Nominations are now open for the 2023 Volunteers in Sports Awards.
The highly anticipated event recognises the unsung heroes who breathe life into sports in every corner of the country.
Past winner Martin Shankey Smith, former chair of Naomh Conall GAA, is an example of the individuals who pour their hearts into sports in every county across Ireland.
From the outset, Martin helped the club in whatever way he could and he had lots of success bringing players through the age grades all the way up to minor level and on to senior.
However, it was in his role as Chairperson that he was able to make a huge difference across the board.
Martin wanted to create a fully inclusive club and he did this by starting up many different initiatives at the club helping to bring the community together. These included the support of the LGTQI+ community, looking after the youth in the run up to the leaving cert and also a fun-day to raise money for the people of Ukraine. The impact of Martin’s work is there for all to see.
The 2023 Volunteers in Sports Awards will celebrate volunteers from all counties and culminate in a spectacular in-person awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on Thursday 29th February 2024.
Nominations opened this week and the window for entries will close on Monday December 18th, 2023. The nominations received will be meticulously shortlisted and thoughtfully considered by our Judging Panel. This prestigious event will see 32 county awards presented, and one exceptional individual will be crowned with the coveted Outstanding Volunteer Award.
For more information and to submit your nominations, please visit www.volunteersinsport.ie