Sunday’s Well Clubman Named First Volunteer Of The Month

The first Ballyseedy Home & Garden Volunteer Recognition Programme Award for season 2019/20 was presented to Brendan Lane of Sunday’s Well RFC for his continued dedication towards the development of mini and age-grade rugby, and hard work across a number of roles within the club.

Brendan has been involved with the club’s mini and age-grade sections for nine years having previously coached all the way from the mini section through to the U12 squad.

The Sunday’s Well clubman also organises Santa’s visit to the Cork club as well as leading various fundraisers and coordinating the annual trip to London Irish RFC  for the U12s.

Brendan said: “I first became involved with the club when one of my two sons, who was six at the time, wanted to play.

“I quickly became a parent on the sideline and then I was asked to come on board as a manager for the team and after that I filled the role of treasurer for the mini section.

“I kept going with the same squad as they progressed through the age-grades while also managing my other son’s team when he started playing.

“The trip to London Irish takes place every April and we travel over to play in a competition. We fund the trip with several fundraisers – a Christmas swim, bucket collections, bag packing, and it has become a part of the club’s tradition.”

Brendan currently holds the position of committee secretary while also maintaining his involvement with the U14 squad as team manager and recalls his son, Jacob, scoring a winning try in the final of the U14 Munster Development Cup last season.

As a member of the Munster Rugby Supporters Club, Brendan enjoys attending Munster home matches when he isn’t providing his services to teams at Sunday’s Well.

“I have an old jeep which I use to transfer kit and I think I’ve taken half the team to games at one stage. There’s also my garage where I store a lot of kit and post pads if anyone at the club is looking for something.”

Brendan with wife Orla and sons Alex and Jacob. 

Sunday’s Well Youth Officer, Gerard Donnellan, said: “What makes Brendan’s contribution totally outstanding is the fact that in 2015 he suffered a stroke while holidaying abroad but fought bravely to return to near normality.

“Things went from bad to worse when he suffered a mild heart attack which meant he hasn’t returned to work but during all this turmoil he kept his involvement with the club and is a credit to volunteerism.”

Brendan continued: “My wife Orla and two boys, Alex and Jacob, supported me and everyone at the club were fantastic. Without their encouragement I wouldn’t have been able to continue with my roles.”

The Ballyseedy Home & Garden Volunteer Recognition Programme rewards people working hard behind the scenes within clubs and schools throughout the province.

The programme runs from September 2019 to March 2020 with a reward scheme consisting of individual ‘Volunteer of the Month’ awards.

Successful nominees who meet a set criteria were recognised for their efforts by receiving a prize package including;
– Volunteer of the Month Award
– Hamper
– Hospitality package for two including tickets to a Munster home game

For more information and to nominate your club or school volunteer, please click here.