Cairn Community Games Celebrates Outstanding Volunteers at 2024 National Awards

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:

• Carlow: Willie Byrne
• Cavan: Mary Brigid Duffy
• Clare: Paddy Vaughan
• Cork: Seamus Fox
• Donegal: Manus O'Donnell
• Dublin: Maria Moore
• Galway: Catherine Kilkelly
• Kerry: Margaret Culloty
• Kildare: Michael Donohue
• Kilkenny: Niamh Shanley Savage
• Laois: Jane Walsh
• Leitrim: Karina O'Grady
• Limerick: Bill Phillips
• Longford: Karen Hough
• Louth: Deirdre McMahon
• Mayo: TP Loftus
• Meath: Carmel Yore (Overall Winner)
• Monaghan: Ann Finnegan
• Offaly: Nicola Lalor
• Roscommon: Laura Dillon
• Sligo: Neil McCabe
• Tipperary: Annette O'Donnell
• Westmeath: Seán Liston
• Wexford: Jason Moran
• Wicklow: Sheila Driver

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.
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For more information on how to get involved, visit www.CairnCommunityGames.ie/playyourpart.

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Cairn Community Games National Volunteer Awards 2024