Deele Community Anglers' Damien Devine wins Irish Sport Volunteers award

Damien Devine of Deele Community Anglers has been named the Donegal winner in the Federation of Irish Sport’s County recipients of the 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards.

Damien has taken angling in Donegal, to another level, resulting in an exponential growth in the club’s membership. As the club development officer has enabled the club to become part of the fabric of the community. Recently, five youth members of the club filled six available places to represent Ireland at the World Championships in the Czech Republic this summer.

Damien’s vision for community interaction is on another level, and as a volunteer, he has poured thousands of hours into Deele Community Anglers Club.

Recognising the depth and breadth of volunteering in sporting communities nationwide, these dedicated volunteers will be celebrated at a national awards ceremony in Dublin on Thursday, February 29.

The invited special guest speaker is Minister Thomas Byrne, Minster of State with responsibility for Sport and Physical Education, which is a testament to the commitment at government level to supporting and recognising the vital role of volunteers in advancing sports participation and community development.

The economic significance of volunteering in sport cannot be overstated, it has an estimated value of €1.5 billion annually to the Irish economy. This figure underscores the immense social and economic benefits derived from the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the Irish sporting landscape.

In addition to the county award winners being recognised at the ceremony, anticipation will be high as one exceptional individual will be awarded the overall Outstanding Volunteer Award.