Fundraising heroes, aged 11 to 86, honoured by Concern

Press release17 June 2026

young boy and elderly man looking at the camera having just received volunteer awards

Darrah MacNally (11) and Sean Brogan (86) received medals at Concern Worldwide’s office in Camden Street, Dublin to commemorate their extraordinary fundraising efforts. Over 20 years, Sean has led a team of other volunteers to raise over €250,000 for Concern. After learning about the ongoing conflict in Sudan, Darragh MacNally undertook a sponsored 5km run, raising €1,150.

“Together we have managed to raise more than €250,000 and we're not stopping there!" -- Sean (86)

From an 11-year-old running 5k to an 86-year-old who has raised more than €250,000 over 20 years, Concern Worldwide’s volunteers share a common goal – to eliminate extreme poverty and alleviate suffering.

Darragh MacNally (11) from Dublin and Sean Brogan (86) from Cavan were among those honoured at this year’s Concern Worldwide Volunteer Awards.

Fasting, hiking, cooking running and carol singing are just some of the ways volunteers took action to raise money and awareness for the people of Gaza, Sudan and the 22 other countries where Concern works with communities dealing with conflict, climate change and poverty to achieve major lasting improvements in their lives.

“Concern’s volunteers are a testament to the empathy of the Irish public and their commitment to take action to alleviate the suffering of others,” Concern Chief Executive Officer Dominic Crowley said.

“Whether it was three decades ago witnessing famine in Somalia, or three months ago looking at the devastation caused by conflict in Sudan, our volunteers took notice of global injustice and decided to take action for change,” Mr Crowley said as he presented the 26 awardees with medals at a ceremony on Saturday in Concern’s Camden Street office.

Cavan man Sean Brogan received a lifetime achievement award after raising over €250,000 with his team of 110 collectors, over 20 years of dedicated fundraising. After watching a television appeal showing children suffering from severe malnutrition, Sean began collecting sponsorship the very next day for the first even Concern Fast.

“What's kept me motivated to fundraise for Concern for over 20 years is first and foremost the ongoing need for humanitarian support across the world,” explained Mr Brogan.

“Equally as important is Concern's ability to ensure that funds are used efficiently and effectively, the incredible support provided by their staff and the dedication of my own wonderful team of volunteers and donors, who continue to show up year after year. Together we have managed to raise more than €250,000 and we're not stopping there!"The youngest awardee of the day was Darragh MacNally (11). After learning about the Sudan crisis from his mother, he decided to help by completing a 5km sponsored run, raising €1,150. Darragh encouraged other young people to get involved in fundraising: "Do it, I really enjoyed it and the people of Sudan really need it."

In addition to fundraisers, a number of volunteer adjudicators for Concern’s primary and secondary debates competitions were honoured. The Concern debates programme challenges young people to critically engage with global issues and develop essential skills in research analysis and presentation.

The Volunteer Awards were started in 2013 to celebrate the vital contribution of volunteers to Concern’s work. This support is needed now more than ever as we face global cuts to humanitarian aid budgets. Despite challenging circumstances Concern reached 23 million people in 2025 across 27 countries.

For further information contact Jenny Gillen, Media Relations Officer, Concern Worldwide, at jenny.gillen@concern.net or +353 87 348 4529.