- 35 volunteers to be honoured, €200 donation to each recipient’s local club
- Every week, 460,000 volunteers dedicate their time to support 1.47 million club members
- Economic contribution of volunteers in sport valued at €1.5 billion annually
The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to announce that Mick O’Keeffe has been named County Kilkenny’s 2024 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards. Mick 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 in recognition of their dedication and passion for their local club.
Championing inclusivity and talent of the future.
Mick O’Keeffe is being honoured for his extraordinary commitment to athletics in Thomastown. His visionary leadership has transformed Thomastown Athletics Club, most notably through securing funding for a state-of-the-art training centre and multisport synthetic track, creating exceptional facilities for athletes of all ages and abilities.
Mick is a dedicated mentor who nurtures young athletes, supports masters’ athletes, and champions inclusivity. He works closely with local coaches to ensure well-rounded training and has guided 18 individuals through the Level 1 Athletics Ireland coaching program, strengthening the club’s future.
Beyond coaching, Mick’s selfless dedication shines through in every aspect of club life—from organising events and attending competitions to mentoring coaches and supporting athletes. His passion and commitment have left a lasting impact on Thomastown Athletics Club and the wider community.
Honouring Volunteers Who Keep Irish Sport Thriving
Throughout November and December 2024, the Federation of Irish Sport called on the public, sports clubs, Local Sports Partnerships and Governing Bodies 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.”
Head of Louth Sports Partnership, representative of the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships and member of the judging panel, Graham Russell said: “The Volunteers in Sport Awards is a unique opportunity for the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships each year to collectively celebrate the terrific work being done in every county in Ireland to drive greater and more inclusive participation in sport and physical activity. The National Network of Local Sports Partnerships work closely with volunteers in the community and see the impact they have at grass roots level and in breaking down boundaries to participation. We are proud to champion the unsung heroes of sport.”
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 |