Hard-working Aghaloo club member receives Translink Ulster GAA Young Volunteer of the Month award for October

Twenty-one-year-old Ronan Gildernew from the Aghaloo O’Neill’s club, Co. Tyrone, has been awarded the Translink Ulster GAA Young Volunteer of the Month award for October 2023.

The award is presented each month to one young volunteer whose efforts best demonstrate the volunteering ethos and community spirit of the GAA.

Ronan was nominated by Aghaloo in recognition of the outstanding contribution he makes to the day-to-day running of the club.

His extensive volunteer efforts include being a member of the Club Committee, being an active club referee within the LGFA, fund-raising, and lining the pitch and cleaning up facilities at Aghaloo’s club grounds.

Ronan is also immersed in coaching where he assisted with the Under 16 boys’ team earlier this season, and with the Senior Men’s team in both 2022 and 2023, taking charge of organising all aspects of the team kit such as orders and washing.

Presenting Ronan with his award, Dermot McGirr, Service Delivery Manager at Translink, said:

“At Translink we’re committed to keeping everyone better connected and know that our services play a vital role in communities. It’s great to see this same ethos represented in the winners of the Translink Ulster GAA Young Volunteer of the Month award.

“Each month young people like Ronan demonstrate the positive impact their volunteering has, not just for their clubs but the wider local community and I would like to congratulate him on his well-earned award.”

Ulster GAA Volunteer Development and Policy Officer, Ashelene Flanagan, added:

“After another month of impressive nominations for the Translink Young GAA Volunteer of the Month Award, Ronan stood out for his outstanding contribution across many areas of club life at Aghaloo. It is inspirational to see a young GAA member be so involved in their club at such a young age.

“Ronan is a role model to young Gaels everywhere, and is a very deserving recipient of this award. Congratulations to him and all the young nominees this month who are doing tremendous work in their local GAA clubs.”

Aghaloo O’Neill’s assistant secretary, Stephen Donnelly, concluded:

“Ronan is an extremely reliable young man who epitomises the role of volunteers within the Gaelic Athletic Association.

“He is always willing to help in various aspects of club life whether it be fundraising, lining the pitches or general clean up at our club facilities. Ronan is a tremendous young man who is a great example to us all.”

Applications for the November Translink Young Volunteer of the Month award are now open. To nominate a young person aged 14-24 for the accolade, visit ulster.gaa.ie/youngvolunteeraward.