Homeless Leagues score with Good Cause award

IT WAS a proud night for Clondalkin resident Sean Kavanagh – founder of Irish Homeless Street Leagues – as he accepted the National Lottery Good Cause award 2023 sports award on behalf of the leagues.

Back in 2003 as editor of Ireland’s Big Issue magazine it was Kavanagh’s goal to help young people who had fallen into difficulty to find a pathway to a better life, to imbue in them a sense of belonging and purpose.

He saw football as a way to empower young people to move on in life, not be standing on the sidelines watching life pass them by.

Under his tutelage, hundreds, if not thousands, of men and women have flourished in street leagues established across the country, using it as a stepping stone to a better life, and many have represented their country at the Homeless World Cups.

In a passionate acceptance speech, Kavanagh paid tribute to his fellow directors, volunteers and supporters past and present, whose contribution to the leagues has been invaluable, “Nothing is achieved in isolation – without their help and support we would never have been able to do what we have,” he said.

The Street Leagues run a programmes locally in Jobstown Leisure Centre, every Thursday 8pm–9pm.

Sean Kavanagh on stage talking to Grainne Seoige

Each year they hold their national finals in the Postal Club in Tallaght and select a panel of players  who are then chosen to represent Ireland in the Homeless World Cup.

CEO Chris O’Brien from Walkinstown is excited about the year ahead with an international tournament scheduled to take place in Tallaght in the summer.

The National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2023 celebrates the incredible achievements of volunteers, organisations and individuals who have made a profound impact on communities.

Minister Paschal Donohoe was guest of honour, with presenters Marty Whelan, Daithí Ó Sé, former Barnardos CEO Fergus Finlay, biologist Éanna Ní Lamhna and paralympian Jason Smyth, handing out the trophies, and Gráinne Séoige hosting.

For full access to all content on Echo.ie and to support the continuation of local news and local journalism in your community subscribe HERE.

Thanks for your ongoing support.