Gerry Doyle honoured as Longford's 2024 recipient at the Volunteers in Irish Sport Awards
The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to announce that Gerry Doyle has been named County Longford’s 2024 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards. Gerry was honoured at a special awards ceremony on Friday, 28th February 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, alongside a volunteer from every county in Ireland (four in Dublin) in recognition of their dedication and passion for their local club.
In 2021, Gerry Doyle organized a group of friends to cycle from Mizen to Malin to raise funds for charity. Inspired by the success of this challenge, he worked with the group to establish the Heartland Wheelers Cycling Club, specifically for those over 50. The club has grown significantly, now boasting over 60 members, many of whom have reported improvements in both their physical and mental health since joining.
Gerry continues to serve as the driving force behind the club, organizing events and initiatives such as the "Back Into Cycling" program, aimed at encouraging individuals who have not cycled in years to reconnect with the sport. Through his leadership and commitment, Gerry has fostered a strong sense of community, health, and wellness in Longford.
Upon receiving the award, Doyle said: "The awards were incredible, a really great experience. Like all the other recipients though, none of what I do would be posssible without the committee and the team of volunteers and the other members. To meet all the other recipients and see the positive work all of these people do in their communities was amazing, so for me to get something like this alongside them is incredible.
We're a leisure club, it's not about racing for us, it's about the community - the mental health and wellbeing, that's where the whole thing comes from. We're only a very young club, started from a Whatsapp group after a Malin to Mizen challenge, and we've grown to over 60 members in a short time. Now in September we're running a Tour of Longford with a 50km and 100km route. We're really growing"
Declan Kenny, having nominated Gerry for the award initially, said: "Gerry is a real Longford man. A native of the town, he has been helping people all his life. He was fundamental to the setting up of Heartland Wheelers CC which is going from strength to strength. The club has brought many people back to cycling who haven't been on their bike in years or only take the odd solo spin.
The club is as much about social interaction and mental health as it is about cycling. The coffee breaks are very important!
Gerry is a tireless worker and never asks anyone to do something he wouldn't be willing to do himself.
Our next project is a couch to 40km over 6 weeks starting on Saturday 8th March. And later in the year in September we have the HWCC Tour of Longford which will offer a cycle to seasoned cyclists and those seeking a more leisurely challenge. Gerry works hard to make it all happen and is great at spreading the energy and goodwill across the club and community."
Speaking about the importance of the awards, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, Mary O’Connor said: “The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to celebrate our volunteers in sport and to pay tribute to these incredible individuals who give their time and energy to enrich Irish sport and strengthen communities. These awards are a vital nationwide recognition of the scale of volunteering that is required every week to support 1.47 million club members around the country.”
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of Irish sport, driving participation across all disciplines. Sport Ireland research reveals unprecedented levels of engagement, with nearly two million adults participating in sport weekly. That’s a real testament to the tireless efforts of volunteers. They don't merely contribute – they transform aspirations into achievements, making sport accessible and enjoyable for all. We all owe them a debt of gratitude and we’re happy to play our part in recognising their dedication.”