Volunteers are the glue of our community. Each year The Skerries Community Association (SCA) presents the “Skerries Volunteer of the Year Award” in memory of the late Jim Quigley. Jim was an outstanding volunteer and one of the founders of Skerries Community Centre – among many other things.  You can read more about the award and in particular about Jim Quigley here.

2024 Outstanding Work by a Volunteer in our Community, SCA Board: Ernestine Woelger

In 2024, the SCA Board introduced a new award in line with the Jim Quigley award to recognise long standing volunteers in the community. The inagural winner was Ernestine Woelger for her work as Chair of the Skerries Mills, the SCA, the Skerries Poetry Festival, Skerries Soundwaves and Sustainable Skerries. 

2024 Volunteer of the Year: Charlie & Marion Heasman, Biodiversity for Skerries

Charlie and Marion were awarded the 2024 Jim Quigley award for their outstanding contribution to Biodiversity in Skerries, their work with Sustainable Skerries, the Pollinator Corridor, the Open Orchards, the protection of endangered species, the Community garden and much more. 

2023: Individual Volunteer of the Year: Gráinne Enright

In recognition of all that she has done to welcome and support Ukrainians in Skerries, to provide free Maths grinds online and of her work on Soundwaves Committee. Read the details here.

2023: Voluntary Group of the Year: Meals on Wheels

Skerries Meals on Wheels receiving their award at the SCA AGM, from left to right: Chris Corry, Tina McGee, Lucy Coleman, Frances Hanly, Ethel Birchall, Mary Fanning, Jane Landy (SCA), Hilda Heffernan, Carmel Molloy, Eithne Mallin and Kathleen Garrigan

In recognition of their service to the community in Skerries serving meals for over 50 years. Read the details here.

2022: Volunteer of the Year: Máire Jones

In recognition of her work with a large number of groups in our community. Read the details here.

Jane Landy, Chairperson, Skerries Community Association, and Máire Jones, Jim Quigley Volunteer of the Year 2022 (Photo: John Coleman, SCA)

2021: Volunteer Couple of the Year: Michael (Mick) and Noeleen Bolger

In recognition of the couple’s volunteering contribution to Skerries life.

Jim Quigley Award Winners 2021 Michael (Mick) and Noeleen Bolger with Michael McKenna (SCA) and Owen O’Brien, Chairperson, Skerries Town Football Club.

2020: Volunteer of the Year: Ronan O’Callaghan…

… for starting the community response to Covid-19 in our town

Ronan O’Callaghan receiving the 2020 Award from SCA Chair Michael McKenna

2019: Voluntary Group of the Year: Skerries Tidy Towns “Adopt A Patch”

Photo credit: Skerries Tidy Towns

2018: Voluntary Group of the Year: Skerries Youth Support Services (SYSS)

Image source: SCA

2017: Voluntary Group of the Year: Skerries Water Safety

Photograph: John Coleman, SCA.

2016: Volunteer of the Year: Diarmuid Ó Súilleabháin, Skerries Café Craiceálta

Photograph: Ó Súilleabháin family.

2015: Volunteer of the Year: Kay Coleman, Skerries Chamber of Commerce

Photograph: Sabine McKenna, SCA.

2014: Young Volunteer of the Year: Rebecca O’Reilly, Foróige

Photo source: SCA

2013: Voluntary Group of the Year:  An Post Rás – Skerries Stage End Committee

Photo source: Irish Independent

2012: Volunteer of the Year: Gerry Besseling, various activities over the years including his work for the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day, the Bridge Club (founder member, treasurer and more), bowling club, and local historian

Photo source: North County Leader

2011: Young Volunteer of the Year: Avril Noble, “Charity Begins at Home” shop, Thursday Club (now Guerrilla Gardeners)

Photo source: North County Leader

2010: Voluntary Group of the Year: Adopt-A-Beach . Emily Diebold receiving the award.

Photo Source: Irish Independent.

2009: Volunteer of the Year: Sheila Brennan, Scoil Realt na Mara’s Parents’ Council, Skerries Community Preschool and Skerries Community Games

Photo source: Irish Independent

Page last updated:  October 2024