Golf Ireland has put forward 17 nominees for the revamped Golf Ireland Club Volunteer of the Year Awards which will be held at the National AGM on 29 March.

These awards were created to recognise the selfless work of volunteers in golf clubs throughout Ireland.

The third instalment has been updated with five categories to recognise the incredible contributions of volunteers.

These awards will celebrate the individuals who are driving positive change, from promoting inclusivity and junior development to championing sustainability and service excellence.

This year, golf clubs nominated their volunteers via online forms and nominees were considered for both regional and national recognition. Shortlisted finalists were revealed at Regional AGMs recently, with the overall award winners set to be announced at the Golf Ireland AGM awards ceremony in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown. 

Last March, Leinster representative Mary Farrell was announced as the second winner of the Golf Ireland Club Volunteer of the Year award at the 2024 AGM. The Edenderry Golf Club member has volunteered at her club since retiring from her role as a secondary school teacher and was preparing herself for Easter Camps for their junior members.

The shortlisted nominees for this year’s Golf Ireland Club Volunteer of the Year are:

 Excellence in service – For individual volunteers who have made an exceptional contribution to their golf club. The individual’s contributions can be in any or multiple sections of the club.

Ann Marie Duffy (Malahide), Michael (Minie) O’Brien (Ballyneety), Michael Donlon (Millicent) and Margaret Brown (Greenisland).

Disability and Inclusion – This award category aims to recognise those who have helped to tackle under-representation by providing opportunities for people with disabilities or people from marginalised groups (Youth at risk, older adults, people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+) to take up the game or continue to enjoy the game.  

Edel Randles (Castlegregory), Helen Buckley (Grange) and Kevin Farrell (Edenderry).

Sustainability – This award category aims to recognise those who have implemented successful sustainability projects. The project can take place over multiple years but must be completed in 2024. It should have carried clear objectives and set targets on how to sustain golf in one or more of the following areas.

Gordon Murray (Grange), Sustainability Working Group (County Louth) and Neil Cremin (Ennis).

Junior Development – This award category aims to recognise those who developed or supported golf activities and projects for Juniors (Under-18s).  

Linda McGuire (County Louth), Judith Connolly (Portadown), John Duggan (Kanturk), and John Glynn (Bearna).

Level Par - This award category aims to recognise those who have helped to tackle under-representation by providing opportunities for women and girls to take up the game or continue to enjoy the game.  

Olga Stones (Blainroe), Geraldine Minton (Ballinasloe) and Janet Slattery (St Helen’s Bay).