TWENTY-one-year-old Briege McIntyre from St. Mary’s GAC, Aghagallon, near Lurgan, has been awarded the Translink Ulster GAA Young Volunteer of the Month award for July 2025.
The award is presented each month to young volunteers whose efforts best demonstrate the volunteering ethos and community spirit of the GAA.
Briege is a dedicated coach, role model, and volunteer at St Mary’s. She coaches underage camogie, developing young players’ skills and fostering their love of the game. She also referees, helps at tournaments and holds a Level 1 Camogie Coaching qualification.
Her commitment extends to Aghagallon’s Games for All team, where she attends blitzes, organises events like the Inclusive Cúl Camp and supports fundraising. She has even learned sign language to better connect with team members.
Briege is equally committed to personal growth and leadership, having represented the club at the GAA National Youth Forum, completing her Gold Sports Inspire and Bronze Joint Awards, and mentoring on a Joint Award expedition with Ulster GAA.
Furthermore, she is also undertaking the prestigious Mná Programme, which will empower young female club members. All of this is achieved while playing senior camogie and studying full-time at college.
Presenting Briege with her award, Ulster GAA President Michael Geoghegan said: “Briege exemplifies the spirit of a young GAA volunteer, and her commitment to inclusion and dedication to her club’s members with additional need is remarkable.
“Her attitude to improving the experience of Gaelic Games for all members of the St Mary’s club is an absolute credit to herself and her family. Well done Briege!”
Commenting on Briege’s accolade, Taylor Ferguson at Translink, said: “We are always amazed by the good work young people are doing volunteering through their involvement within their local clubs.
“It is remarkable and inspiring that young people like Briege can achieve so much to help others and play such an important role in keeping communities connected through sport and volunteering. Her award is much deserved.”
St. Mary’s GAC Aghagallon Youth Development Committee member Bronagh McCavigan concluded: “What truly sets Briege apart is her profound generosity and kindness. She has built strong, positive relationships with children and families in the Games for All team, and her genuine care often extends beyond her official volunteer roles.
“Her selflessness makes her a truly exceptional individual, and her value to those families is immeasurable.
Applications for the next Young Volunteer of the Month award are now open. To nominate a young person aged 14-24 for the accolade, visit ulster.gaa.ie/youngvolunteeraward.
