The inaugural 2008 Ireland Involved Awards were a national success, supported by members of the government and voluntary sector and covered by the national press. Thirty volunteers were honoured at a celebration at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, with special guests that included Claire Byrne, Newstalk; Minister Pat Carey, Government Chief Whip; Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Eibhlin Byrne; Marian Harkin, MEP; and Fergus Finlay, CEO Barnardos. Marie Carroll of Bayside Gymnastics was selected as Irish Volunteer of the Year for her contributions to society.

Following the Ireland Involved Awards in 2008, Marie Carroll and Volunteer Ireland attended the European Forum on Community Life and Voluntary Work. Carroll was presented in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where her work was showcased in a 5 minute film along with the work of volunteers from countries all across Europe. She was awarded the Bronze level recognition for her contribution to Irish Society and ultimately to European Society.