Hollywood GAA’s Lucy Mooney Named Wicklow’s 2025 Volunteer in Sport

Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership is proud to congratulate Lucy Mooney on being named Wicklow’s 2025 Volunteer in Sport Award recipient at the Federation of Irish Sport’s annual Volunteers in Sport Awards.

Lucy will be honoured alongside 35 other volunteers — representing every county in Ireland — at a special ceremony on Thursday, 26 February 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown. The event will be attended by Minister for Sport & Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, who will deliver the keynote address.

Celebrating the Backbone of Irish Sport

Supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships, the awards recognise the extraordinary individuals who sustain sport and physical activity across Ireland.

Each week, an estimated 460,000 volunteers support 1.47 million club members nationwide, with volunteering in sport contributing an estimated €1.5 billion annually to the Irish economy. The 2026 awards attracted a record number of nominations across more than 49 sporting disciplines, highlighting the strength and diversity of volunteering nationwide.

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 €1.5bn 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.”

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “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.”

Shane McArdle Coordinator of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership and member of the adjudication panel said: “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.”

Wicklow’s 2025 Honouree – Lucy Mooney

This year’s Wicklow recipient is a true club legend — Lucy Mooney.

Lucy is a GAA Volunteer, championing women in sport and all-round community volunteer. Over the years, she has accumulated countless hours serving as secretary for Wicklow Coiste na nÓg, along with secretary for St. Kevin’s juvenile football club. Her contribution to youth development went far beyond administration. Thanks to her tireless work she has ensured that juvenile structures have remained strong. Currently she serves as secretary of Hollywood GAA, Wicklow CCC committee member, County Board delegate, & County volunteer. While serving on the executive committee, she offered encouragement and support to ensure that all ages and abilities were catered for. Inclusivity through sport is hugely important within the community. For a long time, Lucy was the only female officer in Hollywood but now she is inspiring more women in Hollywood to take up voluntary positions.

Lucy represents not only Hollywood GAA, but the thousands of volunteers across Wicklow who give their time week in, week out to keep sport thriving in our communities.

Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership extends sincere congratulations and thanks to Lucy for her outstanding contribution to sport in Wicklow.