The Federation of Irish Sport today announced the County recipients of the 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards proudly supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships.
The County Westmeath award for 2023 has been awarded to Nuala Lawlor of Shoot ‘n Stars Special Olympics.
Recognising the depth and breadth of volunteering in sporting communities nationwide, these dedicated volunteers will be celebrated at a national awards ceremony in Dublin on Thursday 29th February 2024.
The invited special guest speaker is Minister Thomas Byrne, Minster of State with responsibility for Sport and Physical Education, which is testament to the commitment at government level to supporting and recognising the vital role of volunteers in advancing sports participation and community development.
The winner of the award for Co. Westmeath is Nuala Lawlor of Shoot ‘n Stars Special Olympics.
Nuala is a remarkable person who has dedicated three decades of her life to transforming the lives of people with disabilities.
Having had a fulfilling career as a PE teacher, Nuala has been involved with Special Olympics in Mullingar since 1997.
Nuala’s coaching style is focused on creating a positive & supportive environment where athletes feel valued & motivated to improve.
Nuala’s coaching ideology is aligned with the vision of Special Olympics Ireland – “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
The economic significance of volunteering in sport cannot be overstated, it 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.
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor commented; “We are looking forward to celebrating the exceptional contributions made by volunteers in sport from all over the country. Working behind the scenes volunteers play a crucial role in fostering community engagement, promoting physical activity, and driving the success of sporting events nationwide, they are truly #DedicatedToTheDedicated.
The awards promise to be yet again another remarkable event acknowledging the time and passion of those involved in sport locally and to say, ‘thank you’ for their dedication.”
Commenting on the announcement of the list of recipients, Head of Sport, Louth LSP, Louth County Council and member of the judging panel Graham Russell stated, “The 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards serve as a reminder of the power of volunteering in sport, celebrating individuals whose unwavering dedication enriches lives, strengthens communities, and encourages a culture of active living.”
FULL LIST OF 2023 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS
| County | First | Surname | Club |
| Antrim | Cathryn | Watson | Ballymoney Hockey Club |
| Armagh | Ciarán | Maguire | O’Hanlon’s LGFA |
| Carlow | Stephen | Dargan | Carlow FC |
| Cavan | Fidelma | Sheridan | Cumman Na mBunscol Co. Cavan & Erne Eagles Rounders Club |
| Clare | Claire | Cuddihy | Clare Comets Basketball Club and Ennis Raptors basketball Club |
| Cork | Eoin | Kelly | Beech Hill Table Tennis Club |
| Derry | Micky | Duddy | Ring Boxing Club |
| Donegal | Damien | Devine | Deele Community Anglers |
| Down | Arnold | Morgan | Banbridge Table Tennis Club |
| Dublin City | Henry | Gillanders | Mount Pleasant LTC |
| Dublin DLR | Matt | Hanlon | Dalkey Devils Volleyball Club |
| Dublin Fingal | Nuala | Garrihy | Fencing Ireland |
| Active Dublin South | Amanda | Spencer | Jobstown Boxing Club |
| Fermanagh | Ian | Ross | Enniskillen Rugby Club |
| Galway | Tony | Stephens | Claregalway GAA Club |
| Kerry | Lorcan | Murphy | Iveragh Athletics Club |
| Kildare | Roy | Baker | Irish Martial Arts & Kickboxing Ireland |
| Kilkenny | Ashley | Godden | Kilkenny Swimming Club |
| Laois | Jackie | Byrne | Mountrath St. Fintan’s GAA |
| Leitrim | Mary | McMorrow | Manorhamilton Community Tennis Club |
| Limerick | Wanda | Dwane | Mungret St Paul’s GAA Club |
| Longford | Ben | McCormack | Ballymahon Vocational School |
| Louth | Fintan | Cooper | Glen Magic Soccer Club |
| Mayo | Phelim | Halligan | Claremorris Ultimate Kickboxing Club |
| Meath | David | Quinn | Dunshaughlin Youths Football Club |
| Monaghan | Una | Forde | Monaghan Harps GAA |
| Offaly | John | Corboy | Birr Town FC |
| Roscommon | Philip | Gordan | Lough Ree Angling hub |
| Sligo | Simon | Cavanagh | GAA Handball |
| Tipperary | Paddy | Doyle | Moyne Athletic Club |
| Tyrone | Rachel | McBride | Riding For Disabled Omagh |
| Waterford | Sally | Kavanagh | Waterford Hockey Club |
| Westmeath | Nuala | Lawlor | Shoot ‘n Stars Special Olympics |
| Wexford | Martin | Moylan | Dunbrody Archers |
| Wicklow | Ruth | McDonagh | Bray Hockey Club |
For more information, please visit www.volunteersinsport.ie
About the Federation of Irish Sport (FIS): Founded in April 2002, the Federation of Irish Sports was established by Ireland’s national sporting organisations to provide leadership, co-ordination, support, and direction on key issues and to represent their interests to government and its relevant agencies. FIS is the representative organisation for 110 National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) from every corner of the country, comprising over 12,000 sports clubs. Our purpose is to provide a dynamic and effective voice for Irish sport, “to support and advocate collectively for our members, empowering them to maximise the impact of sport, recreation, and physical activity for society.”