Volunteers honoured at Louth Sport Club Awards

Louth Local Sports Partnership proudly hosted the 2nd Annual Louth ‘Sports Club’ Volunteer of the Year Awards on Monday, November 11th, celebrating the remarkable contributions of volunteers who dedicate their time to fostering sport and physical activity opportunities across Co. Louth.

Held at the Carrickdale Hotel, the event brought together elected members, NGB representatives, sports clubs, and family members, to honour these outstanding volunteers who are essential to the county's vibrant sports culture.

In a spectacular evening hosted by Sky Sports presenter and Boyne Rugby Club member Kieran O’Sullivan, 109 volunteers from sports clubs across Louth were recognised for their selfless commitment to their communities.

Each sports club nominated a volunteer to be celebrated for their dedication to creating and sustaining local sporting opportunities.

The event opened with a welcoming address by Leas Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr John Reilly, who emphasised the vital role of volunteers in making sport and physical activity accessible throughout the county.

Oreena Lawless, Chairperson of Louth Local Sports Partnership, also expressed her gratitude to the staff at Louth LSP for organising the event, applauding the evening’s success and the dedication of the volunteers.

Other key speakers included Louise Burke, Director of Participation at Sport Ireland, and Graham Russell, Head of Sport at Louth County Council, who further highlighted the significance of volunteering in Irish sport.

The evening featured inspiring on-stage interviews, including members of the Louth Disability Cycling Club, who shared their mission to make cycling and physical activity accessible for children and adults with additional needs.

Brenda Hill and Sarah McEneaney of Parkrun also spoke on stage, discussing the growth of Parkrun in Louth and the invaluable role of volunteers in its sustainability.

The final interview of the night featured Claire Louise O’Donoghue from the Federation of Irish Sport and Graham Russell, who underscored the importance of volunteerism in Irish Sport and highlighted the upcoming National Volunteer in Sport Awards.

Volunteering in sport is an integral part of community life across Ireland, with over 450,000 people giving their time every week to ensure that sporting activities continue in communities nationwide.

Volunteers play essential roles, from coaching teams and preparing pitches to organising events and supporting every level of participation, often without any expectation of recognition or reward.

The Louth ‘Sports Club’ Volunteer of the Year Awards is a tribute to these unsung heroes, whose dedication keeps the spirit of sport alive in Co. Louth and beyond.