AC Awards Finalist Feature – Denis McSweeney

Denis McSweeney is a finalist in the Community Champion category of the Cork Sports Partnership Active Community Awards 2024. Winners revealed on 29th November 2024. Further details on the Awards and ceremony below.

Denis McSweeney: A Community Champion in Rosscarbery       

Denis McSweeney has become a cornerstone of the Rosscarbery community through his tireless voluntary efforts, which span sports, festivals, and countless local initiatives. Originally from Millstreet, Denis moved to Rosscarbery and has been enriching his adopted community ever since. Despite a busy career, Denis dedicates his free time to making a difference. 

In the world of sports, Denis plays a vital role in Carbery Rangers GAA Club as their kitman. His contributions go far beyond ensuring jerseys are ready—he’s the first to arrive, setting up training equipment, preparing dressing rooms, and organizing team-building activities. Denis also leads Rosscarbery Steam Runners, a running club he helped establish in 2015. Through this, he has organized local races, including the Surf, Turf & Tar and the T.J. O’Mahony 5K, which draw participants from near and far, boosting physical activity and showcasing the area’s beauty. 

The benefits of regular physical activity, as Denis promotes through his efforts, extend to all ages and abilities. Exercise improves cardiovascular health, builds strength, and enhances mental well-being. It also fosters social connections, which are essential for emotional resilience and community spirit. By creating opportunities for people to engage in physical activities, Denis helps enhance the quality of life in Rosscarbery, encouraging healthier and happier lives. 

Denis’s influence is not confined to sports. He is instrumental in organizing the annual Rosscarbery Family Festival, from hosting events like the Mill Challenge to bringing the community together with his creativity and enthusiasm in the much-loved fancy dress parade. Whether he’s volunteering as Santa Claus during the holidays or helping with local beautification projects, Denis’s impact reaches all corners of the community. 

Volunteers like Denis are the backbone of thriving communities. His passion and commitment foster a sense of unity, providing opportunities for residents to come together and participate in meaningful activities. His selflessness inspires others to give back, creating a ripple effect of positivity and collaboration. 

Through his dedication, Denis McSweeney exemplifies the power of volunteerism in building stronger, more connected communities. Rosscarbery is truly fortunate to have him as a champion of local life. 

Active Community Campaign Category:

This award is to acknowledge an individual’s work in the development and or promotion of locally led physical activity and community sports programmes.

The award recognises the individual who has made a significant impact on improving local health and wellbeing through sport, exercise or physical activity opportunities and initatives in a voluntary capacity.

It recognizes individuals’ efforts in leading and activating opportunities for people to be active across sport, exercise and physical activity. Without this individual, community lead initiatives would not be possible. 

Live Awards Ceremony:

Join us at 7 pm on Friday, 29th November, as we reveal this year’s Active Community Awards winners across our categories of Group, Campaign, Inclusion and Champion.