LGFA announce winners of 2025 National Volunteer of the Year awards, in association with Dooctor.ie

THE Ladies Gaelic Football Association is pleased to announce the 2025 LGFA Volunteer of the Year award winners, in association with Dooctor.ie.

The award recipients will gather at Croke Park on Friday January 23rd for a very special evening to celebrate their outstanding achievements.

The LGFA National Volunteer of the Year awards scheme, now sponsored by Dooctor.ie, is in its ninth year and the 2025 winners, in nine categories, are as follows:

• Young Volunteer – Ben Allen, Fethard, Co. Tipperary
• School Coach – Valerie Herbert, Scoil Choca Naofa, Kilcock, Co. Kildare
• Club Coach – Fiona Nelligan McGuire, Currow, Co. Kerry
• PR Volunteer– Niamh Daly, St Pats Blennerville, Co. Kerry
• Club Committee – Justine O’Flanagan, St Sylvesters, Co. Dublin
• County/Provincial – Pat Heneghan, Vice Chairperson and Provincial Delegate, Roscommon LGFA
• International – Eileen Kerin, Boston Shamrocks, USA
• Hall of Fame – Mary Casey, Timahoe, Co. Laois
• Overall Volunteer of the Year (Lulu Carroll award) – Elaine Kelly, St Ergnats Moneyglass, Co. Antrim

The Overall Volunteer of the Year, Elaine Kelly from the St Ergnats (Moneyglass) club in Antrim, will receive the prestigious Lulu Carroll award, named after the late Lulu Carroll, who was a 2001 All-Ireland senior medallist with Laois.

Lulu, who passed away in 2007, was a committed servant to Ladies Football at club and county levels, and one of the game’s most popular and well-known figures.

Lulu, a former All-Star recipient, also won eight Leinster titles with Laois, along with six county senior titles and a provincial crown at club level with Timahoe.

Elaine is a dedicated volunteer who gives her time to capture unforgettable moments across all levels of Gaelic games – from fundamentals to senior teams.

Her passion for photography and community shines through as she covers not only club matches but also county games, creating cherished memories for players, families, and supporters alike.

Loved by the girls and ladies in her club and respected across neighbouring clubs, Elaine’s contribution to the sport and community is invaluable.

The LGFA’s Volunteer Hall of Fame winner is Mary Casey, one of the founding members of the Timahoe club in Laois.

From the very beginning, Mary has been at the heart of the club – starting as a player while also serving on the committee.

Her commitment and humility have been unwavering, and her dedication to Timahoe Ladies comes as naturally as breathing.

Mary’s playing career spans both club and county levels – and she proudly represented Laois on their 2001 TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship winning team.

Mary currently serves her club as assistant chairperson and she’s heavily involved in coaching at underage levels.

Hailing the winners of the 2025 LGFA National Volunteer of the Year awards, in association with Dooctor.ie, Ladies Gaelic Football Association President, Trina Murray, commented: “I am immensely proud to honour the recipients of our 2025 National Volunteer of the Year Awards, in association with Dooctor.ie.

“These winners embody the very heart of our Association – selfless service, community spirit and an unwavering commitment to players of every age and ability.

“Week after week, they give their time, expertise and kindness to ensure our games are safe, inclusive and inspiring, often behind the scenes and without expectation of recognition. Their impact is felt in clubhouses, schoolyards and county grounds across the country.

“I am also delighted to once again welcome Dooctor.ie as our new sponsor of these awards. Their focus on wellbeing and accessible healthcare aligns perfectly with the values our volunteers live every day.

“Together, we celebrate not just achievements, but the people who make Ladies Gaelic Football thrive. To our winners and nominees alike, thank you for everything you do.”

Speaking on behalf of Dooctor.ie, company founder Dr Hafiz Mohd Ali, said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the National Volunteer Award winners, on behalf of Dooctor.ie.

“It is truly inspiring to witness the dedication and passion that these individuals bring to grassroots female sport in Ireland.

“We am eagerly looking forward to the celebratory night on the 23rd of January, where we will have the honour of presenting these prestigious awards.”

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