THE VOLUNTEER: Former Fine Gael TD for Carlow, John Browne, kept the spectators well informed as the MC at the ALSAA venue in Dublin airport yesterday.
His involvement stems from his 10-year association with the Delta Centre in Carlow which caters for people with learning disabilities.
"I'm here because I'm retired; I have time and I suppose a certain amount of experience. Why volleyball? I just volunteered - I could have been emptying bins. I put down my qualifications and they designated me for this job."
"Their seems to be no organisation which is the test of real organisation. Everything just flows, everyone seems to be in their position, and there have been no hitches," he said
One slight hitch has been rectified. The British male volleyball team's gear disappeared off the face of the earth on Sunday leaving them in makeshift attire for the first two days of competition. But a volunteer ensured they will be in full uniform today.
Fiona Sheridan who works in AIB Corporate Banking in Ballsbridge informed her employers who promptly forked out for a new set of gear for the side.
Despite Ireland's absence from the competition the volleyball moved into full swing in three venues across Dublin yesterday.
Moves are already afoot by the Volleyball Association of Ireland (VAI) to have an Irish team competing at the next World Games, according to VAI chairwoman Susan Ahern.
"I was out on Sunday in DCU to see some of the divisioning and I was really impressed with the talent, spirit of the participants, their coaches and the volunteers and spectators. The organisation is phenomenal and no detail has been left unattended. Ireland can be very proud of its achievement in hosting this fantastic event."
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/d556e13a-143b-4b6b-a708-378fafc6c2ed.png)