Howth Yacht Club Wins Sports Inclusion Award At Fingal

Howth Yacht Club has been named Sports Inclusion Club of the Year at the Fingal Sports Awards. The event was held on Monday, the 26th of January and hosted by Fingal County Council. The award honours clubs that make sport accessible to people of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities. The judges praised HYC’s work in inclusion and accessibility and its collaboration with disability‑inclusion programmes and partners.

The club said the initiatives have created “meaningful opportunities for people of all ages and abilities” to take part in sailing and water‑based recreation.

HYC volunteer Harry Gallagher was also named Volunteer of the Year. He is a long‑serving race officer at the club. About 150 club members volunteer across all aspects of HYC life, the club said.

HYC Commodore Kevin Monks said the club was “incredibly proud” of Harry’s award. He added that Gallagher is “generous with his time” and “welcoming to everyone”.

Mr Monks said the inclusion award reflects the work of members, volunteers and partners, including Fingal County Council, Howth‑Sutton Autism Friendly Community, Active Connections and Sailing into Wellness. A key part of the club’s inclusion work is its partnership with Sailing Into Wellness Ireland. The programme offers therapeutic and educational sailing for people from marginalised or vulnerable backgrounds.

HYC has also been named Ireland’s first Autism Champion sailing club by AsIAm. It continues to work with Howth‑Sutton Autism Friendly Community to improve autism‑inclusive practices. In cooperation with Fingal County Council and Active Connections, HYC supported Ability Water‑Based Camps for children with additional needs, which ran again in 2025.

HYC also held the Women at the Helm event in 2025 to promote female participation in sailing and club life. Women now make up 40% of the club’s General Committee. The club runs social and off‑water activities to keep members connected, reinforcing a “strong sense of community and belonging”.

HYC is active in the wider Howth area, backing outreach and fundraising for groups including Pieta House and the Howth RNLI. The Sports Inclusion Club of the Year Award marks a milestone for Howth Yacht Club, the club said, and recognises efforts to make sailing accessible to all.