SAILING Ron Hutchieson is ISA Volunteer of the Year

11 Mar 2010


The 2009 ISA Volunteer of the Year is Ron Hutchieson. Ron Hutchieson was nominated by the Irish Laser Class Association and was announced as the ISA Volunteer of the Year at the Awards Dinner on Saturday 6th March in the Osprey Hotel, Co Kildare.

ISA Chief Executive Harry Hermon said: "Ron's commitment over the last 30 years is extraordinary and has been of huge benefit to the development of the sport. His is a worthy recipient of the ISA Volunteer of the Year Award."

Tom MacSweeney was presented with the ISA President's Award as a token of appreciation in recognition of his services to sport in an outstanding manner.

The 2009 ISA Youth Sailor is Philip Doran, who is currently the under 17 Laser Radial World Champion. Also nominated was Finn Lynch who placed 2nd at the Topper World Championship.

The Around Ireland Offshore Powerboat Trophy was presented to Philip Fitzgibbon, who along with Michael Shanaghan set a new record of 18hrs 36 mins 40sec on 16th October 2009.

A number of individuals acknowledged for their "Significant Voluntary Contribution" to their organisation were:

  • Lucille Bradfield nominated by the Irish International 420 Class.
  • Siobhلn Boylan nominated by Skerries Sailing Club.
  • Teresa Harnedy nominated by the East Coast Powerboat Racing Club.
  • Ron Hutchieson nominated by the Irish Laser Class Association.
  • Tony Kingston nominated by Kinsale Yacht Club.
  • John Leahy nominated by the Cruising Association of Ireland.
  • Caroline Leonard nominated by the Dublin Bay Sailing Club.
  • Louise O'Keefe nominated by the IODAI Optimist Class.
  • Oliver Prouveur nominated by the Irish Fireball Association.


Volunteers are often quietly working away in the background. ISA organisations are invited to nominate their 'volunteer of the year' - to publically acknowledge the individuals who have made a difference to their organisation

Hermon explained: "Volunteers are the back bone of our sport and these individuals represent the thousands who work tirelessly around the country."

A presentation was made to Matt McGrory, of Yachtsman euromarine in recognition of his generous support of the ISA Yachtsman Euromarine RIB Challenge for the past two years.

The annual ISA National Conference took place this weekend (6th & 7th March) in the Osprey Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare. Delegates represent ISA affiliated organisations from around the country, attended an intensive programme of 30 presentations, seminars and workshops over the two days.