Merry Xmas | Thank You.
Dear Volleyball Ireland Members, Dear Friends,
As we approach the festive season and the end of an extraordinary year, I am filled with awe at what we have achieved together over the past 12 months.
Between our staff, volunteers, clubs, referees, coaches, and players, the sport has continued to grow and move forward at pace. And I want to take this moment to thank you for your contribution to that, and to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
When I reflect on 2024 the first thing that springs to mind is of course the historic and momentous hosting of the CEV U20 Women’s European Volleyball Championship. It was the biggest event and project we’ve ever delivered. I have great sense of pride in how the VLY community came together to deliver such a high-quality event, which has received glowing praise from European Volleyball and significantly enhanced our reputation in Ireland and across the global Volleyball family.
But there was so much more we have delivered this year that will also drive the development of our Volleyball movement here in Ireland. Some of my personal highlights include:
• The Youth Leagues have grown even bigger with u18 leagues and the introduction of the first Youth Championships tournament.
• We have more clubs and teams than ever before, with a full National League format in both Men’s and Women’s competitions.
• We are training and supporting more and more coaches and referees.
• We fully introduced eScoring to the National League with close to 100% of matches in the top 3 divisions scored electronically.
• We are seeing an unprecedented amount of social clubs popping up all over the country, growing Volleyball in new places.
• We won our first-ever Men’s international medal, with the u20 boys taking bronze at a memorable home event.
• We won our first-ever Snr. Women’s SCA medal, taking bronze in San Marino.
• The u18 girls showed incredible progress to take the SCA silver medal in Malta.
• Liam and Ciagan claimed our first win at an age group European Beach Championships.
• The VLY Association Cup Finals were taken to a new level – what an amazing weekend, kicked off with the first-ever ‘Legends’ match, which is a tradition now set to continue!
• We signed a partnership with sponsor Searing Point Wealth Management– the support of Patrick and the team at SPWM has been phenomenal.
• We introduced our very own mascot, ‘Buzz’! Who would have thought?
Our passion, dedication, and love for the game have propelled us to new heights this year. These are remarkable milestones that we’ve achieved.
I’m keen to find out what your highlights were. Here is a quick 30second survey, please choose your top 5 or add ‘an other’. All entries will have a chance to win an official match ball from August’s European Championship. Enter Here Now.
As we close out the year, I want to share my gratitude with you all for your role in achieving these remarkable milestones. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I wish you and your families a wonderful festive season, and I plead with you to take some downtime now to enjoy the holidays and come back revitalized and energized to carry this momentum forward, aiming for even greater achievements and shared victories together in 2025.
Clódagh.
Clódagh Nic Canna | Volleyball Ireland President
P.S. the editor has noticed Clódagh didn’t include the fact that she became the first Irish person ever to be elected to the Board of European Volleyball. An incredible achievement and is definitely one of our highlights!!
#FeelTheBuzz #PlayVolley
