The finalists for the People’s Award in the McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards for 2025 have been announced.
Brian Kirker (22nd Old Boys and Ladies, Belfast), Darran McQuoid (Drumaness Mills FC, Co Down) and Samuel McNeill (Harry Gregg Foundation, Coleraine) are on this year’s shortlist.
The winner of the People’s Award will be announced at the national awards ceremony at Belfast City Hall next month and will be determined by the public through online votes via the Irish FA website.
Voting for the People’s Award is now open and will close on Friday 26 September. You can place your vote here.
About the finalists
Brian Kirker has dedicated over three decades to his club, 22nd Old Boys, beginning as a 14-year-old player alongside his father before injury shifted his focus to coaching.
He has managed both men’s and women’s teams, contributed to youth development and took on the role of club secretary more than 10 years ago.
Brian has been central to driving community outreach, mental health awareness and cross-community initiatives, while also maintaining and developing facilities at Clarendon. His commitment reflects a lifelong passion for grassroots football and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities.
For more than a decade Darran McQuoid (Drumaness Mills) has driven the growth of his club’s youth set-up, from 12 players to 160 across eight age groups, creating a clear pathway to senior football.
He has ensured standards of excellence through accreditation, while also applying his professional background in social care to deliver mental health workshops.
Alongside his voluntary roles as club secretary, head of youth development and community committee member, Darran has raised funds for local charities and earned the Spirit of Sport NI Award, cementing his status as a leader in grassroots football.
At 83 years old Samuel ‘Sammy’ McNeill remains an active grassroots referee, with a career in officiating that spans more than five decades.
Recently honoured by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, he is the oldest referee still working in Northern Ireland and continues to serve youth football through the Harry Gregg Foundation Youth League.
Renowned for his fair approach and ability to foster respect, Sammy is admired for bringing communities together, inspiring young players and demonstrating the lifelong rewards of staying active and engaged in the game.
The annual McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards, which celebrate 25 years in Northern Ireland this year, recognise the unbelievable work and commitment of football clubs and volunteers who give up their time and make a long-lasting impact on young people and communities across Northern Ireland.
The regional awards event was hosted at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, where Northern Ireland legend and Fun Football Ambassador Pat Jennings presented the winners with their awards.
Pat Jennings said: "Without grassroots football volunteers none of this could happen.
“Through the years I have witnessed first-hand the significant impact that McDonald’s Fun Football has had, and continues to have, on the lives of young people in Northern Ireland.
“It is a fantastic achievement that McDonald’s is on track to deliver over 10 million hours of Fun Football for one million children across the UK by 2026.”
McDonald’s franchisee Paul Connan added: “McDonald’s is passionate about feeding and fostering communities and supporting local families, and our commitment to grassroots football is a great way for us to demonstrate that.
“The Grassroots Football Awards gives us a great opportunity to celebrate our local grassroots football heroes, who are the beating heart of the game we all love here in Northern Ireland.”
Image: This year’s People's Award finalists. They are (from left) Darran McQuoid, Brian Kirker and Sammy McNeill.
