Five athletics club members have been announced as recipients of 2025 Volunteer in Sport Awards.
The Federation of Irish Sport named the recipients of the awards, which are supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships. They recognise 36 exceptional volunteers from every county in Ireland (including four awardees from Dublin) for their unwavering dedication to sport and physical activity within their local communities.
These inspiring individuals will be honoured at a special awards ceremony on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, where Minister Charlie McConalogue TD. Minister for Sport & Postal Policy will give the keynote address.
The athletics winners are:
- Tom Loughnane – St. Cronan’s AC – Clare
- Ger Redmond – Coolock Running Club – Dublin City Sports & Wellbeing
- Patrick Finnerty – Cabinteely AC – Dublin Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown
- Adrian Curley – Tullamore Harriers – Offaly
- John Joe Doyle – DMP AC – Wexford
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.
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.
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.”
Shane McArdle Coordinator of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership and member of the adjudication panel 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.”
