Mayo woman celebrated with 2025 Volunteers in Sport Award
The Federation of Irish Sport has announced Jes Gough as Mayo’s 2025 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by the Sport Ireland national network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships.
Jes will be honoured at a special ceremony on Thursday, February 26, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, alongside volunteers from every county in Ireland (including four from Dublin).
The event will include a keynote address from the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, and the announcement of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award.
Jes Gough has made an extraordinary contribution to the promotion and development of girls’ participation in Kilmurry Youths Soccer Club, outside Crossmolina. She has dedicated immense time, effort and energy to ensure opportunities at local, county, provincial and national level for the players.
When Jes’ eldest daughter first joined the club, she was required to play on boys’ teams due to a lack of girls in her age group. Through Jes’ drive and organisational skills, the club was soon able to field an Under 12 girls’ team in Mayo competitions. Since then, girls’ involvement has grown dramatically, with 103 girls playing this year across all age groups from Under 8 to Under 17. This remarkable progress is largely due to Jes’ leadership, encouragement, and determination.
Jes also serves as the club’s PRO, carrying out the role with outstanding dedication and professionalism.
Her work during the fundraising campaign for a trip to Barcelona last year, including coordinating sponsor recognition and club publicity, was greatly appreciated by members and local businesses alike.
Jes also volunteers extensively with Crossmolina AFC Women, Gortnor Abbey Secondary School, and MacHale Rovers LGFA.
FOUNDATION
Volunteers remain the foundation of Irish sport. Each week, an estimated 460,000 volunteers give their time to support 1.47 million club members across Ireland, helping communities stay active, connected and engaged.
From coaching young athletes to managing clubs, promoting inclusion, and ensuring child safety, their contribution is vital at every level.
The 2025 Volunteers in Sports Awards attracted a record number of nominations spanning more than 49 sporting disciplines, reflecting the remarkable diversity and strength of volunteering in sport and physical activity throughout Ireland.
In addition to the individual awards, an inaugural Club/Community Award in association with Clann Credo will be awarded to a club from each province recognising their contribution and commitment to their community.
A new Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising dedication over many years of service, has also been introduced this year.
The event will culminate in the announcement of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award, celebrating one volunteer whose contribution to Irish sport has been truly extraordinary.
Speaking about the significance of the awards, Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, said: “The Federation of Irish Sport is delighted to honour the extraordinary volunteers who dedicate their time, passion and energy to supporting sport and physical activity across Ireland. Their commitment not only enriches Irish sport, but also strengthens communities nationwide. Their dedication is worth €1.5 billion to the Irish economy each year.
“These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the immense scale of volunteering required each week to support 1.47 million club members throughout the country.”
FORCE
Sport Ireland CEO Dr. Úna May added: “Volunteers are the driving force behind sport in Ireland. Their contribution helps sustain clubs and communities. From coaches to committee members, officials and event helpers, their contribution helps keep people active and connected.
“Sport Ireland research highlights the sheer scale of this commitment, with hundreds of thousands of people giving their time to support sport, including more than 268,000 involved in coaching – most of them volunteering, many with children. This generosity reflects a deeply rooted culture of involvement that underpins sport right across the country.
“But of course, volunteers do far more than just support sport; they strengthen communities, foster belonging, and make participation possible. Their contribution is invaluable. At Sport Ireland we're very proud to play a role in recognising and supporting them.”
Coordinator of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Sport Partnership and member of the adjudication panel, Shane McArdle, stated: “The national network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships is delighted to come together to collectively support and promote the annual Volunteers in Sport Awards. The awards are a nationwide celebration of the grassroots activities and spirit of volunteerism that is the backbone driving sport and physical activity in our communities.”