The 2023 Federation of Irish Sport Volunteers in Sport Awards was celebrated on Thursday 29th February 2024 with an in-person awards ceremony in the Crowne Plaza Hotel Blanchardstown in Dublin.
The awards celebrate volunteering in sporting communities across Ireland and Tennis Ireland is delighted that Mary McMorrow of Manorhamilton Tennis Club received the award for Co. Leitrim. The awards were presented by Minister Thomas Byrne, Minster of State with responsibility for Sport and Physical Education.
Speaking of Mary’s award, Manorhamilton Chairperson John Fallon wrote:
“Mary has been volunteering at the club for more than 25 years and has continuously helped to
develop and improve the club. Throughout the whole club you will see the effort that Mary puts in as
no stone is left unturned.
Mary has had many roles at the club and served on the committees over the years and continues to
be the club secretary for the past 16 years. On top of all this Mary also helps with any fundraising for
the club by organising many different themed events throughout the year.
The club serves not only the immediate local community but there are a few members who regularly
travel from further afield to enjoy its rural charm. Mary is heavily involved in running the coaching
programs at our club for children and adults, and is present at every children’s coaching session.
Mary has obtained funding so every school from play school to secondary school has received free
coaching in the last year in our locality.
Mary also manages our Facebook page to allow our club to share photos of our club activities, and
get the word out about the amazing things that are happening in our club. Mary always has a
welcome for new members no matter their standard. To promote health, well-being and fitness for all.
Mary’s motto, I play Cinderella tennis, “Sometimes I just don’t make it to the ball”.
Finally, Mary spends hours each week volunteering her time to our Tennis club. This would not be
possible without the love and joy of her sport.“
Volunteers are the backbone to tennis in Ireland and Tennis Ireland would like to extend a big thank you to all for volunteering in clubs and programmes across the country, contributing to the growth and excitement around the sport in Ireland.
