Richie Fagan nominated in the 2025 GCN GALAS

We’re delighted to spotlight Richie Fagan, who has been shortlisted for the Volunteer of the Year award at this year’s GALAS, Ireland’s annual awards ceremony honouring outstanding contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. As President of the Emerald Warriors for 6 years, Richie's contribution to the club and the wider LGBTQ+ community has been immense.

Organised by Gay Community News (GCN) and the National LGBTQ+ Federation (NXF), The GALAS celebrates individuals, companies and organisations that make Ireland and the world a better place for queer people everywhere.

Leading Growth and Inclusion in Rugby

Since his election in 2019, Richie has guided the Emerald Warriors RFC through a period of exceptional growth, strengthening its mission to make rugby accessible and inclusive. Under his leadership, the club introduced Tag rugby in 2021 and now has three teams playing weekly across Dublin.

In 2023, the Warriors established their first Women’s+ full-contact team, which debuted at the Union Cup in Birmingham alongside three Men's+ teams, marking Ireland’s largest-ever contingent at the tournament.

The Women’s+ squad has since grown from 12 players to 40 and now competes in the Leinster League, while the club continues to represent Ireland at major international events such as the Bingham Cup and Union Cup.

Strategic Vision for Inclusive Sport

Richie’s vision extends far beyond match results. Under his leadership, the Warriors launched a Strategic Plan built on five pillars:

• Performance
• Wellbeing and duty of care
• Research and events
• Sustainability
• Voice of diversity and inclusion in sport

He also established a Club Grounds Steering Group to secure a permanent home for the Warriors, a vital step toward creating a safe, inclusive space to play rugby.

Championing Diversity Beyond the Pitch

Beyond the club, Richie serves on Leinster Rugby’s Inclusivity Committee (SpEDI), contributes to the IRFU Spirit of Rugby working group, and was honoured as one of MasterCard’s Future of Rugby XV, joining a global group of changemakers shaping the sport’s future.

Richie’s work ensures that rugby is not just a sport but a platform for visibility, solidarity and equality. His leadership exemplifies how sport can transform lives, helping members get fit, find friends and feel accepted.

Congratulations to Richie on this achievement.