St Patrick’s Donagh club member recognised as the latest Translink Ulster GAA Young Volunteer of the Month
Twenty-year-old Jack Foster from the St Patrick’s Donagh club, Co. Fermanagh, has been awarded the Translink Ulster GAA Young Volunteer of the Month award for November 2023.
The award is presented each month to one young volunteer whose efforts best demonstrate the volunteering ethos and community spirit of the GAA.
Jack was nominated in recognition of the outstanding contribution he makes to the day-to-day running of the St Patrick’s club, as well as his brilliant work in promoting the Irish language and culture in his club and community.
Despite being so young, Jack has already held esteemed committee roles within the club’s Executive such as Assistant Treasurer, and currently is a vital member of the Health & Well-Being committee.
Even when relocating for studies and work placement, Jack’s dedication to his club sees him travel back to St Patrick’s as often as he can to fulfil his roles and offer his time and effort.
Due to his passion for the Irish language, Jack promotes the importance of culture within the club, performing as PA announcer for senior men’s and ladies’ games and setting up a ‘Gaeltacht Corner’ during a club summer event.
He has also volunteered as a bartender within the social clubhouse, and has presented the St Patrick’s Lotto draw many times over the last year.
Presenting Jack with his award, Sean Falls, Service Delivery Manager at Translink, said:
“At Translink we pride ourselves in keeping everyone better connected across Northern Ireland so we’re pleased to be able to support young volunteers like Jack through this monthly recognition award. It’s great to see so many young people like Jack committed and involved in helping their club and community to make a positive impact.”
Ulster GAA President, Ciaran McLaughlin, added:
“Jack is a great example of a young GAA volunteer who immerses themselves in their club. His dedication and willingness to contribute to St Patricks’ through his various committee roles is hugely impressive.
“His passion and enthusiasm in promoting Gaeilge in his club is particularly admirable, and by establishing Irish language events and inspiring others to learn and develop our native tongue he has displayed a level of leadership beyond his years.
“I congratulate Jack and all the young nominees this month who are doing tremendous work in their local GAA clubs.”
Pauline O’Reilly, St Patrick’s Donagh Club Secretary, concluded:
“Every month Jack Foster could be nominated for this award. He would be strongly regarded as the young face of St Patrick’s GFC as if he has free time, you will find him at the Club.
“Jack is reliable, a social butterfly among young and old within the club and his knowledge of the club, GAA & Irish culture in general is far beyond his years.”
An overall winner will be chosen from all the monthly winners to date as the Translink Ulster GAA Young Volunteer of the Year, and will be recognised at the Ulster GAA Awards which takes place next month on Friday 9th February.
