The Federation of Irish Sport is pleased to announce that Lucy Mooney has been named County Wicklow’s 2025 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships. Lucy will be honoured at a special ceremony on Thursday, 26th February, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, alongside volunteers from every county in Ireland (including four from Dublin). The event will include a keynote address from Minister Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, and the announcement of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award.

Lucy is a GAA Volunteer, championing women in sport and all-round community volunteer. Over the years, she has accumulated countless hours serving as secretary for Wicklow Coiste na nÓg, along with secretary for St. Kevin's juvenile football club. Her contribution to youth development went far beyond administration. Thanks to her tireless work she has ensured that juvenile structures have remained strong.

Currently she serves as secretary of Hollywood GAA, Wicklow CCC committee member, County Board delegate and County volunteer. While serving on the executive committee, she offered encouragement and support to ensure that all ages and abilities were catered for. Inclusivity through sport is hugely important within the community. For a long time, Lucy was the only female officer in Hollywood but now she is inspiring more women in Hollywood to take up voluntary positions.

Speaking on the award, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, said, “Lucy Mooney’s recognition as County Wicklow’s 2025 Volunteers in Sport Award recipient is richly deserved. Volunteers like Lucy are the backbone of our sporting communities. On behalf of Wicklow County Council, I congratulate Lucy and thank her for the lasting impact she continues to make across our county.”

Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, added her congratulations saying, “Strong community sport depends on committed volunteers. Wicklow County Council is proud to see Lucy recognised nationally, and we celebrate the enormous contribution she and so many volunteers make to our communities every week.”

Volunteers remain the foundation of Irish sport. Each week, an estimated 460,000 volunteers give their time to support 1.47 million club members across Ireland, helping communities stay active, connected, and engaged. From coaching young athletes to managing clubs, promoting inclusion, and ensuring child safety, their contribution is vital at every level.

The 2025 awards attracted a record number of nominations spanning more than 49 sporting disciplines, reflecting the remarkable diversity and strength of volunteering in sport and physical activity throughout Ireland. In addition to the individual awards, an inaugural Club/Community award in association with Clann Credo will be awarded to a club from each province recognising their contribution and commitment to their community.

A new Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising dedication over many years of service has also been introduced this year.

The event will culminate in the announcement of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award, celebrating one volunteer whose contribution to Irish sport has been truly extraordinary.

Speaking about the significance of the awards, Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, said, “The Federation of Irish Sport is delighted to honour the extraordinary volunteers who dedicate their time, passion, and energy to supporting sport and physical activity across Ireland. Their commitment not only enriches Irish sport but also strengthens communities nationwide. Their dedication is worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy each year. These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the immense scale of volunteering required each week to support 1.47 million club members throughout the country.”

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the driving force behind sport in Ireland. Their contribution helps sustain clubs and communities. From coaches to committee members, officials and event helpers, their contribution helps keep people active and connected. Sport Ireland research highlights the sheer scale of this commitment, with hundreds of thousands of people giving their time to support sport, including more than 268,000 involved in coaching - most of them volunteering, many with children. This generosity reflects a deeply rooted culture of involvement that underpins sport right across the country. But of course, volunteers do far more than just support sport; they strengthen communities, foster belonging and make participation possible. Their contribution is invaluable. At Sport Ireland we're very proud to play a role in recognising and supporting them.”

Coordinator of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sport Partnership and member of the adjudication panel, Shane McArdle said: “The National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships is delighted to come together to collectively support and promote the annual Volunteers in Sport Awards. The awards are a nationwide celebration of the grassroots activities and spirit of volunteerism that is the backbone driving sport and physical activity in our communities.”

To keep up to date with all the latest awards news visit: www.volunteersinsport.ie