Sporting Codes Join Together to Recognise their Volunteers

Young volunteers across Gaelic, Rugby and Football clubs came together last night to officially receive their GoldMark certificates, for volunteering 50 hours, 100 hours and 200 hours in a sporting environment. The event was jointly organised by Ulster GAA, IRFU(Ulster Branch) and Irish Football Association through the Department for Social Development funded ‘Sport in the Community’ Project.

Ulster GAA President Martin McAviney, John Kinnear IRFU (Ulster Branch) Senior Vice-President, Irish FA Director Greg Shields and Jane Gribben from Volunteer Now were at hand to award the three levels of awards aimed at recognising young people volunteering in sport.

Speaking at the Awards Ceremony Ulster GAA President Martin McAviney said, “Ulster GAA continue to be involved in the GoldMark Programme because we can see the real benefit the Programme offers to our young volunteers and their clubs. This Programme has given an opportunity to highlight to our young members that the work they undertake as volunteers is making a significant impact to their club and local community.”

Greg Shields, Director of Football Operations at the Irish FA added “The young volunteers being recognised under the Goldmark programme are an inspiration to us all. Volunteers are the lifeblood of sport and we rely on their commitment and dedication. The skills developed through volunteering are benefitting all of our communities and will help those involved when it comes to applying for jobs, college or university.”

In closing the event, John Kinnear, IRFU (Ulster Branch) Senior Vice-President congratulated all of the young people for their commitment to sports volunteering and encouraged them to give themselves a round of applause saying “I’m sure my colleagues in the GAA and IFA would agree that the future of our sports depends on the involvement of dedicated young volunteers and from what I have witnessed tonight we are in very safe hands.”

Also in attendance were CJ McGourty (Antrim & St Galls) and Peter Nelson (Ulster Rugby). The two players who are active volunteers in their sport shared their experiences while also recognising the important part that volunteers have played in their own personal development.

Peter Nelson of Ulster and Dungannon reflected on the fact that “without volunteers clubs like Dungannon wouldn’t exist. There would be no mini or youth sections, even the senior sections of most rugby clubs are led by volunteers, I certainly would not be where I am today without the volunteers who have supported me since I became involved in rugby at age 5”.

CJ McGourty of Antrim and St Gall’s “My hero isn’t any player, my hero is a volunteer from our club who gives up his free time to come down to the pitch to help me become a better player. It is important that our volunteers get the recognition they deserve as they are the real heroes of our games.”

The Awards Ceremony was attended by over 70 young people and their families who were entertained with live music from Warrenpoint GAA Scor Instrumental Group. The young volunteers from all three codes also engaged in a short group session were they provided valuable feedback on the GoldMark programme on what they have gained from the programme and how it can be taken forward in the future.

Photo caption: Young GAA members from Tir na nOg Portadown who participated in the GoldMark Programme receive their certificates from Ulster GAA President Martin McAviney.

For more information contact
Fionntan O’Dowd
fionntan.odowd.ulster@gaa.ie