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Volunteering

Why Volunteering Matters

Volunteering is at the heart of our mission—it strengthens communities, empowers individuals, and creates lasting impact. When members give their time and skills, they help drive real change, support vital programs, and inspire others to get involved. Every hour volunteered helps us grow stronger together and brings us closer to our shared goals. Your contribution doesn’t just make a difference - it is the difference.

Join Our Board of Directors or Subcommittees – Help Shape Our Future

Our Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of Mountaineering Ireland. Made up of passionate members, the Board ensures we stay true to our mission, remain financially sustainable, and respond effectively to the needs of our community.

Supporting the Board are our sub-committees, which focus on key areas such as hiking/hillwalking, climbing, finance, training and governance. These committees dive deeper into specific topics, providing recommendations and helping deliver impactful initiatives.

Whether you bring leadership experience, specialist skills, or simply a desire to contribute, there’s a place for you. Joining the Board or a sub-committee is a meaningful way to influence our organisation’s future, develop your skills, and connect with fellow members.

Interested? We’d love to hear from you. Your voice matters - get involved and help us grow stronger together.

Contact [email protected]

Club Committee Volunteering

Every strong club thrives because a small group of volunteers choose to step up. Committees shape club culture, welcome new members, organise activities, and keep things running smoothly. As a committee member, you can help set the club’s direction, strengthen its community, and bring new ideas to life.

If your club has given you friendship, adventure, or a sense of belonging, joining the committee is a meaningful way to give back and help keep it thriving. Far from being “stuck in meetings,” committee members are often the ones at the centre of the fun, planning and joining events and days out, connecting with members, and seeing ideas come to life.

Be part of shaping the club you love. Get involved and make a difference. For more information please contact [email protected]

Climbing Competition Volunteering

The climbing competitions has always relied on the good will of volunteers to give their time and energy to support their children, their friends, or just to come along and support their community. There are many different roles a person can volunteer for at a climbing competition; be it helping the organisers with simple tasks, judging throughout the rounds, or belaying the competitors, all of which are central to the smooth running and success of any climbing competition.

The running of these events is very much a team effort, and to be part of that team, no matter how big or small the task, is a very exciting and rewarding way to spend a few hours. If you are interested in knowing more, or simply want to sign up as a volunteer for the next competition, please contact: [email protected]

Peatland Restoration- Become a Blanket Bog Buddy

This Mountaineering Ireland volunteer group goes out in the Wicklow National Park to complete a variety of tasks, some of which are more physical than others, but there is always the opportunity for everyone to work within their capabilities.

The work locations are often remote, up to an hour's walk up and across the hills, so you will need footwear and clothing suitable for walking on rough and boggy ground. All necessary tools will be provided, and the Wicklow Mountains National Park staff and the more experienced volunteers will provide briefing and guidance.

If you are interested please fill out this form and return to [email protected]

Host MI's Autumn Gathering

April Brophy, Sliabh Hiking

I joined Mountaineering Ireland a few years ago and quickly found that volunteering was a way to both give back and grow. In 2022, I founded Sliabh Hiking, a club based in the Comeragh Mountains, to bring people together through shared adventures and a love of the outdoors.

Since then, I’ve trained and qualified as a Mountain Leader through Mountaineering Ireland — an experience that gave me huge confidence and the skills to lead others safely and responsibly in the mountains. One of the highlights so far has been hosting the Autumn Gathering 2025 in the Comeraghs, where over 100 hikers from across Ireland came together to explore, connect, and celebrate the spirit of the hills.

Volunteering has opened so many doors — friendships, skills, and a real sense of purpose. It’s been one of the most rewarding journeys I’ve ever taken.''

If you're club is interested in hosting the Autumn Gathering please contact [email protected]

Photo of a group of Croagh Patrick Volunteers

Croagh Patrick path

A small but dedicated band of volunteers support the Croagh Patrick Stakeholders Group with maintenance on the Croagh Patrick path. Most volunteer days are Tuesday or Wednesday, if you’d like to help care for this special mountain, please email [email protected].

Volunteer Stories

Lauren Conlon - Climbing Competitions

I started climbing as a student in DCU RCC, which introduced me to an amazing community and a whole new world of adventure. After college I continued climbing, hiking, and mountaineering, and during a summer Alpinism trip to Chamonix I had the chance to watch the 2023 Lead World Cup. At the event I noticed a stand seeking volunteers for the 2023 Climbing World Championships in Bern.

After some encouragement from a friend, I signed up, and the next day received 12 days of assignments. I travelled to Bern and jumped straight in. Day one I worked as a Brusher with 15-second slots between climbers.

That evening the organisers looked for native

English speakers, and from the next morning I spent the remaining 11 days working in Isolation. I met wonderful people, saw incredible climbing, and cheered on Irish athletes Ciaran and Mark Scanlan.

When I returned home, I wanted to get involved locally. I contacted Micheal Duffy, began helping at YCS 2023, and everything grew from there. I’ve since volunteered at competitions across Ireland, the UK, USA, Switzerland, and Austria — opportunities I never would have had without the years judging at Irish and UK events.

Volunteering has taken me places I never imagined and introduced me to lifelong friends.

Rita Connell - Club and Board Volunteer

Volunteering in my community in Castleblayney has been a large part of my life for many years. It has helped me form friendships and has kept me connected, not only to my local community but to a wide circle of people with similar interests. I started hillwalking with Blayney Ramblers in 1993 when it was a newly formed club. I soon became involved, with others, helping organise trips to the local Cooleys and Mournes, and also further afield. Volunteering pushed me to learn the skills needed to hike the mountains and lead groups in new areas, which strengthened the club. We joined what was then the Mountaineering Council of Ireland and through friendships made with other clubs I found myself Secretary of the Board for five years – at that time with one part-time staff!

I have been involved with the Women with Altitude organising group since its inception. There is a great buzz

from seeing how this group can inspire so many to advance their mountaineering experiences.

It was an honour to take on the role of President in 2023. I work with the other volunteer Board members and MI staff, and I feel it is important that I can give viewpoints from a club member perspective.

Over the years I have met many people in MI who have given their time and commitment voluntarily to an activity that began as a hobby. There is the ‘bigger picture’ to observe, protecting our beautiful mountains and taking care of our mountaineering community.

Stephanie O’Connor - Climbing Competitions

When I was asked a few years ago if I’d like to support MI with the administration of their climbing competitions I immediately said ‘Yes’. The resounding ‘yes’ represented a few different things for me. Firstly, my children had gained so much over the years from participating in the MI competitions that I wanted to be able to help out wherever I could. I also felt very comfortable and welcome within the climbing community, despite entering the world of climbing only after I’d had my children. But the most important motivator for me was a sense that the sport of climbing brings together many elements which together build an atmosphere which is safe, fun and challenging, whatever is going on in our lives.

I feel very privileged to be able to meet with so many fantastic children and their families, and to share in their highs and lows during their competition days each year. Being part of the MI team is more than ticking registration lists and wrestling with spreadsheets and apps! It’s about being part of a shared space where we can all meet together, facilitated by our love of climbing. I hope to continue volunteering at these great events for years to come.

Kara Fleischmann - Bog Buddies

Being outdoors offers a grounding sense of connection and vitality. I especially cherish time in the mountains, lakes and woods. As a mountain runner, year-round wild swimmer, tree-hugger, scout leader, lowland leader and mountain leader trainee, I’m deeply committed to protecting and enhancing the environments I love.

In spring 2024, my family purchased trees to plant in Glendalough, assisted by National Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers Andy Butler and Seánie Muldoon. It was a wonderful experience that introduced me to the ReWild Wicklow volunteer group, which I later joined. That year was particularly busy, and tendonitis in both arms limited my ability to volunteer as much as I wished. Still, every opportunity I had brought immense joy.

Later that autumn, I encountered volunteers completing trail maintenance work and

discovered Mountain Meitheal. Although it was their final day of the season, I felt honoured to connect with their team and looked forward to rejoining when they resumed.

Unable to perform manual labour while recovering, I stayed connected through email updates and lectures at the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Base, watching inspiring projects take shape across the landscape. My longing to rejoin the work only deepened.

During Mountaineering Ireland’s Mountain Environment Awareness Week 2025, I joined an educational walk led by Helen Lawless and Anthea Lacchia, where we also learned about peatland restoration from Hugh McLindon. This led me to join his group, Blanket Bog Buddies.

Now fully healed and able to re-engage, I’ve returned to active volunteering among welcoming, spirited teams who balance organisation with great craic. No matter the location or weather, the constant is the shared camaraderie and unmistakable Irish sense of humour.

Linda Rafferty - Climbing Competitions.

Hi there! My name is Linda Rafferty, and I volunteer at the registration desk for Mountaineering Ireland’s National Indoor Climbing Competitions throughout the year. I have four children, all of whom have participated in MI’s Youth Climbing Competitions over the past nine years. I first began volunteering as a judge and belayer at these competitions, as they rely heavily on the help of parents. For the past two years, I have been part of the registration team, alongside Stephanie O’Connor, another parent volunteer. I thoroughly enjoy helping out. As a parent, volunteering is my way of getting involved and supporting my children in the sport they love.

As a climber, it has opened my eyes to the amount of people and work involved in running these events. It’s a wonderful way to meet other climbers and their families, and hopefully offer some help or at least be a friendly face for those new to the competition scene!

For anyone considering volunteering, my advice would be to go for it - these events require a lot of help from parents/volunteers. It is a really social way to get involved, and I’ve had lots of laughs and made some great friendships throughout the years.

Patrick O'Sullivan - Irish Mountain Log Editor

I have been a volunteer with Mountaineering Ireland for some time and have been very lucky in the roles that I have been privileged to take on. They have allowed me to develop skills and expertise in areas that I was interested in, while being able to support the development and growth of a sport that I have a great passion for.

Read Patrick's full story here.

Colette Club Volunteer

Spending a career as a PE teacher in Wexford and coaching numerous sports provided the perfect foundation for developing mentoring, coaching and volunteering traits.

My involvement with Mountaineering Ireland began in 1990 when I joined the Comeragh Mountaineering Club, having “hung up” my hockey stick. I was fortunate to receive tremendous navigation training and strong encouragement to step beyond my comfort zone into an world of adventure through scrambling and climbing.

As my experience grew, it felt natural to lead walks and help organise club trips. With the support of Comeragh Club members, I went on to join the South East Mountain Rescue Association, where I was an active member for almost ten years.

I am a member of Wexford Hillwalking and Mountaineering Club since 1996 and was involved from the outset as a walk leader, organiser of away trips and summer crag sessions, committee member, chairperson for one year, and regular mentor delivering navigation skills training.

I am constantly energised by supporting the ongoing upskilling of club members, with 90% of walk leaders completing Mountain Skills Assessment through the club programme. I also enjoy broadening members’ experiences through trips to North Wales for fun scrambles!

Volunteering beyond the club included membership of BOS (2012–2017) and serving on the Mountaineering Ireland Board (2018–2022), contributing to the 2022–2025 Strategic Plan.

I am a passionate advocate for promoting the female voice in mountaineering and have spent many satisfying hours alongside talented women who are terrific role models. I have loved being part of the Women with Altitude organising team from 2013–2025, witnessing women at all levels continue to shine in the mountain environment.

I have met the most wonderful people through mountaineering and the payback for any volunteering that I’ve done has been doubled/trebled!

Go out there and give what you can……….you won’t regret it.