Recognition for the work of selfless Trim campaigner and volunteer

Trim man John Tobin was named a winner in the Campaigning and Activism category in the national Volunteer Ireland Awards for his commitment to Special Olympics Ireland.

John is a key volunteer fundraiser and is the person who spearheads the annual Special Olympics Ireland Golf Classic. John’s golf classic has just completed its 11th successive outing, not even COVID-19 or knee surgery could stop John from making the event happen and being a complete success.

Over the last 11 years, John’s golf classic in aid of Special Olympics Ireland has raised over €132,000. A huge sum of money that has been used to provide sports programmes to people with an intellectual disability throughout the Leinster region.

According Meath Volunteer Centre Manager Emma Golesworthy: “We are lucky to have volunteers like John in Meath. Volunteers are often unseen but the contribution they make to Irish society is immense. These awards give us a chance to say thank you and celebrate the difference volunteers make every day.”

Arthur and Deborah Carr were named Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year for their outstanding commitment to supporting those in crisis in Galway.

As a physical event was not possible this year each awardee received a special surprise delivery from Volunteer Ireland announcing their win. It included an engraved trophy, a framed message from President Higgins, complimentary tickets to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and a hamper of goodies to celebrate with. All 805 volunteers nominated in this year’s awards also received a special thank you card from Volunteer Ireland earlier this month.