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30 // Ladies Gaelic Football Association LGFA VOLUNTEER AWARDS 2018 PEIL Spring | Issue No 1 | Volume 14 By Jackie Cahill just feel that there's always that one person in the club who does everything. "In terms of Sheena, she's the secretary, she plays football on the team, she set up the juvenile section with her sister, Linda. "She's a teacher in the school and she does so much and everybody sometimes takes that for granted. When an award like this comes up, I think it's important that you get involved and nominate people who deserve it." The words of Bernie Durkan, who nominated Sheena Byrne from Kilcock for the Ladies Gaelic Football Association's inaugural Overall Volunteer of the Year award. At a special Croke Park event on February 17, Sheena was present along with members of her family to receive the Lulu Carroll award, named after the late and much-loved former Laois star. Shortly before she was called on stage to be presented with the Lulu Carroll award by LGFA President Marie Hickey, a surprise tribute video to Sheena was screened, featuring club-mates, her husband, Shane, and parents Breda and Michael. Bernie spoke from the start and her words above brilliantly captured the contribution that Sheena has made not only to her local club, but the wider community. Sandra McGonagle from Kilcock LGFA explained how Sheena basically "runs the club from senior right down to underage." She organises fundraisers, discos, she keeps the club together, to be honest." Sheena has been volunteering in ladies Gaelic Football for 14 years, working as club secretary, coordinating the playing and fundraising activities for Kilcock's adult and juvenile sections, and still lining out for the club as an active player. Sheena Byrne in 2001, she was one of the members called to the meeting. She took on the role of Club Secretary remained in that position for approximately 13 years, playing during that time also before assuming a coaching role. A huge asset to Ladies football since 2001, St Ailbe's, Tipperary and Munster are all the better for Siobhán's involvement. Each winner received their award and prizes, which included a specially commissioned, framed, jersey, as well as TG4 All-Ireland final and post-match reception tickets, from LGFA President Marie Hickey, before being interviewed on stage by the LGFA's Commercial and Communications Manager, Jackie Cahill. Our winners were not fazed by the bright lights in any way, speaking passionately and eloquently about their clubs, counties and roles. A new and welcome addition to the LGFA calendar, the Volunteer of the Year awards look set to prosper and grow in the years to come. I