The Federation of Irish Sport have announced that Fergus McAteer has been named County Donegal’s 2025 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships. Fergus 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.
For 24 years, Fergus has been an invaluable volunteer of Mulroy Academy FC, growing the club it from it’s inception with just two teams and thirty children into a thriving, robust institution catering to over 230 children (ages 5-17) on the Fanad Peninsula. This growth established the club as a vital community pillar. His commitment has been absolute, dedicating seven nights a week to continuous club duties. His roles were exhaustive and seamlessly managed, serving as Secretary, Treasurer, PRO, Facilities Manager, Coaching Coordinator, and Coach/Manager for both boys’ and girls’ teams. His attention to detail and organisation skills ensured operational stability. His decades of sacrifice, selfless energy, and unwavering commitment founded and transformed a small club into an enduring, professional community asset.
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.”
