Gerry Doherty from Foyle Harps and the Sion Swifts are celebrating after being named Volunteer of the Year and Accredited Club of the Year in the regional McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards.

The McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards, now in its fourth year, recognises and rewards the clubs, coaches and volunteers that make outstanding contributions to grassroots football across Northern Ireland. 

After Gerry and the Sion Swifts regional success, they will now be on the shortlist for the national Awards event which is set to take place in Belfast later in the year. 

Gerry Doherty and Danny Gallagher from the Sion Swifts were presented with their trophies at a special ceremony at McDonald’s Crescent Link restaurant by goalkeeping legend and McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland Football, Pat Jennings.

Speaking at the event, Pat said:

“I’d like to congratulate Gerry and all at Sion Swifts on their well-deserved success and wish them the best of luck for the national Awards.  The McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards programme provides a fantastic opportunity to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of grassroots football right across Northern Ireland.  I attended last year’s event at the Millennium Forum and thought the dedication and commitment of the winners was inspirational. It’s great to see even more worthy winners come forward for the 2014 awards and I’m really looking forward to this year’s event.

“The Awards form a key part of McDonald’s Community Partnership with the Irish FA; a partnership that since 2002 delivers a lasting legacy through Small Sided Games centres, ongoing coach creation and education and the Club Accreditation Scheme.”

A number of categories have now been decided on a regional basis and nominations remain open until the end 10th August.  If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their commitment to grassroots football then please nominate them today at www.irishfa.com/communityawards

The Community Awards are part of the wider McDonald’s programme of support for grassroots football across the UK. To find out more about the programme or to vote in the Awards, please visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/kickstart

2014 Regional McDonald’s Irish FA Community Award Winners

Accredited Club of the YearSion SwiftsBraniel Mini Soccer CentreCastle Juniors FC  Hillsborough Boys

Coach of the YearDavy Wheeler, Lisnaskea RoversPaul McCallion, Draperstown Celtic FCSid Burrows, Enzo FCSimon Roberts, Lisburn FC

Volunteer of the YearGerry Doherty, Foyle HarpsJodie Seeds, Taughmonagh FCJoe Corcoran, Ballinamallard FCNiall Hunter, Cookstown Youth Football Club

ENDSFor further information contact Shane Finnegan or Caroline Murphy at Aiken PR on 02890663000 or caroline@aikenpr.com