Twenty grassroots volunteers from around the country have been recognised at a ceremony at the Aviva Stadium for their services to Irish football.

A newly-established FAI Volunteer Recognition Programme was created to acknowledge the passion and dedication that so many volunteers give to grassroots football

While the Programme is intended to be open to all volunteers who make vital contributions, the initial ceremony was exclusively for those involved with FAI Club Mark-accredited One Star and Two Star clubs.

As part of National Volunteer Week, the group of 20 were invited to the International Friendly between Ireland and Qatar in the Aviva Stadium, where they were rewarded for their commitment to helping others and elevating standards within Irish football.  

Among those recognised is Sean Cotter of Everton AFC in Cork who has served his club for more than 60 years, Podge Halleran of Torro United in Meath who among many different roles has maintained the facilities at the club for 20 years and Nuala McBride who has been celebrated for her selfless efforts in the growth and success of Clones Town FC in Monaghan.

FAI President Paul Cooke said: "Irish football simply would not be as strong without volunteers; they are the lifeblood of our game. So, it is hugely important to recognise the lengths that so many volunteers go to at their local clubs just to make a positive impact. 

"Grassroots football relies on volunteers across a number of different roles and what is so special about the people who take up these responsibilities is that they don't ask for anything in return, they just want to help others succeed. This is what makes our game so special and why we should never underestimate the role of a volunteer." 

2026 FAI Volunteer Recognition Programme Honours List

FAI Club Mark Two Star Volunteers

Gale Jordan (Grassroots Underage Coach) - Forth Celtic, Wexford
Niall Taaffe (Senior Women’s Coach) - Rossin Rovers, Meath
Tomás Quinlan (Treasurer) - Moneygall FC, Offaly
John Keys (Club Inclusion Officer) - Letterkenny Rovers, Donegal
Jamie Waring (Development Officer) - Ballaghaderreen FC, Sligo
Sean Cotter (Club Treasurer) - Everton AFC, Cork
Steven Reay (Fixtures Secretary & Coach Registration Manager) - Albion Rovers, Louth
Nuala McBride (Secretary) - Clones Town, Monaghan
John Clancy (Assistant Secretary) - Ballingarry AFC, Limerick
Danny McLaughlin (Head of Coaching Committee) - Mulroy Academy, Donegal
Mike Bindon (President) – Colga FC, Galway 
Katie Doyle Murphy (League Secretary), Lucan United, Dublin

FAI Club Mark One Star Volunteers

Denise Hickey (Secretary) - Kentstown Rovers, Meath
Mike Hoey (Chairman & Caretaker) - Tulla United, Clare
Michael Connelly (Club Treasurer) - Ratoath Harps AFC, Meath
Jane O’Donoghue (Football For All Co-Ordinator) - Killarney Celtic, Kerry
Podge Halleran (Facilities Manager) - Torro United, Meath
Bart Gormley (Facilities Manager) - Tuam Celtic, Galway
Ronan MacGabhann (Treasurer) - Renmore AFC, Galway
Lars Allworthy (Committee Member) - Claremorris AFC, Mayo