The Federation of Irish Sport recognised recipients of the 2023 Volunteers in Sports Awards on the 29th of February, 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.
The vital role of volunteers in advancing sports participation and community development cannot be underestimated or taken for granted. The economic significance of volunteering has an estimated value of €1.5 billion annually to the Irish economy. This figure underscores the immense social and economic benefits derived from the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the Irish sporting landscape.
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. As Sport Minister, I am acutely conscious of the challenges involved with volunteering and I recently welcomed the publication of the Sport Ireland Policy on Volunteering in Sport, which sets out an ambitious vision for a sports sector with the best volunteering culture in the world. 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.”
Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership were delighted to have our Co-Ordinator, Nicola Keeshan and Board Member, Mary Cowman in attendance to support and congratulate the Kilkenny winner Ashley Godden of Kilkenny Swim Club as he picked up his well deserved award for his dedication to the his club.
We are delighted to see the hard work of volunteers being recognised and celebrated, thanks to the Federation of Irish Sport for all the work it does in celebrating our precious volunteers in sport.
Well done again Ashley!!
