Brian Harte Honoured with National Volunteer Award as Part of IRFU 150th Anniversary

Galway Bay Rugby Club is proud to share the news that our very own Brian Harte has been named as one of Connacht’s recipients of the IRFU 150th Anniversary Volunteer Recognition Awards.

As part of the IRFU’s 150-year celebrations, 100 volunteers across Ireland – up to 25 from each province – have been selected for their outstanding and long-standing contributions to the growth of the game. Brian’s inclusion is not only richly deserved, but a proud moment for all involved with our club.

Brian has been a driving force behind the growth and success of Galway Bay RFC for many years. Through his passion, commitment and tireless work behind the scenes, the club has seen a remarkable rise in both playing numbers and overall club development. From minis to youth rugby. Brian has been a consistent and steady leader whose dedication has helped transform Galway Bay into one of the most vibrant and welcoming rugby communities in the West.

Whether it’s setting up pitches, organising fixtures, driving players to matches, organising coaching courses to the Kingston Project his impact can be felt in every corner of the club. His work reflects the very spirit of volunteerism – humble, hardworking, and wholly centred around the betterment of others.

Brian will be formally honoured at a special pre-match reception at the Aviva Stadium on April 27th, ahead of the Energia All-Ireland League Finals Day. The event will be hosted by IRFU President Declan Madden, and will celebrate the many unsung heroes of Irish rugby – the volunteers who give so much of themselves to keep the game thriving.

On behalf of everyone at Galway Bay RFC, we offer our warmest congratulations to Brian. This recognition is a fitting tribute to his years of service – and a reflection of how much he means to this club and our wider rugby community.

Well done, Brian – and thank you for everything.

 

Other Connacht recipients

 

CONNACHT

Stephen Parkinson – Coláiste Iognáid
Colin Cooper – Sancta Maria Louisburgh
Gerry Coen – Corrib RFC
Niall Finnerty – Portumna Rugby Club
Noel Mannion – Balllinasloe RFC
Brian Harte – Galway Bay Rugby Club
John Hardiman – OLBC
Michael Loftus – Marist College, Buccaneers RFC
Mary Lydon – Connemara RFC
Bernie Huxford – Calasanctius College
Jimmy Coen – Dunmore RFC
Johnny McCormack – Castlebar RFC
Michael Silke – Buccaneers RFC
Padraic McGann – Monivea Rugby Club
Gerry Kelly – Garbally College, Ballinasloe
Brian Mullan – Sligo RFC
Stuart Baker – St. Joseph’s College, Galway
Catherine Collins – Galway Corinthians RFC
Michael Deacy – Galwegians RFC
Alan Rowe – Ballina RFC
Gearóid Ó Broin – University of Galway RFC
Gerry O’Donnell (posthumous) – Ballina RFC
Ciaran McBrien – Carrick on Shannon RFC
Sean Higgins – Tuam RFC
Kieran Dowd – Creggs RFC
Liz Brady – Westport RFC