Great to see many years of volunteering recognised
Long-serving Birr Town stalwart John Corboy has been announced as the County Offaly Award winner at the 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards, organised by The Federation of Irish Sport and proudly supported by the national network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships.
John has volunteered with Birr Town FC for half a century. After years of distinguished service, he recently stepped back, but still is an ever-present figure around Birr Town FC’s vibrant community. During his decade-long tenure as chairman, he ensured the pitches were in their best possible condition by spreading fertiliser himself and introduced hundreds of young children to the game.
John and the other county winners will be recognised at a national awards ceremony in Dublin on Thursday, February 29. The invited special guest speaker is Minister Thomas Byrne, Minster of State with responsibility for Sport and Physical Education, which is testament to the commitment at government level to supporting and recognising the vital role of volunteers in advancing sports participation and community development.
In addition to the county award winners being recognised at the ceremony, anticipation will be high as one exceptional individual will be awarded with the overall Outstanding Volunteer Award.
The economic significance of volunteering in sport cannot be overstated, it has an estimated value of €1.5 billion annually to the Irish economy.
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor commented; “We are looking forward to celebrating the exceptional contributions made by volunteers in sport from all over the country. Working behind the scenes volunteers play a crucial role in fostering community engagement, promoting physical activity, and driving the success of sporting events nationwide, they are truly #DedicatedToTheDedicated. The awards promise to be yet again another remarkable event acknowledging the time and passion of those involved in sport locally and to say, ‘thank you’ for their dedication.”
