is testament to the commitment at government level to supporting and recognising the vital role of volunteers in advancing sports participation and community development.
The winner of the award for Co. Meath is Dave Quinn of Dunshaughlin Youths Football Club. Over 8 years with DYFC, Dave’s biggest contribution has been the inclusion of women in the club and the community spirit he has instilled. In 2016, Dave’s three young boys joined the club, and he became kitman and subsequently fixture secretary for underage teams. In 2023 having served he was elected club chairman and currently coaches the under 10’s boys team. Dave has implemented the UEFA play makers programme for girls aged 4 to 8, and female participation within the club has increased from 5% to 25%. Dave has given so many, their first and second chance in the sport.
In addition to the county award winners being recognised at the ceremony, anticipation will be high as one exceptional individual will be awarded with the overall Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor commented;
“We are looking forward to celebrating the exceptional contributions made by volunteers in sport from all over the country. Working behind the scenes volunteers play a crucial role in fostering community engagement, promoting physical activity, and driving the success of sporting events nationwide, they are truly #DedicatedToTheDedicated. The awards promise to be yet again another remarkable event acknowledging the time and passion of those involved in sport locally and to say, ‘thank you’ for their dedication.”
Meath LSP`s CEO, Mary Murphy, congratulated David on his award and commended his club for recognising the massive contribution David continues to make to Dunshaughlin Youth Football Club.
FULL LIST OF 2023 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS
| County | First | Surname | Club |
| Antrim | Cathryn | Watson | Ballymoney Hockey Club |
| Armagh | Ciarán | Maguire | O’Hanlon’s LGFA |
| Carlow | Stephen | Dargan | Carlow FC |
| Cavan | Fidelma | Sheridan | Cumman Na mBunscol Co. Cavan |
| Clare | Claire | Cuddihy | Clare Comets Basketball Club |
| Cork | Eoin | Kelly | Beech Hill Table Tennis Club |
| Derry | Micky | Duddy | Ring Boxing Club |
| Donegal | Damien | Devine | Deele Community Anglers |
| Down | Arnold | Morgan | Banbridge Table Tennis Club |
| Dublin City | Henry | Gillanders | Mount Pleasant LTC |
| Dublin DLR | Matt | Hanlon | Dalkey Devils Volleyball Club |
| Dublin Fingal | Nuala | Garrihy | Fencing Ireland |
| Active Dublin South | Amanda | Spencer | Jobstown Boxing Club |
| Fermanagh | Ian | Ross | Enniskillen Rugby Club |
| Galway | Tony | Stephens | Claregalway GAA Club |
| Kerry | Lorcan | Murphy | Iveragh Athletics Club |
| Kildare | Roy | Baker | Irish Martial Arts & Kickboxing Ireland |
| Kilkenny | Ashley | Godden | Kilkenny Swimming Club |
| Laois | Jackie | Byrne | Mountrath St. Fintan’s GAA |
| Leitrim | Mary | McMorrow | Manorhamilton Community Tennis Club |
| Limerick | Wanda | Dwane | Mungret St Paul’s GAA Club |
| Longford | Ben | McCormack | Ballymahon Vocational School |
| Louth | Fintan | Cooper | Glen Magic Soccer Club |
| Mayo | Phelim | Halligan | Claremorris Ultimate Kickboxing Club |
| Meath | David | Quinn | Dunshaughlin Youths Football Club |
| Monaghan | Una | Forde | Monaghan Harps GAA |
| Offaly | John | Corboy | Birr Town FC |
| Roscommon | Philip | Gordan | Lough Ree Angling hub |
| Sligo | Simon | Cavanagh | GAA Handball |
| Tipperary | Paddy | Doyle | Moyne Athletic Club |
| Tyrone | Rachel | McBride | Riding For Disabled Omagh |
| Waterford | Sally | Kavanagh | Waterford Hockey Club |
| Westmeath | Nuala | Lawlor | Shoot ‘n Stars Special Olympics |
| Wexford | Martin | Moylan | Dunbrody Archers |
| Wicklow | Ruth | McDonagh | Bray Hockey Club |