2025 Tipperary Volunteer in Sport Award Recipient Announced

Tipperary Sports Partnership offer our congratulations to Sean Minogue of Riverdale Pitch and Putt Club who has been named Tipperary's Federation of Irish Sport's 2025 Volunteer in Sport Award Recipient, these awards are supported by the Sport Ireland Network  of 29 Local Sports Partnerships.

• 36 individual volunteers to be honoured at national awards celebration with special guest 
Minister of State for Sport & Postal Policy, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD.

• Every week, 460,000 volunteers dedicate their time to support 1.47 million club members.

• Economic contribution of volunteers in sport valued at €1.5 billion annually.

 The Federation of Irish Sport is pleased to announce that  Sean Minogue has been named County Tipperary’s 2025 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships. Sean will be honoured at a special ceremony on Thursday, 26 February 2026, 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.
Sean was recently elected for the 50th consecutive year as an officer of the Riverdale Pitch and Putt 
Club. He currently holds the role of treasurer which he has held for 28 years. He previously served as 
secretary of the club for 18 years and before that was assistant secretary for 7 years. As an officer Sean 
has been involved in the club updating facilities extensively. Sean has been the main lead in the club 
receiving grants for machinery and leads the fund raising for the club which includes the yearly 
organising of flag days and administers the collection of green fees. Sean has also been actively involved 
at Tipperary County Board level for Pitch and Putt and has served as Chairman, Vice Chairman and 
Register. Sean currently holds the position of County Secretary and has been in this position for 3 years.
At national level Sean is currently the Honorary Auditor of Pitch and Putt Ireland a position he has held 
since 2008. 

A Nation of Sporting Volunteers
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.

Honouring Those Who Keep Irish Sport Thriving
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.”

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See below for full list of County recipients.
FULL LIST OF 2025 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS