 David Hoysted Chief Executive Cairn Community Games, Gerry McGuinness President Cairn Community Games, Ger Holland Secretary Pitch & Putt Ireland, Davy Reddin President Pitch and Putt Ireland Cairn Community Games and Pitch and Putt Ireland announced a new two-year partnership on 25th March 2025 in Custume Pitch and Putt Club Ireland. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both parties as it allows a continued focus on creating opportunities and healthy lifestyles for young people throughout the country.  Tara is on target for a par! The MOU is effective immediately and is designed to forge new links allowing both Pitch & Putt Ireland and Cairn Community Games to thrive in the coming years. Together, they will be promoting Cairn Community Games Pitch & Putt events throughout the country as well as providing new and exciting opportunities for the training and development of volunteers interested in Pitch & Putt. In addition, both organisations will work together on community outreach initiatives to inspire and motivate the next generation in Ireland.  The winning shot! Speaking at the launch, David Hoysted, CEO of Cairn Community Games stated “We are pleased to announce our partnership with Pitch & Putt Ireland. This partnership allows us to increase our participation in Pitch & Putt while also providing further training opportunities to volunteers at local and national levels.’ Davy Reddin, President of Pitch and Putt Ireland commented “I am delighted with this new partnership which will allow more young children take part in Pitch and Putt throughout Ireland – putting an extra focus on this fun and accessible game. With over 100 courses nationwide there is plenty of opportunity to take part.” Gerry McGuinness added, “Cairn Community Games are excited to be working with Pitch & Putt Ireland in the promotion of Pitch & Putt. We believe that children throughout Ireland should have the opportunity to participate in many different activities, and this is a step forward in achieving our mission. We are looking forward to the opportunities that this partnership will provide to communities throughout Ireland.’’  Aisling going for gold at Custume Pitch and Putt Course
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 Cairn Community Games is delighted to announce taekwondo athlete Jack Woolley as its newest ambassador. Jack, a Tallaght native, first took part in Cairn Community Games when he was eight years old in various categories including art, model making, chess, draughts, projects and swimming winning a National silver medal in projects. He also volunteered at local, county and national level. Diversity and inclusion are at the core of Cairn Community Games which offers a wide range of team and individual sporting, art and cultural activities, for young people to engage in. In 2025, the organisation is placing a special focus on Arts and Culture and encouraging young people to participate in non-sport categories such as dance, debating, drama, draughts, and much more.  Jack Woolley has represented Ireland on the global stage in two summer Olympics, as well as at a high level in European Championships and at the World Grand Prix. He finished 11th overall after narrowly losing in his first match. In keeping with this year’s Cairn Community Games focus on “Arts and Culture”, Jack’s most recent venture, has seen him successfully participate in RTÉ’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’. His diverse skillset of sporting and dancing talent makes him a perfect fit for Cairn Community Games which is committed to promoting arts, culture, and sports among young people across Ireland. Cairn Community Games is celebrating an increase in participation in 2024, including a 5% increase in girls aged between 6 – 16 taking part. In addition to an increase in the number of girls joining Cairn Community Games, the number of entries rose across a range of categories last year. This milestone means it is on track to reach its target of increasing participation by 10% to 176,000 children and young people by 2028.  Jack Woolley, newly appointed Cairn Community Games Ambassador said: “I’m thrilled to be an Ambassador for Cairn Community Games this year. It’s a full-circle moment for me. I have great memories of participating in Community Games locally, and as a young person, it gave me the chance to build resilience, self-awareness, and decision-making skills. These are skills that are still vital for me today as I compete in high-level sports. It’s encouraging to see more kids getting involved in various categories in 2024, and I’m excited to help raise awareness and encourage even more participation in 2025. Having recently started ballroom dancing, I’ve developed a renewed love for the arts, and I’m excited to partner with Cairn Community Games to help make a positive impact in communities across Ireland.” Gerry McGuinness, National President of Cairn Community Games said: “We are proud to mark an increase in participation across Cairn Community Games in 2024. We are particularly pleased that there has been a 5% increase in girls taking part– this is in line with our goal of engaging with a broader range of participants to encourage getting involved in the wide variety of sport, arts and cultural activities that Cairn Community Games has on offer. “We’re also delighted to have two significant ambassadors in Saoirse Ronan and Jack Woolley. Their unique skillset and talents encompass everything that Cairn Community Games stands for and we look forward to working with them to promote the organisation over the coming months. We’d also like to thank our partner Cairn who have played an integral role in inspiring and engaging new participants over the last year.  David Hoysted CEO of Cairn Community Games added ‘"I couldn’t be more thrilled to see the incredible growth in participation at Cairn Community Games this year. It’s especially exciting to note a 5% increase in girls getting involved, reinforcing our commitment to making these events inclusive and accessible to everyone. Seeing more people explore the sports, arts, and cultural experiences we offer is exactly what this is all about—bringing communities together and creating opportunities for all. We’re also incredibly proud to welcome Saoirse Ronan and Jack Woolley as ambassadors. Their passion, dedication, and talent truly reflect the spirit of Cairn Community Games, and I know they will inspire even more people to get involved. A huge thank you as well to our partner Cairn—their support has been invaluable in helping us reach and engage new participants. I can’t wait to see how we continue to grow and evolve in the months ahead." Tom Noonan, Head of Marketing, Cairn said: “Cairn is committed to building sustainable, diverse and inclusive communities where everyone can thrive and promoting a sense of place and supporting arts and cultural projects is critical to this. We are pleased that one year into our partnership journey with Community Games, Cairn has supported an increase in participation rates, particularly across arts, culture and sporting activities. This is a testament to the strong collaboration between Cairn and Cairn Community Games and the deep commitment to communities we pride ourselves on within both organisations.” The addition of Jack as an ambassador follows last year’s successful ambassadorship, with Oscar nominated Irish actor, Saoirse Ronan. Saoirse also participated in Community Games when she grew up in Ardattin, Co Carlow, taking part in a variety of activities including sprinting as well as arts and cultural activities.   Jude Feehan has been named County Offaly's 2024 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards. Jude will be honoured at a special awards ceremony on Friday, 28th February 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, alongside a volunteer from every county in Ireland (four in Dublin) in recognition of their dedication and passion for their local club. Jude Feehan’s contributions to Offaly’s sporting community have been nothing short of exceptional. As Chair of Offaly Community Games for the past 10 years, Jude has shown outstanding leadership, creating an inclusive environment where all participants feel valued. His role as Chair of Offaly Sports Partnership has significantly enhanced the county’s sporting landscape. Jude’s efforts extend to his voluntary work with other local organizations, including the Clara and District Swimming Pool. His leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication to the development of sport in Offaly make him a true asset to the community.  Honouring Volunteers Who Keep Irish Sport Thriving
Throughout November and December 2024, the Federation of Irish Sport called on the public, sports clubs, Local Sports Partnerships and Governing Bodies to nominate volunteers whose contributions have made a meaningful difference. This year’s awards saw a record number of nominations from over 53 sporting disciplines, reflecting the incredible diversity of volunteering in Ireland. Every week, 460,000 volunteers dedicate their time to support 1.47 million club members around the country to keep them engaged and active, making a social and economic contribution valued at €1.5 billion annually. These volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport, keeping communities active, healthy, and connected. Speaking about the importance of the awards, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, Mary O’Connor said: “The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to celebrate our volunteers in sport and to pay tribute to these incredible individuals who give their time and energy to enrich Irish sport and strengthen communities. These awards are a vital nationwide recognition of the scale of volunteering that is required every week to support 1.47 million club members around the country.” Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of Irish sport, driving participation across all disciplines. Sport Ireland research reveals unprecedented levels of engagement, with nearly two million adults participating in sport weekly. That’s a real testament to the tireless efforts of volunteers. They don't merely contribute – they transform aspirations into achievements, making sport accessible and enjoyable for all. We all owe them a debt of gratitude and we’re happy to play our part in recognising their dedication.” Head of Louth Sports Partnership, representative of the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships and member of the judging panel, Graham Russell said: “The Volunteers in Sport Awards is a unique opportunity for the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships each year to collectively celebrate the terrific work being done in every county in Ireland to drive greater and more inclusive participation in sport and physical activity. The National Network of Local Sports Partnerships work closely with volunteers in the community and see the impact they have at grass roots level and in breaking down boundaries to participation. We are proud to champion the unsung heroes of sport.” Full list of winners for the 2024 Federation of Irish Sport Volunteer in Sport awards Antrim Paddy Joe Branney Belfast's Star Boxing Club IABA Armagh Francis Reynolds Sarsfields GAC GAA Carlow Justine Collins Carlow Hockey Hockey Cavan Brian McKeown Cavan Boxing Club IABA Clare Nicola Welford Derg Athletics Club Athletics Cork John Bosco Hurley Liscarroll Handball Club GAA Handball Derry Alan Nash Na Piarsaigh Doire Trasna GAA/LGFA Donegal Audrey Magee Raphoe Badminton Club Badminton Down Alwynne Shannon The Feel Good Factor Mountaineering Dublin City Sports & Wellbeing Paddy O'Reilly Ballymun Health & Fitness community group Multi-sport Dublin Dún Laoghaire - Rathdown Ruby Morrow Monkstown Hockey Club Hockey Dublin Fingal Emily Crawley Swords BC Basketball Active South Dublin Denis Commins Peamount United FAI Fermanagh Phil Flanaghan Tempo Maguires GAA Club GAA Galway Frances Daly Special Olympics Swimming Special Olympics Kerry Lynda McGrath Tralee Boxing Club IABA Kildare Suzanne Whelan Naas Pythons Basketball Special Olympics Club Special Olympics Kilkenny Mick O’Keeffe Thomastown Athletics Club Athletics Laois Patrick Brennan Crettyard CLG GAA GAA Leitrim Mark Butler Carrick on Shannon Rowing Club Rowing Limerick Martin Casey Limerick Local Sports Partnership Multi-sport Longford Gerry Doyle Heartland Wheelers Cycling Club Cycling Louth Pat Greene Seapoint Pitch and Putt Club Pitch and Putt Mayo Myles Cresham Castlebar Boxing Club IABA Meath Pat Comey Trim AC Athletics Monaghan Pat McCabe Clones Town FC FAI Offaly Jude Feehan Offaly community games Cairn Community Games Roscommon Tony Christie Ballinameen Gaa Club GAA Sligo Jean McConnell Sligo RFC IRFU Tipperary Paddy Fitzgerald Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams GAA Club GAA Tyrone Kenny Curran Loughmacrory Handball Club GAA Handball Waterford Gavin Lonergan Little Vikings special Olympics Special Olympics Westmeath Aoife McCarthy Mullingar Handball Club GAA Handball Wexford Nicky Haberlin New Ross Rugby Football Club IRFU Wicklow Brian Whelan Irish Federation of Sea Anglers Irish Federation of Sea Anglers The dates (provisional) for all our National Finals can be found by visiting this link. We also have released a new set of GUIDEBOOKS that will easily show you how you can promote and organise specific Events in your Area/County. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE or into each individual book below.      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
 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_ |
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