Leaving Cert student Orla Grehan has a great interest in sport and is very giving of her time to Ferbane Belmont Minor Club and indeed to other local voluntary organisations. Orla first got involved in the Ferbane Belmont Minor GAA Club in 2005 when she was just 13 years old.

She initially served as assistant coach to the under 6 group but such was her success, that for the past three years she has taken overall responsibility for this role despite her young age. As well as playing an active role as a coach in the club, Orla is also a valuable member of the Ladies Football Club and has played in all grades from underage up to adult football.

At the presentation of the awards in Dublin last Wednesday Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism recognised the contribution that over 400,000 people give to Irish sport through voluntary involvement with sports clubs and organisations all over Ireland.

"Without this generous commitment the contribution that sport makes in our local communities would not happen," said Minister Cullen.

In total twelve such volunteers were honoured at a special ceremony in Farmleigh, Dublin.

Among the award recipients was Jim O'Shea from Waterford, who is the father of Manchester Utd's John O'Shea. He received a Lifetime Award for his work over 40 years with local soccer club, Ferrybank AFC. Liz Howard, who has been involved with the GAA and camogie for many years, received the award for National Administrator of the Year.

"Irish people are passionate about sport both as participants and spectators. In an age where time and community spirit are both valuable commodities, the commitment, generosity and contribution of these volunteers to our local communities and to Irish society deserve recognition.

"It is in this context that I launched the 2009 National Awards to Volunteers in Irish Sport last July. Recognition today of their valuable contribution should also be associated with recognition of everybody who gives their time voluntarily to sport. I hope that the awards will also provide additional encouragement to other volunteers and reach out to inspire new volunteers for the future," said Minister Cullen.

The National Awards to Volunteers in Irish Sport is an initiative of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Sports which represents some 68 sports in Ireland. The scheme is supported by Setanta Sports, Servasport, the Community Foundation and the Irish Sports Council. This is the second time for the awards to be presented - they were previously presented in 2007.