Jude Feehan of Offaly Community Games Honored as County Offaly's 2024 Volunteer in Sport Award Recipient!

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.”
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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