In 2018, the MoPac Board added a new honor for those nominated for the International Tankard from the MoPac region: The Timothy Max Irish Volunteer Service Award. In 2024, the award was changed to be a stand alone award, separate from the International Tankard process. This award is given by MoPac to those nominated by their home clubs for excellent service to curling, named in memory of Tim Irish. The award is generally awarded out in June.
Tim was known as a dedicated, hardworking, selfless and earnest man who gave tirelessly to the curling community, helping to grow the sport throughout our entire region. He gave tirelessly to the curling community with the energy of one who was perpetually young at heart. Tim is remembered as a man younger than his years, an endless source of laughter and energy, and an embodiment of the spirit of curling. Those who receive this award reflect his dedication and exuberance for curling.
We love our volunteers. We love our club members. And we are love those souls who truly live the Spirit of Curling where their acts exemplify curling culture in a positive way. While this award is open to those who volunteer, the focus of the Tim Irish Award is on the positive curling culture created by the nominees. Nominees can volunteer their time, however, it must be clear that their work demonstrates the generous, open-hearted and selfless Spirit of Curling.
Examples of positive curling culture is the person who:
- Consistently encourages newbies to broomstack
- Invites newer curlers to join their league teams or bonspiel teams time and time again
- Always invites non-curlers to participate in Learn to Curl events
- Is usually able to donate something to better a club’s events such as awards, food, etc.
- Demonstrates acts of altruism towards others in their club or at curling events
- Routinely helps prepare the ice and encourages/teaches other ice techs
- Coordinates off-ice socials and encourages friendships among curlers of all clubs
- Always makes broomstaking a fun experience for experienced and novice curlers alike
These are just some examples of actions done by individuals who deserve recognition for their friendship, camaraderie, love of all things curling – in a word, for their spirit of curling!
The Tim Irish Award is given annually. In the past it was awarded along with the International Tankard recognition in the January timeframe, but it is now a separate recognition awarded later in the curling year. The award is given to one who have shown their Spirit during the last year.
Unlike the International Tankard nominations where clubs are invited to nominate volunteers who help their clubs, any individual who is a member of a MoPac club can nominate another individual who is a member of any MoPac club for the Tim Irish Award. Those who demonstrate the Spirit of Curling are eligible for nomination. The selected honoree shall receive an engraved award in June along with regional recognition for their efforts.
Honorees of Award
2021 Not held due to closure of most clubs (due to Pandemic)