Club Notes | Dungarvan RFC Volunteer Shortlisted For National Volunteer Of The Year Award

At just 13, Kerrie Walsh began her journey as a volunteer with Dungarvan RFC.

Just three short years later, she has been recognised by Volunteer Ireland and nominated for a National Volunteer of the Year award in the Sports and Recreation category.

The National Volunteer of the Year awards are the major annual initiative to celebrate volunteers in Ireland. The awards shine a light on the remarkable achievements of volunteers around the country by honoring them at a national level.

The Sports and Recreation section celebrates the huge volume of volunteers who share their time to support sport and recreational activities in their communities. This includes initiatives such as coaching a youth sports team and volunteering with an organisation that promotes diversity in sport.

Diversity and inclusion have been at the heart of Dungarvan RFC for a number of years as they strive to make the club a space for all.

Just this year alone, they have run a number of inclusion taster camps for children of all abilities. August saw their first camp kick off with 17 participants, aged between 8 to 18, taking part.

Speaking about Kerrie’s achievement, Dungarvan Child Welfare Officer, Karen Walsh, said:

“Everyone at Dungarvan Rugby Club is so proud of Kerrie and the positive impact she continues to make on and off the pitch.

“She has been volunteering since she was 13, and is now in her third year with our club.

“Her dedication has been recognised with two fantastic achievements. She has been shortlisted for Youth Volunteer of the Year in Waterford and for National Volunteer of the Year in the Sports and Recreation category.”

“This has already encouraged others within the club to step up and volunteer, and our committee hopes us sharing her story will help inspire more people to get involved.”

As well as her current nomination, Walsh was also recognised by the Waterford Public Participation Network at the Community and Volunteer awards earlier this week where she won Junior Volunteer of the Year.

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