IT was hard to envisage three more fitting Volunteer Awards recipients than those honoured at the Irish News Club And Volunteer Awards, which were held in the Wellington Park Hotel last week.
In the Small Club category the winner was Veronica McGeeney of Newry Mitchel's GFC, who has been involved with the club for the past 26 years.
In that time she has worked tirelessly, usually at the tasks for which there are the fewest volunteers but which are, without question, vital to the success of any club.
"I was delighted to receive the award and I want to thank the Irish News for picking me," she said.
"I have worked for many years now for the Mitchel's. I have been a fundraiser for years and years.
"Fundraising is probably the biggest job in any club but I have done everything.
"I have washed the strips. I've done the gate. I do the lotto every week for them and I chase people for sponsorship.
"What motivated me to get involved was how well my children who played for the Mitchel's were looked after.
"When I saw what they did for my children, I wanted to give something back," she added.
Ronan McVeigh, the chairman of Bryansford GAC, was selected as the winner in the Medium Club category and he too has had a lifelong connection with the club, first as player and then as administrator.
His sense of pride was very evident on receiving the award.
"The award means a great deal to me. I am very humbled,'' he said.
"It is also an honour for the Bryansford club to receive such a high-profile award. I would also like to pay tribute to all of our volunteers as well through the years.
"Men such as the late Michael Hanley and Paddy Campbell, who were probably two of the most instrumental men in Bryansford during my youth playing days."
Some examples of the work initiated during his chairmanship demonstrate why Ronan was a worthy winner, and also highlights the progressive nature of the club.
"Along with a fellow club member and current senior player, Chris Clarke, we went into the local primary schools this year and we have organised coaching in there. We go into the four local schools every week with our coaches," he said.
"Also, through a good friend of mine, Paddy Hutley, we have forged links with Ballynahinch Rugby club.
"We are currently putting together a coaching scheme for both codes.
"Our aim is to join forces in coaching programmes and allow children to enjoy sport in both codes.
"to date we have run a 'midnight games scheme' which was based on GAA initially but Paddy brought a few of his lads down and we played a bit of tag rugby.
"Hopefully this link can be further established in the next year," he added.
IN the Large Club section, Anita Brannigan, the secretary of Clonduff GAC, was the award recipient and her success follows on from the overall award the club won in 2008.
Anita was also very pleased to have been chosen and wished to convey her gratitude to her fellow
members.
"I am very honoured indeed that my club afforded me this recognition. Apart from myself, it certainly means a lot to the club,'' she said.
"In Clonduff, we strive very hard to be the hub of the community. We try to involve the community as much as we can, for instance we had our first ever pantomime just before Christmas.
"We compete in all of the field sports - football, hurling, camogie and ladies' football.
"We also compete in handball and we are big into the Scor. There is a wee place for everybody and that is very important to us - that everyone would feel they belong," she continued.
Asked why she had given up so much of her time and energy to the club, Anita's answer was emphatic.
"Because I just love it - there is no point in me saying anything else," she said.
"I love the ethos of the club - I love the community element and I work with great people. I just really enjoy it. I get a great buzz out of it."
* HARD WORK RECOGNISED: Wendy Osbourne of Volunteer Now, one of the sponsors of the Irish News Club and Volunteer Awards, presents awards to (left to right): Veronica McGeeney from Newry Mitchel's GFC; Ronan McVeigh from Bryansford GAC; Anita Brannigan of Clonduff GAC Pictures: Bill Smyth