Louth volunteer Andrew Gallagher celebrated with sport award

The Federation of Irish Sport has announced that Andrew Gallagher of Castletown Belles FC is Louth’s 2025 recipient of the FAI Volunteers in Sport Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to the development of girls’ football in the county.

Andrew will be honoured 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.

Andrew has been the driving force behind the growth of girls’ football in Castletown and across County Louth. Co-founder of Castletown Belles FC in 2016, he has led its development from a single ladies’ team into the county’s only all-girls soccer club. Now serving as Chairperson, Head Coach, PRO, and youth coach, Andrew’s tireless commitment has transformed participation, facilities, and opportunity for girls in the area.

He works continuously to improve the facilities at The Bainseach, home of Castletown Belles FC, from completing funding applications and administrative work to making countless phone calls. Andrew was also integral in forming a 2024 initiative; ‘‘The 30/30 Project’, linking up with their local GAA club to increase participation in both codes in girls at U10 and U12 within the parish, 30 mins soccer/30 mins GAA over 6 weeks. Beyond Castletown Belles, Andrew is also committed to the wider development of the game.

He coaches with the Louth Schoolgirls League Academy, coaching the U11 Academy Squad. Andrew’s journey is also one of remarkable resilience and he has proudly represented Ireland at the inaugural Transplant Football World Cup in Italy in 2024.
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.

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"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.”