Community Games National Volunteer Awards 2023 Celebrates Dedication, Legacy, and Renewal

2023 Awards

​The Community Games National Volunteer Awards 2023, held at the Lord Bagenal Inn Hotel in Leighlinbridge, marked a joyous occasion that brought volunteers from across the nation together after a nearly four-year absence. The event was preceded by a successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) earlier that day that witnessed the election of three new directors to the Community Games Board:

• Paul Doogue, a native of Carlow, who has been elected as the Deputy President
• Mairead Breen, also from Carlow, has assumed the role of Communications Director
• Emma Murray, hailing from Tipperary, has taken on the role of Youth Director

President Gerry McGuinness

The evening was a resounding success, celebrating the contributions of outstanding volunteers and acknowledging the enduring legacy of the organisation. Special guests included; Carlow Cathoirleach Andrea Dalton, TD Jennifer Murnane O’Connor and Mayor of Carlow Municipal District Tom O’Neill.

Carlow Cathoirleach Andrea Dalton

Fiona Kelly Shannon, Training and Development Director, National Volunteer Awards 2023, expressed her heartfelt sentiments:
"What an occasion to be part of, to return to honour our National Volunteers after an absence of nearly four years and to be able to meet socially together in the wonderful venue of the Lord Bagenal Hotel in Leighlinbridge."

Fiona Kelly Shannon, Director of Training and Development

The awards ceremony celebrated the tireless dedication of over 20 county awardees from all corners of Ireland, recognising their exceptional commitment to the Community Games movement. A very Special Recognition Award was presented to the 1970’s Development Committee, consisting of Kathleen O'Sullivan, Josephine Glennon, John McGetrick, Sr. Gabrielle, Maura McMorland, and Maurice Coffey, who were instrumental in turning Joe Connolly's visionary dream into a reality, spreading Community Games into communities nationwide.

1970’s Development Committee

Gerry McGuinness, President of Community Games, spoke about the significance of the event in light of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic:
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"It was great after an enforced break during Covid-19 to get back to the Volunteer Awards and say thank you to those who work hard for the organization week in and week out. We have fantastic volunteers providing activities for 160,000 children across the country, and while we can only reward a few every year, it is important that we take the time to acknowledge their contribution."

Paul Doogue, incoming Deputy President

The success of Saturday's event was made possible by the dedicated team of helpers, including the the current development committee, the board of directors, staff, Carlow Community Games, and the hotel staff, who went above and beyond to ensure the evening's success. The event was expertly hosted by MC Jimmy Connell, also known as Jimmy Jest, who added a touch of humour and warmth to the proceedings.

Cllr Tom O'Neill

Fiona Kelly Shannon expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you to everyone for a great occasion, and we look forward to the next one. It was very special to be part of such a wonderful group of people."
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The Community Games National Volunteer Awards 2023 was not only a celebration of the present but also an homage to the remarkable history and legacy of the organisation. It underscored the enduring spirit of volunteerism and the enduring impact of the Community Games movement.

TD Jennifer Murnane O’Connor

List of Volunteer Awardees:
Carlow : Paul Doogue
Cavan: Ann Galligan
Clare: Marie Roche
Cork: Martina Higgins
Dublin: Aine Murray
Donegal: Sean McGinley
Galway: Michelle Power
Kerry: Aeneas O’Leary
Kildare: Theresa Harrison
Limerick: Noreen O’Dea
Longford: Susie Hand
Louth: Benny Devlin
Mayo: Geraldine Joyce
Meath: Eileen Doherty
Monaghan: Martin McCabe
Offaly: Jude Feehan
Sligo: Anthony Leonard
Roscommon: Anne Keane
Tipperary: Peggy Colville
Westmeath: Margaret McDermott
Wexford: Geraldine O Brien
Wicklow: Tara Lyons