Meath Chronicle Community & Sports Awards: Sports Volunteer of the Year
The Meath Chronicle Community and Sports Awards in partnership with Specsavers and Bective Stud take place this Thursday (21st May) and in this week's paper we celebrate the achievements of all our wonderful nominees.
Evolving from the Meath Sports Awards that started more than 20 years ago and which has seen some of the biggest names in Irish sport recognised and honoured in their home county, the event now combines a dedicated Community section aimed at recognising so many of our unsung heroes.
Among the accolades given out at the Darnley Lodge Hotel, Athboy ceremony on Thursday, will be awards for Community volunteers, groups, carers, schools and green projects while in our Sports section, outstanding achievement, young sports star, team of the year and of course, overall sportsperson will all be honoured as will our Hall of Fame recipient.
Read all about our local heroes in our special 28-page pullout.
Here are the nominees for the Sports Volunteer of the Year Award:
A decade of dedication to coaching and community sport
Kelly Tormey Farrelly
Kelly Tormey Farrelly has been nominated for the Sports Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of nearly a decade of dedication to coaching and community sport.
The 29-year-old, who lives in Drumbaragh with her husband and two young children, began volunteering with Drumbaragh Ladies in 2016 after becoming involved in the Gaelic4Girls initiative. She later took charge of the club’s U12 team and continued coaching many of the same players through to adult level, where she now manages the adult ladies team.
Outside the club, she also coaches with the Down Syndrome Louth/Meath branch through her own “Fun with Fitness” programme, helping people with intellectual disabilities to build confidence and stay active through sport and exercise.
Kelly says she has always loved coaching whether it is with Drumbaragh, her local primary school, teaching fitness classes part-time or in the ‘Fun with Fitness’ program. “I personally find it so rewarding and a sense of accomplishment when you see you have helped someone reach their full potential, which is why I really would urge everyone to try volunteering at some stage.”
Creating a positive environment for players aged 18 to 50
Edwina Connor
Navan Rugby Football Club volunteer Edwina Connor who is originally from Swords, moved to Navan almost 20 years ago with her husband, who is from Ardcath.
Her involvement with Navan RFC began when her daughter joined the club at the age of 10 and she was asked to manage the U14 girls’ team.
Although new to the role, she got plenty of support from fellow volunteers, which helped her to quickly settle into in.
Seven years later and Edwina is now in her third season as Senior Women’s Manager. Her role includes supporting coaches, organising fixtures and trips, liaising with parents and creating a positive environment for players aged 18 to 50.
Her commitment to Rugby, also led to roles on the Leinster North East Youth Committee and the Leinster Youth Committee, which she chaired this season. She says the friendships, camaraderie and opportunity to help grow the sport all make volunteering truly rewarding.
“The benefits of being involved in sport, whether it's on the pitch or in the background are amazing.”
'The reward of seeing a club and community grow makes it all worthwhile'
Niall Taffe
Rossin Rovers have reaped the rewards of having volunteer Niall Taaffe in their corner. Originally from Rossin near Slane, Niall has been involved with the club for many years as a player, coach, committee member and now chairperson - a role he took on in 2019. Alongside the club committee, he helped lead a major rebuild of Rossin Rovers, including involvement in the FAI Club Mark Programme during the challenging Covid period.
Niall says volunteering has never been about recognition, but about ensuring future generations enjoy an even stronger club at Rossin Rovers. He believes strong governance, coaching and volunteer development are vital to the future of community sport. “Volunteering takes time and commitment, but the reward of seeing a club and community grow makes it all worthwhile.”
As Senior Women’s Coach at Rossin, he is particularly passionate about expanding the female side of the club. Outside Rossin Rovers, he also serves as Club Mark Officer for the North East Regional League, helping clubs across the league achieve Club Mark status.