Inspirational: Longford cycling enthusiast Gerry Doyle to be recognised with national award
Gerry will receive the Longford Volunteer in Sport Award on Friday, February 28 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown
The Federation of Irish Sport has announced that Gerry Doyle has been named County Longford’s 2024 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards. Gerry will be honoured at a special awards ceremony on Friday, 28th February 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, alongside a volunteer from every county in Ireland (four in Dublin) in recognition of their dedication and passion for their local club.
In 2021, Gerry Doyle organized a group of friends to cycle from Mizen to Malin to raise funds for charity. Inspired by the success of this challenge, he worked with the group to establish the Heartland Wheelers Cycling Club, specifically for those over 50. The club has grown significantly, now boasting over 60 members, many of whom have reported improvements in both their physical and mental health since joining.
Gerry continues to serve as the driving force behind the club, organizing events and initiatives such as the "Back Into Cycling" program, aimed at encouraging individuals who have not cycled in years to reconnect with the sport. Through his leadership and commitment, Gerry has fostered a strong sense of community, health, and wellness in Longford.
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.”
Graham Russell, Head of the Louth Sports Partnership, representative of the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships and member of the judging panel 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 see the impact they have at grass roots level and in breaking down boundaries to participation. We are proud to champion the unsung heroes of sport.”