Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey has been nominated for Citizen of the Year at the upcoming Love Barrow Awards.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Love Barrow Awards .

An annual event which recognises the special contribution of individuals and businesses in the local community, we are delighted to see Crarey nominated not just for his work at Barrow Raiders, but also his tireless community efforts.

Announcing his nomination, the Love Barrow Awards said: “Paul has been nominated for being more than just a rugby league coach at Barrow Raiders. He is the heartbeat of Barrow’s rugby league sporting community.

“Born and raised in Dalton-in-Furness, Paul has dedicated decades of his life to rugby league in the area, guiding the team through challenges and triumphs with unwavering commitment.”

Last season was special on a personal level for Crarey, who surpassed the all-time Barrow RLFC record for number of games in charge.

Further cementing his name in the history books, Crarey passed the 350 game mark, moving ahead of the late Frank Foster, who previously held the club record.

In total, 674 nominations across multiple categories were whittled down to the final 24-person shortlist.

Crarey has been nominated for Citizen of the Year alongside Jorgie Wilson, a tutor at South Lakes Rock School, and Gary Hibbert, who has been nominated for his outstanding commitment to our community.

Winners will be announced during a special ceremony at the Abbey House Hotel, Barrow in March 2026.

On the nomination, Crarey said: “It’s unbelievable. To be nominated out of almost 700 people is incredible.

“I don’t know the other two nominees personally, but I’m sure they’ll be equally deserving.

“When I got the phone call, I thought it was a joke at first! I’ve been on an incredible journey this year.

“To be nominated for Citizen of the Year in my home town is an incredible experience, regardless of whether I win, lose or draw. All three of us are winners to get as far as we’ve got.”

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