Translink launch search for outstanding young GAA volunteers

Translink and Ulster GAA are calling on clubs across the province to nominate young people for the Translink Ulster GAA Young Volunteer of the Month award. Throughout the 2019 season, each month a winner will be selected who best represents the volunteering and community spirit of the GAA.

At the end of the year, one person will be named ‘Volunteer of the Year’, which last time, was won by 23-year-old Cathal Mercer from Tir na nOg GAA, Portadown. As part of his prize package, Cathal was presented with a full set of new jerseys for his team.

Clubs are encouraged to nominate young people aged 14-24 years for the accolade. Entries are welcome for volunteers who positively contribute to every aspect of community life – from coaching and mentoring, to fundraising and committee membership.

Encouraging the GAA community to seize the opportunity to celebrate its young people, David Curry, Head of Bus Operations, Translink said:

“This initiative has been running for three years and each season, the number and standard of entries continues to grow. Young people are the lifeblood of the areas we serve, and we are delighted to help celebrate their volunteer efforts through this award.

“We’re encouraging GAA clubs across the province to submit nominations telling us about these young people, so that we can help celebrate their achievements. In the past we’ve uncovered inspiring young role models, including two friends who raised thousands of pounds for a local cause, senior players who devote almost every free evening to coaching youth teams and unsung heroes whose quiet work in administration makes everything in the club run like clockwork. There are many more stories like this, and we can’t wait to hear them.”

Ulster GAA President Oliver Galligan said:

”Volunteerism is at the very heart of everything that happens in Ulster GAA and we are delighted to continue our partnership with Translink to recognise the positive impact that our youth members have across the province.

“I would encourage all of our clubs to showcase their own young leaders by nominating as often as they can for the monthly awards.”

To nominate a young person for this award, visit https://ulster.gaa.ie/youngvolunteeraward/.

The nomination process opens on the 20th of each month and closes on the last day, after which a panel will select the winner. Monthly winners will receive a commemorative certificate and a set of Enterprise tickets, provided by Translink.