Recognition ball coach and Cavanagh
“I want to mention a few others too who are brilliant, David Hannon, Collooney Handball Club, Michael Finn in Ballymote HC and his daughter Laura.”
He told the Weekender that he had been playing handball since he was a juvenile and had returned to the sport when his children came along. He and his wife Aleise have five children, three girls and two boys.
His eldest son, Travis, who is 16, would be ranked in the top ten handballers in Ireland already and travels quite a distance at times to get competitive games of handball.
“The sport is growing, I coach large numbers of children from six to 16 in Collooney and then at the higher level where Travis is playing you do need to travel to get the right games,” he said.
The handball coach and administrator laughed when asked how much time he puts into handball as a coach and administrator: “Well there would be a day where I am not doing something, I’d say seven days a week to be honest. After work last night I was coaching from 6pm to 9.30pm and after that I was on the laptop until 11.30pm, that wouldn’t be unusual!”
Looking ahead to the awards night Simon said: “It’s a big night for sure, I’m sure it will be very enjoyable and while it is an honour for me, it is also recognition for work I do locally in Collooney and my involvement at Connacht level, so on that level it is nice to be recognised.”
On the night itself the invited special guest speaker is Minister Thomas Byrne, Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Physical Education, which is testament to the commitment at government level to supporting and recognising the vital role of volunteers in advancing sports participation and community development. With a record-breaking number of entries,
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 individuals being recognised, anticipation will be high as one exceptional individual will be awarded with the overall Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor commented: “We are looking forward to celebrating the exceptional contributions made by volunteers in sport from all over the country. Working behind the scenes volunteers play a crucial role in fostering community engagement, promoting physical activity, and driving the success of sporting events nationwide, they are truly #DedicatedToTheDedicated.
“The awards promise to be yet again another remarkable event acknowledging the time and passion of those involved in sport locally and to say, ‘thank you’ for their dedication.”
Commenting on the announcement of the list of recipients, Head of Sport, Louth LSP, Louth County Council and member of the judging panel Graham Russell stated, “The 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards serve as a reminder of the power of volunteering in sport, celebrating individuals whose unwavering dedication enriches lives, strengthens communities, and encourages a culture of active living.”