Bishop’s University women’s soccer coach Fawn Mulholland will bring her powerful message of inclusion to the 59th annual Cornwall Lions Club Sports Awards Banquet on May 13.
As a lifelong player turned coach who has broken barriers across continents, Mulholland stands ready to celebrate local talent while pushing for bigger opportunities for women and girls in sports. This event promises to honor hard work and highlight why representation matters now more than ever.
Fawn Mulholland’s Remarkable Journey in Soccer
Mulholland grew up in Whitehead, Northern Ireland, where she fell in love with soccer at a young age. She competed for strong clubs including Crusaders Strikers in Belfast, Carrick Rangers, and Ballymena United. Her playing days brought real success. She lifted the Irish Premier League trophy and Irish Cups while earning chances to play in UEFA Women’s Champions League matches.
That drive took her across the ocean. About a decade ago she played four seasons of NCAA soccer at Mercyhurst University in Pennsylvania. There she earned a bachelor of arts degree with a double major in finance and business competitive intelligence. Later she added a master’s degree in technology management from Memorial University in Newfoundland.
Her move into coaching opened even more doors. Mulholland has worked in three countries and three Canadian provinces. She guided players from club level all the way to professional ranks. Most recently she served as executive director and director of soccer for United Dartmouth Football Club in Atlantic Canada. That massive organization serves more than 2,700 players with over 400 coaches, volunteers, and staff.
In August 2025 she took the helm of the Bishop’s Gaiters women’s soccer program in Lennoxville, Quebec. The team showed clear progress in the most recent season, posting a 2-9-3 record after going 0-12-7 the year before.
Her coaching style focuses on ownership and values based leadership. Players learn to make strengths guided decisions while chasing excellence on the field.
Mulholland holds top coaching licenses from UEFA, Canada Soccer, and CONCACAF. She works as a learning facilitator for Canada Soccer’s C diploma and grassroots programs. She also helped launch the first CONCACAF SHE CAN Coach C diploma offered in Canada.
The Proud Tradition of Cornwall Lions Club Sports Awards
The Cornwall Lions Club has celebrated local sports excellence for nearly six decades. This annual banquet brings together athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families from Cornwall and the surrounding SDG region.
Each year the event recognizes top performers across more than 30 different sports. Organizers hand out four major awards plus three bursaries. The highlight is often the Jacques Richard Memorial Trophy, given to Cornwall and area’s top sports personality.
Other honors include the Joe Assaly Award for the outstanding junior athlete and the Joe St. Denis Trophy. Lifetime achievement gets spotlighted through the Benson Friends of the Round Table Award. Bursaries support youth volunteerism through the Brodie Family award and reward strong academics paired with athletics via the Bill Bray Bursary.
Past banquets have drawn more than 250 people and often sell out. The night mixes heartfelt speeches, highlight videos, and proud moments as young athletes walk across the stage.
The Lions Club itself stands for service and community building. Hosting this sports night fits perfectly with their long history of giving back in Cornwall. Sponsors like RBC Financial Group, the Turcotte Family, Gordon’s Jewellers, and Earthway Chiropractic help make the evening possible.
Why Her Voice Matters for Women in Sports
Mulholland has become a strong advocate for expanding opportunities for women and girls in athletics. Through her work she mentors others in Ontario’s Change the Game — Change the Conversation program.
She sees sports as a powerful tool for building confidence and leadership skills. Her own path shows what is possible when barriers come down. From Northern Ireland pitches to Canadian university fields, she has lived the challenges and rewards of being a woman in sport.
In Canada many girls still face fewer chances at high level coaching or facilities compared to boys. Events like this banquet help shine a light on those gaps while celebrating progress.
Mulholland’s message will likely resonate with families in Cornwall. Young athletes watching her speak can picture themselves in coaching roles one day. Her story also connects with parents who want their daughters to dream big in any sport they choose.
Recent visits by Mulholland to local clubs show her commitment. In late March she joined Hornets Heights FC for the opening of new female change rooms. She helped celebrate better facilities that welcome more girls into the game.
How to Be Part of This Special Night
The 59th annual banquet takes place on Tuesday, May 13 at the Best Western Parkway Inn and Conference Centre in Cornwall.
Nominations for all awards close on April 16. Anyone can submit names by emailing sports awards committee chair Bill Swinden.
Tickets are available now at Gordon’s Jewellers located at 13 Second Street West. Organizers expect another strong turnout so early purchase is smart.
This year the evening carries extra meaning. With Mulholland sharing stories from her international career, guests will leave inspired to support sports in their own community. Whether cheering for a child on the field or volunteering as a coach, everyone plays a role in growing the next generation of athletes.
The combination of local heroes being honored alongside a keynote speaker with such global experience creates a night to remember. Young people in the audience may see new paths open before them. Coaches might gain fresh ideas about building inclusive teams. Parents could walk away more determined to advocate for equal opportunities.
Sports have always brought communities together. In Cornwall that tradition continues strong through the Lions Club. This May 13 the focus turns to both past achievements and future possibilities.
Mulholland’s presence reminds everyone that success in sports goes beyond wins and losses. It builds character, opens doors, and creates lasting connections.
Her journey from a small town in Northern Ireland to leading a university program proves dedication and passion can take you far. Now she brings that energy to Cornwall to celebrate the best of local sports.
