Nominations are now open for the 2026 Volunteer in Sport Awards, recognizing and celebrating volunteers who are the backbone of sport throughout the island of Ireland.
Boxing has a proud tradition at the awards: Peter Mullan of St. Anne’s BC was a county winner in 2021; Mickey Flemming (Churchlands GG Boxing Club) and Carmel O’Neil (Paulstown) were county winners in 2022. The following year, county accolades were bestowed upon Mick Duddy (Ring BC) and Amanda Spencer (Jobstown). There were three boxing county winner sin 2024: Paddy Joe Branney, Brian McKeown, Lynda McGrath of Star ABC, Cavan BC and Tralee BC respectively.
Last year, Garry Kehoe (Marble City) won the Kilkenny Award while Gary McGillion and Tony Davitt won their respective county awards and accolades for Outstanding Achievement and Lifetime Achievement, respectively.
Nominations may be submitted via www.awards.irishsport.ie and will be accepted until December 9th.
Winners will be honoured at an awards ceremony on Thursday, 25th February 2027 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown. The event will bring together volunteers, sporting organisations and community leaders from across Ireland to celebrate the extraordinary contribution made by volunteers to Irish sport.
Mary O’Connor CEO Federation of Irish Sport said, “The Volunteers in Sport Awards are an important platform each year to recognise individuals from all across the country, representing the immense value they and thousands like them bring to their communities each week.
These volunteers play a vital role in creating opportunities for participation, fostering inclusion, strengthening communities and ensuring that sport remains accessible to people of all ages and abilities.”
Dr Úna May, Sport Ireland CEO, said: “Sport in Ireland relies on volunteers. They coach teams, referee matches, run clubs and give up their free time so that others can experience the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity. With over two million adults playing sport every week, their contribution has never mattered more.
“As outlined in our Policy on Volunteering in Sport, Sport Ireland is committed to supporting the development of the sustainability and effectiveness of NGBs, LSPs and other partner bodies so that the wider sport system continues to grow. Volunteering plays a significant role in a strong and thriving sport sector. We are grateful to every volunteer, and proud to celebrate their work.”