 Gerry McGuinness (President) with Overall Winner Carmel Yore and Tom Noonan, Head of Marketing, Cairn Cairn Community Games honoured its exceptional volunteers at the 2024 National Volunteer Awards held on November 30th at the Mullingar Park Hotel. The event recognised the tireless efforts of individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through the organisation. Carmel Yore from Meath was named the overall winner for her remarkable 47-year commitment to Cairn Community Games. Her dedication spans various roles, including volunteer, judge, and treasurer, and she has been instrumental in introducing a new generation of children to the games in the Dunshaughlin-Culmullen area. The awards were judged by a distinguished panel consisting of Stuart Garland from Volunteer Ireland, Joanne Kennedy from Sport Ireland, and Jimmy Connell from the Arts sector. Marie Crowe of RTÉ served as the MC for the evening. Cairn Community Games extends its sincere gratitude to the judges and MC for their valuable contributions to the event. Gerry McGuinness, President of Cairn Community Games, expressed his gratitude: "Volunteers are a vital part of Cairn Community Games. Their endless dedication ensures that hundreds of young people can participate in sport and cultural activities while also learning valuable life skills and fostering friendships to last a lifetime.” David Hoysted, Chief Executive of Cairn Community Games, added: "We have always been reliant on the endless contributions of our volunteers. These awards are a small token of our appreciation for the remarkable work they do. Without the efforts of our volunteers, our events wouldn't be as impactful as they are. Their unwavering dedication and passion helps to enrich our events for the entire community." Tom Noonan, Head of Marketing at Cairn, the title sponsor, stated: "At Cairn, we have a deep commitment to creating sustainable communities where people in Ireland can thrive. As we end our first year as title sponsor, we have seen communities join together across the country to take part in various events and the special bond created by the participants, families and volunteers. These awards recognise the dedication of the exemplary 10,000 volunteers across the organisation. From coaching and guiding participants in their activities to organising large events, we wish to celebrate and reward their well-deserved achievements throughout the past year." The 2024 Cairn Community Games National Volunteer Award winners are:
These volunteers have demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering community engagement, encouraging youth participation, and strengthening connections among local families through Cairn Community Games. The organisation extends its heartfelt appreciation to all volunteers and encourages more individuals to join in making a positive impact. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.CairnCommunityGames.ie/playyourpart. Photo GalleryCairn Community Games National Volunteer Awards 2024
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 Cairn Community Games is proud to announce that we have been awarded the Investors in Diversity Silver accreditation, a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion. Investors in Diversity is Ireland’s premier Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) accreditation framework and this achievement builds on our previous success in achieving the Bronze accreditation and represents a step-up in our journey towards creating an environment where every individual, especially children (who are at the heart of our mission), is treated with fairness and respect. We strive to ensure that every person, regardless of background, can participate, grow and thrive through sport and culture. This award marks a key point in our journey towards even greater inclusivity. However, this is just the beginning. There is no room for complacency as ensuring equity for all is everyone's responsibility. Our staff, volunteers, stakeholders and the children who take part in our activities have played a pivotal role in this success. We will continue to work together to embed these values across all levels of our organisation. David Hoysted, Chief Executive of Cairn Community Games, said: "Achieving the Investors in Diversity Silver award is an important milestone, but it’s also a reminder that our work is far from over. Every child deserves the chance to take part in a community where they feel valued and respected. This award is a reflection of the hard work our team, volunteers and stakeholders have put in to make that a reality. We will continue to lead by example in promoting inclusion at every level." Gerry McGuinness, President of Cairn Community Games, added: "This Silver accreditation is a great achievement, but we must continue pushing forward. Ensuring that every child, volunteer and participant feels a true sense of belonging within Cairn Community Games is not just a goal, it’s a commitment. We will continue to ensure that diversity and equity are at the heart of everything we do." James Cawley, Business Development Manager for Irish Centre for Diversity comments: “Investors in Diversity Silver accreditation affirms that Cairn Community Games is committed to a workplace culture that is both Diverse and Inclusive and that the organisation has also fostered a sense of Fairness and Belonging among colleagues. We are looking forward to working with them on further initiatives as they advance on their Diversity and Inclusion journey of continuous progress.” Tom Noonan, Head of Marketing, Cairn added: “This award recognises our focus on enhancing diversity and inclusion of Cairn Community Games amongst new audience groups and is in line with Cairn’s deep commitment to creating sustainable communities where people can thrive for years to come. We look forward to continuing our journey with Cairn Community Games to ensure it continues to lead the way as an inclusive outlet that celebrates diversity in our local communities.” Our mission remains centred on creating a space where children and young people from all communities can participate fully and fairly, ensuring that diversity and equity are central to everything we do. We would like to thank the Irish Centre for Diversity for their support throughout this process and look forward to continuing our work together.   A tall order being surrounded by so much talent! Photo Credit: Corvenieos Entertainment Over 1,500 children from across Ireland gathered at Visual Carlow and the scenic grounds of St. Patrick’s College Carlow this weekend for the highly anticipated Cairn Community Games finals. The event was a vibrant showcase of youthful creativity and skill, featuring competitions in art, model-making, handwriting, dance, music, skittles, and more.  Fun with the Fun Crew Set amidst the beautiful setting of the state-of-the-art Visual Art Gallery and George Bernard Shaw Theatre and the expansive grounds of St. Patrick’s College, participants wowed the crowds with show-stopping performances and artistic displays. Children took part in a variety of events from art to drama and comedy, displaying their dedication and talent, while everyone who came to support them enjoyed outdoor entertainment such as face painting, magic shows, stilt walkers, fun games, live acts and even a train!  Choo Choo - all onboard! Photo Credit: Corvenieos Entertainment Gerry McGuinness, President of Cairn Community Games, praised the event: “The passion and energy of these young children is truly inspiring. They have come from all corners of Ireland, bringing with them a love for their craft and art that represents the true spirit of Cairn Community Games. It was a very entertaining weekend for all the family with the children being the stars of the show!”  Projects take weeks and sometimes months of preparation! Well done! Chief Executive David Hoysted added: “This weekend has been a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the creativity, talent, and hard work of children from across the country. I want to give a special thanks to our incredible volunteers who made the event possible. We also owe a huge thank you to the parents, mentors, and teachers who prepared the children and supported them throughout the games. It’s not just about competition, but about building lasting memories, friendships, and experiences that these children will carry with them for life.”  Solo Music Gold winner on the harp! Cairn, Community Game's title sponsor, played a vital role at the weekend with representatives participating in medal presentations and judging competitions. Bus Éireann also made a special appearance, delighting children with a visit and handing out goodies. In addition to the competitive events, there were also unique workshops designed to inspire and engage young minds. Brown Bag Films hosted two immersive model-making workshops, while acclaimed children’s author Emma Larkin captivated the young audience with a lively book reading session. The Fun Crew ensured that younger children were kept busy with arts and crafts and fun quizzes and games. The weekend was a perfect blend of fun, creativity, and celebration, cementing Cairn Community Games as a cherished tradition for families all over Ireland.  So many amazing performances - well done! Full Set of Results Camogie
U14 Girls Clare vs Kilkenny Monaghan vs Galway Gaelic Football U10 Mixed Kerry vs Kildare Monaghan vs Roscommon U12 Girls Kerry vs Dublin Cavan vs Leitrim U14 Girls Cork vs Longford Cavan vs Mayo Hurling U11 Boys Cork vs Offaly Monaghan vs Galway Rounders U13 Boys Limerick vs Wexford Monaghan vs Roscommon U13 Girls Clare vs Dublin Cavan vs Roscommon U15 Boys Limerick vs Wexford U15 Girls Limerick vs Wexford Cavan vs Galway Tag Rugby U11 Mixed Tipperary vs Carlow Limerick vs Sligo U14 Mixed Limerick vs Kildare Cavan vs Sligo U16 Mixed Kerry vs Kildare Cavan vs Limerick Soccer -7-a-side U12 Girls Tipperary vs Dublin Cavan vs Sligo Soccer U12 Boys Cork vs Dublin Monaghan vs Leitrim U15 Girls Kerry vs Dublin Cavan vs Sligo  This year’s Cairn Community Games Track & Field National Finals and Outdoor Team Finals will take place over the weekend of Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August 2024 at South East Technological University (SETU), Carlow Campus. More than 3,000 children from all corners of Ireland will descend on the Carlow Campus to take part in this momentous celebration of sport, camaraderie, and fun. The event will be live-streamed on YouTube for those who can't attend, and as a special tribute, the names of all participants will be printed in the Irish Daily Mail on Wednesday 28th August, ensuring that each young athlete is recognised for their incredible efforts. Cairn Community Games has long been a stepping stone for some of Ireland’s most accomplished athletes, including Olympians such as Sharlene Mawdsley, Jack Woolley, Sarah Lavin, Mark English, and Mona McSharry. Their journeys first began in their local Areas competitions, proving that the Community Games are a true breeding ground for future champions. However, for us, it is not just about winning medals – it’s about participation, building friendships, and creating lifelong memories. Our core objective is to give every child the opportunity to take part, enjoy themselves, and discover the power of sport, whether they dream of Olympic glory or simply of personal growth. It is not about competing against each other but about each child trying their best, making friends and more importantly – having fun! Join us this weekend at SETU Carlow Campus for a celebration of youth, sport, and community spirit! We look forward to showcasing the incredible talent and enthusiasm of the children, and we hope you will be part of this unforgettable event. More information is available HERE
 Photo by Eddie Dee Photography This past weekend, 10th and 11th August, we held our Regional & Pitch & Putt Finals in TUS Athlone, Regional Sports Hub in Clonmel and Westport Golf Club. All events were packed with enthusiasm, exceptional talent and community spirit. Throughout the weekend, children were cheered on by their families, friends, coaches, and a dedicated team of volunteers, showcased their passion and enjoyment throughout the events, resulting in a memorable day for all involved. While the 2024 Paris Olympics drew to a close, the next generation of potential Olympians were participating in Cairn Community Games events across the country. Community Games has many notable past participants including Sarah Quinn and Mark English, who undoubtedly were an inspiration to the children this weekend.  Photo by Sean Kelly @seans_shots_ Tom Noonan, Head of Marketing at Cairn, expressed his pride in the event and the company's role as the title sponsor: “Cairn, proud title sponsor of Cairn Community Games, will invest €3 million over a four-year partnership. This is a perfect fit given the Company’s deep commitment to creating sustainable communities where people in Ireland can thrive. Over the course of this partnership, Cairn commits to increasing overall participation by 10% and delivering a support programme that enhances the competition and drives participation and awareness.” Allen Parker, Chief Customer Officer at Bus Éireann, remarked: “We are proud to support Cairn Community Games and encourage everyone to use public transport when attending their events. Best of luck to all participants.” Gillian Clarke, Marketing Director at Fit Foods, added: “Fit Foods is proud to support Cairn Community Games, promoting health and wellbeing. It’s a joy to see such commitment from all involved.”  Photo by Eddie Dee Photography Gerry McGuinness, President of Cairn Community Games, expressed his delight: “The Cairn Community Games Regional & Pitch & Putt Finals have been a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our young participants. The joy and excitement this weekend highlight the importance of community and engaging in diverse activities from a young age. A big thank you to all the volunteers, families, and sponsors for their unwavering support.” Cairn Community Games Regional Athletics, National Track and Field, Outdoor Teams and Arts and Cultural Finals will take place in August and September with 3000 children expected to take part!  Photo by Sean Kelly @seans_shots_ 4/7/2024 To: Members of Company Dear Member, I wish to advise that the 53rd Annual General Meeting of the Community Games CLG will take place in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone on Saturday the 21st September 2024. Registration at 10.30am, AGM to commence at 11am. All Company Members are entitled to attend the AGM. Each County may select three Company Members as delegates to the AGM. One of these members must be the County member of the National Executive Advisory Committee for 2024. Nominations will be done via the On Line Registration System (ORS), which will open in August. There will be Motions and Recommendations for discussion at this year’s AGM and can be submitted by the on line Google form. Thank you for your co-operation. Yours sincerely, Phyllis Farrell Company Secretary   Just over 200 clever children took part in our National Quiz Finals This past weekend, 8th and 9th June, The Watershed in Kilkenny was brimming with energy and enthusiasm as 1,200 children participated in the Cairn Community Games June finals. With national Swimming, Gymnastics and Quiz competitions, the finals showcased the exceptional talent, community spirit, and sportsmanship of children from across the country.  Reaching new heights at our Gymnastics Finals The weekend extended beyond competition, transforming into a busy hub of fun and camaraderie. Children, cheered on by their families, friends, coaches, and a dedicated team of volunteers, showcased their passion and enjoyment throughout the event. The lively atmosphere reflected the spirit of togetherness and celebration that defines Cairn Community Games. Cairn Community Games has many notable past participants including Olympic swimmers Mona McSharry and Nicholas Quinn. These role models serve as an inspiration to the children this weekend that they too can achieve their goals and dreams.  Tom Noonan, Head of Marketing at Cairn, expressed his pride in the event and the company's role as the title sponsor: “Cairn, proud title sponsor of Cairn Community Games, will invest €3 million over a four-year partnership. This is a perfect fit given the Company’s deep commitment to creating sustainable communities where people in Ireland can thrive. Over the course of this partnership, Cairn commits to increasing overall participation by 10% and delivering a support programme that enhances the competition and drives participation and awareness.” Allen Parker, Chief Customer Officer at Bus Éireann, remarked: “We are proud to support Cairn Community Games and encourage everyone to use public transport when attending their events. Best of luck to all participants.” Gillian Clarke, Marketing Director at Fit Foods, added: “Fit Foods is proud to support Cairn Community Games, promoting health and wellbeing. It’s a joy to see such commitment from all involved.” Gerry McGuinness, President of Cairn Community Games, expressed his delight:“The Cairn Community Games June Finals have been a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our young participants. The joy and excitement this weekend highlight the importance of community and engaging in diverse activities from a young age. A big thank you to all the volunteers, families, and sponsors for their unwavering support.” Cairn Community Games Regional Athletics, National Track and Field, Outdoor Teams and Arts and Cultural Finals will take place in August and September with thousands more children expected to take part  Butterfly action from the Boys U16 event  Photo Credit: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile Eve McCrystal has achieved many successes in her sporting career but many aren't aware of the impact that Cairn Community Games had on her journey to Olympic success. Eve's cycling journey was influenced by her participation in the Community Games during her formative years. McCrystal credits Community Games for allowing her to experience ''a wide range of sporting activities in a fun environment and developing a wide range of skills that you can carry throughout your life''. Join us as we uncover Eve McCrystal's journey from Cairn Community Games to cycling success: What initially drew your attention to competitive cycling, and how has your passion for the sport evolved over the years? I didn’t plan to be competitive in cycling. I was cycling for fun and just happened to be good at it. I didn’t start taking things seriously until I was 34 years of age. I took part in the national championships which was held in Carlingford in 2013. I won the bronze medal and on the back of that I was approached by Cycling Ireland to try out for the pilot position on the tandem. I haven’t looked back since. I am extremely passionate about my sport and as the years went on, I became competitive, so this changed things. My sport is part of my life. This is my 10th year and I’m just as passionate today as I was all those years ago. How do you believe events like Cairn Community Games contribute to fostering participation and interest levels among young adults, particularly in cycling? When I was younger, I took part in Community Games at Monsey. I loved swimming and this was my first experience of competition. I remember it like it was yesterday. A brilliant experience in a safe environment with like-minded people. This is what it’s all about being part of a community, having fun learning new skills and experiencing a wide range of sporting activities. Cycling is a sport where from a young age you develop a wide range of skills that you can carry throughout your life. Other kids will have the opportunity to see the bikes and maybe get interested in trying out the sport. The sport will grow and grow once its visible to our young people. Cairn Community Games provides this.  As a role model for aspiring athletes, what advice would you offer to children looking to achieve success similar to yours? I have two daughters and I tell them that you must find something outside of school and the house that you are passionate about. It doesn’t matter what sport it is. Try everything when you’re younger. There are a variety of sports that you can take part in, try them all! Enjoy it laugh with your friends. It’s so important to have different groups of friends and sport offers this outside of education. Many of our coaches are volunteers. What piece of advice you would give them to ensure they have a positive impact on children’s lives and create an inclusive environment for all participants? It has to be fun and volunteers need to encourage this. Learning the basics of riding a bike like going around or over obstacles safely and learning how to control a bike while going fast are extremely important. There are lots of different types of cycling like BMX Mountain Biking Cyclocross, something for everyone. Cycling is also an inclusive sport and we have a brilliant Paracycling programme in Ireland where all kids with disabilities are welcome. If you could turn back time and take part in any Cairn Community Games events apart from cycling, which one would you choose and why? I would without a doubt go back to swimming. One of the most important skills any child can learn. On behalf of Cairn Community Games, we would like to thank Eve McCrystal for taking the time to do this interview with us and wish her every success in her career and beyond.   Keeping the pace This past weekend, Gormanston, Co. Meath and Kenagh, Co. Longford were alive with energy and enthusiasm as 1,400 children participated in the Cairn Community Games May finals.  Futsal Footwork From Badminton to Indoor Soccer, Cross Country to Rugby 7s, the diverse range of events showcased the remarkable talent, community spirit and sportsmanship of children from across the country.  X Rugby 7's The weekend was not just about competition; it was a celebration of community, engagement, and above all, enthusiasm. The excitement of the games was evident as children, supported by their families, friends, coaches, and a dedicated team of volunteers, participated with passion, camaraderie and fun.  Fun and Games in between races Adding to the atmosphere, there was an array of entertainment throughout the weekend, including stilt walkers, face-painting, fun games, a treasure hunt and a vibrant carnival. Tom Noonan, Head of Marketing at Cairn, expressed his pride in the event and the company's role as the title sponsor: “Cairn, proud title sponsor of Cairn Community Games, will invest €3 million over a four-year partnership. This is a perfect fit given the Company’s deep commitment to creating sustainable communities where people in Ireland can thrive. Over the course of this partnership, Cairn commits to increasing overall participation by 10% and delivering a support programme that enhances the competition and drives participation and awareness.”  Basketball U16 Girls The games also featured special visits from other national governing bodies and sports figures. Olympic Handball Ireland engaged children and adults alike, offering fun and accessible demonstrations on how to play the sport. As part of Bike Week, Cycling Ireland visited, providing fun activities to the children taking part in Cycling on Grass.  Cycling on Grass Matt and John Devine, former Community Games medallists now with Connacht Rugby, shared their inspiring journey with some young X Rugby 7 players. They talked about how they were first introduced to the world of rugby through Community Games and offered valuable tips - emphasising the importance of perseverance and embracing failure at times as part of the game.  Johh and Matt Devine talking about taking part in Cairn Community Games Allen Parker, Chief Customer Officer at Bus Éireann, remarked: “We are proud to support Cairn Community Games and encourage everyone to use public transport when attending their events. Best of luck to all participants.”  Mickey and Minnie always choose Bus Eireann! Gillian Clarke, Marketing Director at Fit Foods, added: “Fit Foods is proud to support Cairn Community Games, promoting health and wellbeing. It’s a joy to see such commitment from all involved.”  Fit Foods - offering free samples all weekend to some hungry children! Gerry McGuinness, President of Cairn Community Games, shared his enthusiasm: “The Cairn Community Games May Finals have been a tremendous success, showcasing the dedication and talent of our young children. The joy and excitement seen this weekend highlights the importance of community and taking part in a range of different activities when you’re young. A huge thank you to all the volunteers, families, and sponsors for their unwavering support. Now it’s time to rest, but not for long – in just two weeks our Swimming, Gymnastics and Quiz finals will take place in Kilkenny!  Something for everyone! The success of the Cairn Community Games May finals was made possible by the tireless efforts of volunteers, coaches, and referees whose dedication and energy facilitated a smooth and enjoyable experience for all. The event highlighted the enthusiasm and sportsmanship of the children, whose dedication and joy in participating are the heart and soul of Cairn Community Games. For more information about the Cairn Community Games and upcoming events, please visit www.cairncommunitygames.ie  John and Matt Devine with X Rugby 7's Limerick boys! |
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