Danny celebrates win at the McDonald's Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards
Danny Gallagher, a local grassroots football volunteer from Sion Swifts Sonics, has been crowned the winner of the 2026 Football for All award at the McDonald's Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards ceremony in Belfast City Hall, recognising his dedication to developing a disability football initiative and making football accessible to all.
DANNY Gallagher, a local grassroots football volunteer from Sion Swifts Sonics, has been crowned as the winner of the 2026 Football for All award at the McDonald's Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards ceremony, which took place last week at Belfast City Hall.
The awards have run for over 20 years in Northern Ireland and 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 Football for All award celebrates someone who has championed a new girls' and women's team, developed a disability programme or used football as a power for good in their community through the introduction of mental health or cross community programmes.
Mr Gallagher founded Sion Swifts FC in 1988 before later establishing Sion Swifts Sonics, an inclusive disability football initiative.
Speaking about the recognition, he said: "I have been involved in every aspect of the club, but this is, I think, the most rewarding coaching you can do - working with children with special needs.
"My nephew, Conor, is involved, and that was part of the reason for setting it up.
!But it is also because these children can be marginalised when it comes to football and sport.
“They can be forgotten or picked last.
"To win this award is an absolute dream. It represents all of Northern Ireland, which is just unbelievable for me.
“For the club, it puts us on another level too."
Extending congratulations to Danny, a Sion Swifts spokesperson said: “A massive congratulations to club founder and current Sion Sonics coach, Danny Gallagher, who was named a regional and national winner of the ‘Football for All’ Award at the recent 2026 Grassroots Football Awards.
“Danny has put so much time and effort into the club over the years, and it's brilliant to see his hard work and dedication being recognised.
“His continued work with Sonics and his passion for making football a game that everyone can enjoy is something we're all very proud of.
!A thoroughly deserved award, Danny. Well done from everyone at Sion Swifts.”
Former Northern Ireland captain and record appearance holder, Steven Davis, Rachel Furness, record goal scorer for Northern Ireland and goalkeeping hero, Pat Jennings - who is a longstanding McDonald's Fun Football Ambassador - were among the star-studded line-up of guests at the event.
Delivering a message to the winners and finalists at the awards ceremony, Steven Davis hailed the impact that the grassroots game in Northern Ireland had on him.
"The important work being carried out by McDonald's and the Irish FA ensures that the game continues to thrive at every level, and that all young people in Northern Ireland, regardless of their background or ability, have the opportunity to play football," he added.
"The dedication and time that volunteers give every week across the season is amazing and without them, grassroots football simply wouldn't exist. Congratulations to everyone here this evening."
Pat Jennings also piled praise on the award winners and nominees.
He commented: "Having been a Fun Football Ambassador for almost twenty years now, 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.
"In the time I have spent as an ambassador, I have loved travelling across Northern Ireland meeting the volunteers who make it happen for the kids.
“It's taken me right back to where football started for me.
"I have also seen the support that the McDonald's Franchisees across Northern Ireland have provided to local grassroots football clubs, by providing kits and equipment or by hosting community events. It's great to see."
Rachel Furness, who attended the McDonald's Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards for the first time this year, commended the Fun Football programme's role in making football accessible to all.
"These awards are a fantastic initiative by McDonald's and the Irish FA, recognising the people who invest so much in the game at a local level," she said.
She added: "I think it's crucial that every girl and boy, no matter their background or ability, has the opportunity to play football and the Fun Football programme provides a safe and inclusive space for kids up and down the country to enjoy the game we all love."
McDonald's franchisee, Paul Connan, commented: "At McDonald's, we are proud to support the people and clubs that bring communities together through football.
“Their time, care and enthusiasm gives young people opportunities and skills that reach far beyond the pitch.
"These awards are a chance to thank the volunteers and clubs who make grassroots football thrive across Northern Ireland.
“On behalf of McDonald's, I'd like to congratulate all the winners."