The Federation of Irish Sport is pleased to announce that Adrian Curley has been named County Offaly’s 2025 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships. Adrian will be honoured at a special ceremony on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, alongside volunteers from every county in Ireland (including four from Dublin). The event will include a keynote address from Minister Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, and the announcement of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award.

Adrian has given a lifetime of dedication to the sport of athletics as a committed member of Tullamore Harriers. Adrian first competed as a juvenile athlete before progressing into voluntary administration, where he has continued to serve the club with unwavering commitment for many decades. He played a central role in fundraising efforts, particularly through his involvement in the running of the club’s social centre, which generated vital income used for the development and maintenance of club facilities. When the social club closed in 2010, Adrian was instrumental in restructuring the club’s operations to ensure its continued financial viability.

Under Adrian’s leadership, every event hosted by the club is meticulously planned and delivered. From volunteer recruitment and steward briefing to logistics and safety planning, nothing is ever left to chance. In recent years, Adrian has been at the forefront of securing funding to upgrade and modernise club facilities and equipment. His dedication, leadership, and hands-on approach have ensured the longterm success, sustainability, and reputation of Tullamore Harriers.

A Nation of Sporting Volunteers

Volunteers remain the foundation of Irish sport. Each week, an estimated 460,000 volunteers give their time to support 1.47 million club members across Ireland, helping communities stay active, connected, and engaged. From coaching young athletes to managing clubs, promoting inclusion, and ensuring child safety, their contribution is vital at every level.

Honouring Those Who Keep Irish Sport Thriving

The 2025 awards attracted a record number of nominations spanning more than 49 sporting disciplines, reflecting the remarkable diversity and strength of volunteering in sport and physical activity throughout Ireland. In addition to the individual awards, an inaugural Club/Community award in association with Clann Credo will be awarded to a club from each province recognising their contribution and commitment to their community.

A new Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising dedication over many years of service has also been introduced this year. The event will culminate in the announcement of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award, celebrating one volunteer whose contribution to Irish sport has been truly extraordinary.

Speaking about the significance of the awards, Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, said:

“The Federation of Irish Sport is delighted to honour the extraordinary volunteers who dedicate their time, passion, and energy to supporting sport and physical activity across Ireland. Their commitment not only enriches Irish sport but also strengthens communities nationwide. Their dedication is worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy each year. These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the immense scale of volunteering required each week to support 1.47 million club members throughout the country.”

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said:

“Volunteers are the driving force behind sport in Ireland. Their contribution helps sustain clubs and communities. From coaches to committee members, officials and event helpers, their contribution helps keep people active and connected. "Sport Ireland research highlights the sheer scale of this commitment, with hundreds of thousands of people giving their time to support sport, including more than 268,000 involved in coaching - most of them volunteering, many with children. This generosity reflects a deeply rooted culture of involvement that underpins sport right across the country.

But of course, volunteers do far more than just support sport; they strengthen communities, foster belonging and make participation possible. Their contribution is invaluable. At Sport Ireland we're very proud to play a role in recognising and supporting them.”

Coordinator of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sport Partnership and member of the adjudication panel, Shane McArdle said:

“The National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships is delighted to come together to collectively support and promote the annual Volunteers in Sport Awards. The awards are a nationwide celebration of the grassroots activities and spirit of volunteerism that is the backbone driving sport and physical activity in our communities.”

See below for full list of County recipients.

#DedicatedtotheDedicated

ENDS To keep up to date with all the latest awards news visit: www.volunteersinsport.ie

For more information contact: Clare Louise O’Donoghue, Head of Commercial & Marketing Federation of Irish Sport, e: clarelouise.odonoghue@irishsport.ie m: 086 0437887