Offaly volunteers honoured at Volunteer in Sport awards

Daingean GAA and Moneygall FC's Tomas Quinlan will receive nationwide recognition for their dedicated work at this week’s virtual Federation of Irish Sport Volunteers in Sport awards, proudly supported by EBS Mortgage Masters.

Tomas will be awarded the Offaly award, while Daingean GAA will receive a Special Recognition Award.

Tom commenced his involvement in Moneygall FC early after its inception in 1978. Tom commenced playing and was instrumental in setting up the underage structure in the early 1980’s. Tom has coached all age groups throughout the years and managed and maintained club facilities. He was always out early to cut and line the pitch and he organised land to lease each season, so the club had a home.

Tom also got involved in the North Tipp league and acted as registrar for the schoolchildren’s league for 10 years. Tom continues in his role as Treasurer - a position he has maintained for nearly 20 years. He was instrumental in fundraising that allowed the club to purchase and develop their own grounds. Tom developed a club that his kids could enjoy and today, he has the satisfaction of seeing his grandchild now benefit from something he stuck with for 40 years. The club and community are indebted to Tom for his dedication and determination for a small rural club and he will be honoured this week at the special virtual awards ceremony.

Daingean GAA will also receive a Special Recognition award for their commitment to their community during Covid-19. The group went above and beyond to assist their community and came together to support the most vulnerable members through these challenging times and will be honoured for their hard work at this week’s virtual awards ceremony.