Forward-thinking Doire Colmcille club member is Translink Ulster GAA Young Volunteer of the Month for July

Seventeen-year-old Oisin Barr from the Doire Colmcille club, Co. Derry, has been awarded the Translink Ulster GAA Young Volunteer of the Month award for July 2023.

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

Oisin was nominated by Doire Colmcille in recognition of the outstanding contribution he makes to the day-to-day running of the club.

The talented teenager is captain of the club’s U17 team, but outside of playing he led the establishment of the youth committee in the club, encouraging other young club members to get involved and arranging specific training in his role as committee chair.

Oisin’s other extensive volunteer efforts include organising club events and tournaments, recruiting new players for his age group and refereeing underage Go Games. He also took part in Ulster GAA’s Young Leaders Programme this summer.

Presenting Oisin with his award, Translink Senior Inspector, Raymond Edwards, said:

“Translink is proud of the role we play in keeping people better connected through our services and support of initiatives like this.

“It’s great to see young people like Oisin playing such a vital role in- their communities, keeping other young people connected through sport, community work and development opportunities. Oisin is a great example of how young people can really help to make a positive impact and I congratulate him on his award.”

Ulster GAA Vice-chairperson, Michael Geoghegan, added:

“Oisin’s attitude and ability in motivating others is outstanding, and his remarkable initiative in setting up a youth committee and giving a voice to his peers within his club displays a level of leadership beyond his years.

“I congratulate Oisin and all the young nominees this month who are doing tremendous work in their local GAA clubs.”

Doire Colmcille GAC Childrens’ Officer, Ciaran McCorry, concluded:

“Oisin has been a member of the club from a very early age and continues to develop himself and the team on the field of play. He displays leadership qualities not only as a player, but also within the general activities of the club as a whole.

“As a club we are indebted to Oisin for his proactivity, and therefore I believe he is a worthy recipient of Translink Young GAA Volunteer of the Month.”

Applications for the August 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.