Special Olympics Ireland Volunteer Awards 2025

16 Sep 2025

Peer Awards

The Rising Star Award recognises a volunteer who has shown exceptional promise and dedication in their first year or two of volunteering with Special Olympics Ireland, or who has recently stepped up to a new role in their club or at events.

The recipient of this award was Lisa Moore of Stars in the Saddle Club of Donegal. Lisa has had a massive impact on her club through her innovative creativity and staunch commitment. The award was presented by Harry O’Kelly, CEO of Insomnia.

The Community Engagement Award honours volunteers who actively engage with their local community to drive the local knowledge and involvement in the club.

The recipient of this award was Kevin Dowling from Team South Galway. Kevin set up and manages the team’s active social media presence, and his tireless behind-the-scenes efforts have seen the club thrive. This award was presented by Garda Graham Doolan and Constable Diarmuid Sands, volunteers with the LETR (Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ireland).

The final Peer Award was the Family Spirit Award. This recognises the impact of intergenerational, family-based volunteer teams. They bring a unique blend of experience, energy, and perspective to their volunteer roles, fostering a warm and supportive environment.

The recipients of this award were Gerry and Chloe Farrell of Swords Basketball Special Olympics Club. They are the backbone of their club, which benefits from their consistency, collaboration, and shared vision. This award was presented by Ronan O’Flynn, Special Olympics Ireland Board Member and Club Volunteer Coach.

These presentations were followed by a short speech by Michele Toner, Corporate Communications and Sustainability Director at Eir, who sat on the judging panel for this years’ Awards. She mentioned the positive impact that all the volunteers have made, and about reviewing the nominations and the difficulty in selecting a short list due to the strength of the candidates.

Regional Awards

This was followed by the Regional Awards.

Connaught Region

The recipient of the Connaught Regional Volunteer Award was Michael Keenan of Shoot’n’Stars Special Olympics Club, Mullingar. With 27 years as a volunteer, Michael was one of the founding members of the club In 1997 and has coached football and floorball with successes including gold at international level. He has given many athletes a sense of purpose and belonging.

The Connaught Regional Youth Volunteer Award was won by Sarah Costello of Sligo Special Olympics Club. Starting as a volunteer in 2021 as a Transition Year student, Sarah has become a committed presence, seizing opportunities, engaging with many different people and putting athletes front and centre.

Eastern Region

The recipient of the Eastern Regional Volunteer Award was Hugh Kearns, an Event volunteer who has been an integral part of Eastern Region for over 20 years and a proactive Regional Committee member for 8 years. He has become an Event Manager, and has contributed to the volunteer training pathway among many other examples of service.

The Eastern Regional Youth Volunteer Award was won by Siobhan O’Leary of Donabate Portrane Special Olympics Club. Siobhan is a passionate volunteer who has upskilled to become an Awards Coordinator at events. She brings energy, enthusiasm and warmth to everything she does.

Munster Region

The recipient of the Munster Regional Volunteer Award was Carmel and Donagh Cronin of Shannon Flyers Club. This duo are the first to raise their hands to help, working tirelessly in the background with attention to detail that’s second to none. They are active in event logistics, administrative tasks, providing feedback on events, processes and communications and are distinguished in helping others grow through patience and humility.

The Munster Regional Youth Volunteer Award was won by Elma Cremin of Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club. Elma has built strong relationships with athletes, volunteers, head coaches and families, and has been active in recruiting new vounteers including her family members.

Ulster Region

The recipient of the Ulster Regional Volunteer Award was Moira Reid, an Event, Support Centre and Collection Day volunteer. Moira has played an integral role in the success of countless events across the region since the Summer Games in Belfast in 2006. She is active in supporting logistic, leading fellow volunteers, and ensuring athletes and families feel welcome and supported. She volunteers at the Special Olympics Ulster office, and is a regular at fundraising events.

The Ulster Regional Youth Volunteer Award was won by Courtney Sweeney of Eager Belvoirs Special Olympics Club. Courtney is an exceptional individual whose commitment to her club makes her a standout candidate. Aged just 15, she dedicates time every week to supporting the club’s athletes, bringing enthusiasm, positivity and compassion to every training session. With maturity and a sense of responsibility, she balances her volunteering with studying for her GCSE’s. Her journey has helped her grow in confidence and inspired her to pursue a career as a special needs classroom assistant.

Leinster Region

The Leinster Regional Youth Volunteer Award was won by Emily O’Rourke of Naas Special Olympics Club. Emily started with her club as a Transition Year student in 2016, and has become a long-term committed volunteer. She plays a key role in delivering the Young Athletes Programme, and she uses her creativity and musical background to deliver engaging and exciting sessions that engage the athletes with joy and support. Even after returning to college to pursue her Master’s degree, she continues to dedicate time to club and regional events whenever possible.

The Leinster Regional Volunteer Award was awarded to Aidan Kelly, an instrumental and valued volunteer for nearly 20 years with Special Olympics Club Gorey Area, following in the footsteps of his late mother Beryl Kelly. He displayed dedication, leadership, and passion for inclusive sport, specifically in regards to swimming, where he helped set up the Beryl Kelly Memorial Swim Gala event which draws athletes from multiple regions together for a day of fun, friendship and competition.

Aidan tragically passed away on the 19th August, and his family joined fellow club volunteers to accept the award on his behalf and to speak about Aidan, who is greatly missed and who made a positive impact on everyone around him.

Distinguished Service Awards

Three volunteers were awarded with Distinguished Service Awards.

Jill Coulter Sloan MBE

Jill has been a vital, active volunteer with SkiAbility for 30 years. As Head Coach, she has dedicated thousands of hours to training and supporting athletes. From introducing Sit Skis to Northern Ireland, advocating for strong family involvement at club level, to coaching athletes for Ireland and World Winter Games, Jill has consistently acted as a genuine community leader and change-maker.

Julie Dwyer

Julie Dwyer has volunteered across three clubs and has served in no less than fourteen different officer roles, using her knowledge, experience and leadership to drive and support programmes in Munster, especially in Open Water Swimming, Floorball and Kayaking. Her record of volunteering over 23 years has left a lasting impact on countless athletes and fellow volunteers.

Peter Merrins

Peter has been an integral part of Special Olympics for 23 years, holding multiple different officer roles and engaging in continuous upskilling. He is a valued member of the Leinster Regional Committee, and has held coaching roles at numerous Ireland Games and World Winter Games. His work creates meaningful opportunities for athletes to grow, compete and thrive.

Watch this space for photos and videos from the Special Olympics Ireland Volunteer Awards!