Congratulations to Boyle’s Teresa Sweeney who won Volunteer of the Year at the recent annual Roscommon Volunteering Awards Ceremony which was held in the Hodson Bay Hotel.
A founding member of Boyle Citizen’s Information Service, Teresa four decades of dedicated voluntary service supporting individuals and families across Roscommon was celebrated on the night.
The awards celebrated excellence across five categories, reflecting the extraordinary range of voluntary activity in Roscommon. From supporting vulnerable individuals and promoting social inclusion to sustaining the arts, protecting heritage and safeguarding the natural environment, the nominations demonstrated that volunteerism remains a cornerstone of resilient and connected communities.
Guest speaker Richael Timothy, double Paralympian and World Track Champion, delivered a powerful address highlighting the vital role volunteers played throughout his sporting career. He spoke of the coaches, mentors and community members who gave their time freely, noting that major achievements are rarely individual efforts but are built on collective, unpaid support. His remarks struck a chord with many in the room.
Roscommon Volunteer Centre Manager Áine Egan echoed this sentiment, praising the practical optimism of volunteers. She noted that whether described as “lending a hand”, “paying it forward” or “giving back”, volunteers focus on what can be done and understand that progress is always a shared endeavour. She thanked volunteers for their leadership, generosity and belief in community.
The ceremony offered a snapshot of Roscommon at its best: people quietly and consistently stepping forward to improve the lives of others. While the awards recognised specific achievements, the wider message of the night was one of appreciation for the thousands of volunteers who sustain local services, clubs and initiatives throughout the year.
2025 Award Winners
- Voluntary Board Member of the Year – Andy McDonnell (The Melting Pot): Founder of the long-running social inclusion initiative, recognised for two decades of compassionate, community-focused leadership.
- Social Inclusion Initiative – Infinity Friends CLG: Established in 2022 by Claire Early and Hilda Duignan, supporting autistic children and teenagers through creative, sensory and social programmes.
- Community Cause Champion – Joe Nally (Roscommon Drama Group): Honoured for revitalising and sustaining the Roscommon Drama Festival, strengthening arts participation and cultural life in the county.
Environmental Change-Maker – Mote Park Conservation Group: Recognised for its long-term work protecting and restoring the native red squirrel population through conservation, monitoring and education. - Volunteer of the Year – Teresa Sweeney (Citizens Information Service): Celebrated for over four decades of dedicated voluntary service supporting individuals and families across Roscommon.
