Community Games volunteer wins award

A NORTHSIDE woman has been recognised for her special
contribution to volunteering with the Community Games movement.

Fran Coyle was honoured with the Volunteer
Appreciation award for Dublin in recognition of her lifelong contribution to
the games.

She received her award at the 2011 HSE Community Games
National Area, Volunteer Recognition and Youth Awards.

Fran became involved in Community Games in the early
1970s, setting up events in her local area, Kilbarrack-Foxfield. She was
instrumental in developing the area and making it one of the most active in
Dublin. She soon became a member of the Dublin County Executive.

Through the years, she has held a number of positions
including President, Vice President, County Secretary, Assistant County
Secretary and Games Director, while also finding time to co-ordinate the County
Pitch & Putt, Volleyball and Quiz competitions, as well as the Leinster
Pitch & Putt competitions.

Fran was a familiar face at National Finals where she
has co-ordinated the Pitch & Putt competitions and recorded results at the
Athletics Finals.

For many years, she was Quiz Master and set the
questions for the Under 14 quiz. In later years, Fran has worked in the
equipment stores, helping to keep everything in order and making sure
everything was in its place – before, during and after competitions.

Fran was a member of the National Activities
Committee, and until 2010 was a member of the Standing Orders Committee which
oversees the business of the National Annual General Meeting. Even though she
has retired from committees, Fran is still at the other end of the phone and
available to help whenever needed.

As well as Ms Coyle, thousands of other Community
Games volunteers were praised and rewarded for their work at the ceremony held
in Ballinasloe.

The event is held annually to honour volunteers
throughout the 32 counties, and to celebrate their commitment to the
games.