Young volunteer rewarded for her passion for culture and games

Ulster GAA in association with Translink has selected an 18 year-old Gael from Mayobridge GAC as the winner of the Translink Young Volunteer Award for December 2017.

Nicole Keenan impressed judges with a nomination which detailed an exceptional level of commitment and passion for culture within her GAA club.

The young lady has been described as an excellent young role model within her club. As well as playing ladies football, camogie and handball, her leadership skills were influential in getting 40 competitors to participate in Scór na nOg.

Presenting Nicole with her award, Ulster GAA PRO Michael Geoghegan said,

“We were really struck by Nicole Keenan’s commitment to the Culture in her club and the impact she is making on the younger generation of her club. It is inspiring to see a young girl involved in doing such good work in her GAA club as a club volunteer. I am delighted to recognise Nicole’s volunteering effort and to highlight the huge impact young GAA volunteers are making in their communities. Once again we had an impressive set of nominations for this award from clubs right across Ulster, showcasing the impact of youth volunteering in the GAA.”

Greg McLaughlin, Translink Service Delivery Manager added:

“On behalf of Translink, I’d like to congratulate Nicole on her much deserved award. Her commitment to volunteering both on and off the pitch was very evident and it is clear that her efforts are much appreciated by the community in Mayobridge.

“It’s our pleasure to help recognise young volunteers like her with this monthly award, which continues to highlight the positive impact their work has on communities across Ulster.”

Thomas O’Hare, Mayobridge Secretary, describing Nicole’s contribution to the club said, “Nicole is an excellent young role model as well as an active playing member for all 3 codes Ladies Football, Camogie & Handball, Nicole still finds time to Volunteer on Match Days as well as encouraging participants to participate in Scor Na nOg, Nicole is the director of the Leiru Group which also participated in Scor and Participated in the Ulster Final, I am delighted to see Nicole following on in the traditions of her late grandfather who volunteered for over 30 years and her Father is the current Cultural Officer.”

Pictured: Michael Geoghegan, Ulster GAA, Nicole Keenan and Greg McLaughlin, Service Delivery Manager, Translink