RICHARD O’Regan is many things to many people, but all share the same opinion – he is the man to go to when you need to get something done.

Powered by boundless energy and blessed with an infectious enthusiasm, there is no stopping this Bandon man in his local community.

The Bandon AFC chairman is a force of nature, and his role in linking his club to the wider community has not gone unnoticed. At the 2025 West Cork Sports Star Awards on January 17th, O’Regan will be presented with the Special Achievement Award in recognition of his vital contribution to the Bandon sporting world.

‘Richie is the type of person who, when something needs to be done, will always step forward, giving his time, energy and expertise to improve both Bandon AFC and the community at large,’ a club member explained.

‘His support for every member of the club is exceptional. Under his leadership, the club has embraced a new direction, with small policy changes that have strengthened internal connections while also fostering stronger ties with the town.

‘Although Richie is modest and quick to acknowledge the fantastic team around him, it is clear that his vision, drive and commitment have been instrumental in turning these projects into reality.’

Among the initiatives O’Regan – a teacher at Bandon Primary School – has kickstarted is the Bandon AFC All Stars (in partnership with Bandon GAA), a specially designed programme for children with additional needs. For the past four years, he has also coordinated Bandon AFC’s contribution to the Tidy Towns initiative, while acting as a link to the local Scouts, ensuring multiple groups work together to keep Bandon clean.

With Bandon AFC, O’Regan recognised the need to strengthen the girls’ section and led a recruitment campaign three years ago. Since then, the club has launched a Girls Only School of Excellence for five to ten-year-olds, entered teams in the Cork Schoolgirls League, and now has over 70 registered players across the U11 to U15 age groups. A women’s team has also entered the West Cork League this year.

He has played a central role in restructuring Bandon AFC and led efforts to secure the prestigious FAI Club Mark. This recognition reflects the club’s strong governance, inclusivity and community programmes, including Football for All, Over 55s, Over 33s, the All Stars and Bandon Arch Social Club – all areas in which O’Regan has been directly involved.

During the 2024/25 season, he managed both U15 boys’ teams, with one winning the double and the other narrowly missing promotion. He was also part of the U12 girls’ management team, who went on to win their league. It was an exceptionally successful year under his guidance.

As coordinator of Bandon AFC’s camps, O’Regan has built strong relationships with local schools, ensuring access to facilities such as Bandon Grammar School, Hamilton High School and Bandon Primary School during adverse weather, allowing camps to run smoothly and inclusively. He has a fantastic team of coaches around him to help run these camps successfully.

O’Regan also initiated a partnership between St Brogan’s and Bandon AFC, which allows the school access to the club’s classroom while giving the club use of the school’s car park at weekends. This arrangement has been vital in managing the growing numbers at the academy.

He is also very active in the wider Bandon community and was even the Grand Marshal at the town’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in 2023.

O’Regan will be a popular winner of the West Cork Sports Star Special Achievement Award on January 17th and is also the first from the soccer world to win this honour since it was introduced in 2018.

Already, Kilbrittain’s all-conquering premier junior hurling team has been announced as the 2025 West Cork Sports Star Team of the Year, while Bandon AC rising sprint star Adaora Nnaemeka will accept the Paudie Palmer Youth Award after her brilliant 2025 success. Irish athletics legend David Gillick is the guest speaker.

In next week’s Star, ahead of the awards night, we will reveal the Hall of Fame award winner and the 2025 West Cork Sports Star Club of the Year.