2025 Volunteers in Sport Award

• 36 individual volunteers to be honoured at national awards celebration with special guest
Minister of State for Sport & Postal Policy, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD.

• 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 pleased to announce that Garry Kehoe has been named County Kilkenny’s 2025 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships.

Garry will behonoured at a special ceremony on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel,
Blanchardstown, alongside volunteers from every county in Ireland (including four from Dublin). The
event will include a keynote address from Minister Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State for
Sport and Postal Policy, and the announcement of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award.
Garry Kehoe has shown exceptional leadership, innovation, and lifelong dedication to Marble City
Boxing Club and the Kilkenny community. Involved with the club since the age of five, he has
transformed his passion for boxing into a powerful commitment to young people. Under his leadership,
club membership has grown from 50 to 120 members, supported by the development of five fully
qualified coaches, while ensuring inclusive opportunities for athletes with physical and intellectual
disabilities. He has served as Secretary, PRO and Head Coach over the past 10 years.
Garry established Ireland’s largest local boxing league, significantly increasing participation and
retention, and since 2017 has organised international trips for 110 young athletes, many from
disadvantaged backgrounds. His coaching has contributed to over 20 national titles, and he continues to
volunteer five to six nights per week mentoring athletes both inside and outside the ring. His impact has
been truly transformative for individuals and the wider community.

A Nation of Sporting Volunteers

Volunteers remain the foundation of Irish sport. Each week, an estimated 460,000 volunteers give their time to support 1.47 million club members across Ireland, helping communities stay active, connected, and engaged. From coaching young athletes to managing clubs, promoting inclusion, and ensuring child safety, their contribution is vital at every level.

Honouring Those Who Keep Irish Sport Thriving
The 2025 awards attracted a record number of nominations spanning more than 49 sporting disciplines,
reflecting the remarkable diversity and strength of volunteering in sport and physical activity
throughout Ireland. In addition to the individual awards, an inaugural Club/Community award in
association with Clann Credo will be awarded to a club from each province recognising their
contribution and commitment to their community.
A new Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising dedication over many years of service has also been
introduced this year.

The event will culminate in the announcement of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award,
celebrating one volunteer whose contribution to Irish sport has been truly extraordinary.

Speaking about the significance of the awards, Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport,
said: “The Federation of Irish Sport is delighted to honour the extraordinary volunteers who dedicate
their time, passion, and energy to supporting sport and physical activity across Ireland. Their
commitment not only enriches Irish sport but also strengthens communities nationwide. Their dedication
is worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy each year. These awards provide an important opportunity to
recognise the immense scale of volunteering required each week to support 1.47 million club members
throughout the country.”

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the driving force behind sport in Ireland. Their
contribution helps sustain clubs and communities. From coaches to committee members, officials and
event helpers, their contribution helps keep people active and connected.
“Sport Ireland research highlights the sheer scale of this commitment, with hundreds of thousands of
people giving their time to support sport, including more than 268,000 involved in coaching – most of
them volunteering, many with children. This generosity reflects a deeply rooted culture of involvement
that underpins sport right across the country.
“But of course, volunteers do far more than just support sport; they strengthen communities, foster
belonging and make participation possible. Their contribution is invaluable. At Sport Ireland we’re very
proud to play a role in recognising and supporting them.”

Coordinator of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Sport Partnership and member of the adjudication panel, Shane McArdle said: “The National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships is delighted to come
together to collectively support and promote the annual Volunteers in Sport Awards. The awards are a
nationwide celebration of the grassroots activities and spirit of volunteerism that is the backbone driving
sport and physical activity in our communities.”
See below for full list of County recipients.
#DedicatedtotheDedicated

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FULL LIST OF 2025 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS