Laois man’s dedication to GAA club earns him prestigious national accolade

The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to announce that Patrick Brennan has been named County Laois’ 2024 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards.

He will be honoured at a special awards ceremony on Friday, February 28, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, alongside a volunteer from every county (four in Dublin) in Ireland in recognition of their dedication and passion for their local club.   

Patrick "Paddy" Brennan has devoted over 70 years of his life to Crettyard CLG, holding nearly every role within the club and mentoring countless individuals from underage to adulthood, both on and off the field.

Each morning, Paddy opens the gate to the club grounds—grounds renowned as some of the finest in the county, regularly hosting club, inter-county, and college games. His pride in maintaining these high standards is evident in every detail. 

Paddy’s impact goes far beyond day-to-day tasks. He has been central to major development projects,  including the pitch upgrade, construction of the clubhouse, gym, and stands, as well as the installation of energy-efficient lighting and solar-powered lights on the walking track in 2024. His vision and dedication have ensured the club remains a welcoming, modern facility for all. 

Never far from the action, Paddy also manages the club lotto and is an active member of the club’s  "Walk & Talk" group. His constant presence and tireless volunteering have made him the heart and soul of Crettyard CLG.

A team may be the sum of its parts, but a club thrives on the passion and commitment of individuals like Paddy. He embodies the true spirit of volunteerism and has given so much to the club and community—a contribution that can never be fully repaid.  

Throughout November and December 2024, the Federation of Irish Sport called on the public, sports clubs, Local Sports Partnerships and Governing Bodies to nominate volunteers whose contributions have made a meaningful difference. This year’s awards saw a record number of nominations from over  53 sporting disciplines, reflecting the incredible diversity of volunteering in Ireland. 

Every week, 460,000 volunteers dedicate their time to support 1.47 million club members around the country to keep them engaged and active, making a social and economic contribution valued at €1.5 billion annually. These volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport, keeping communities active, healthy,  and connected. 

Speaking about the importance of the awards, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, Mary O’Connor said: “The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to celebrate our volunteers in sport and to pay tribute to these incredible individuals who give their time and energy to enrich Irish sport and strengthen communities. These awards are a vital nationwide recognition of the scale of volunteering that is  required every week to support 1.47 million club members around the country.”  

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of Irish sport, driving participation across all disciplines. Sport Ireland research reveals unprecedented levels of engagement, with nearly two million adults participating in sport weekly. That’s a real testament to the tireless efforts of volunteers. They don't merely contribute – they transform aspirations into achievements, making sport accessible and enjoyable for all. We all owe them a debt of gratitude and we’re happy to play our part in recognising their dedication.” 

Head of Louth Sports Partnership, representative of the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships and member of the judging panel, Graham Russell said: “The Volunteers in Sport Awards is a unique opportunity for the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships each year to collectively celebrate the terrific work being done in every county in Ireland to drive greater and more inclusive participation in sport and physical activity. The National Network of Local Sports Partnerships work closely with volunteers in the community and sees the impact they have at a grassroots level and in breaking down boundaries to participation. We are proud to champion the unsung heroes of sport.”