Jun 25, 2026
Take a look back at our Irish Sport Industry Awards and relive the excitement, featuring insights on sport as a global soft power from key ministers and a celebration of innovators, inclusivity, and sustainability. The highlights video compiled by our AV and Media Production Partners MWX Media, capture the lively atmosphere on the night as key stakeholders in sport gathered for this unique celebration.
Special guest speakers on the night included a keynote address from Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD and a fireside chat with Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Minister Neale Richmond TD on “Sport as Ireland’s Global Soft Power”.
May 25, 2026
Register Today!
Following on from our 2026 Annual Leaders Forum panel discussion earlier this year on “Foundations as a Path to Structural Resilience”, together with our Partners 2into3 and FIS members Irish Sailing Association we will be exploring the topic of Foundations further and the potential that lies overseas in “Unlocking US Philanthropy for Irish Sport”.
❓Could the United States be a viable philanthropic market for Irish sporting organisations?
📆 Join 2into3 and FIS on Tuesday, 9 June at 12:00 PM for a webinar aimed at members considering how to broaden their philanthropic horizons. We will also have, Bridget Murphy, CFRE, Principal at Graham-Pelton, one of the most established fundraising consultancies in the US, as a guest speaker.
🪙 With over three decades of fundraising leadership and an appointed seat on the New Jersey Ireland Trade Commission, Bridget brings both deep US sector expertise and an understanding of the Irish context.
The session will cover:
→ How American philanthropy works and why it differs from Ireland.
→ The realities, costs, and structures behind US philanthropic engagement.
→ What Irish sporting bodies should consider before pursuing the US market.
→ The common pitfalls — and where genuine opportunity lies.
→ Case study: We’ll also be joined by James O’Callaghan from the Irish Sailing Association, sharing their own journey and experiences to learn from, followed by audience Q&A.
🔗You are invited to register now or please share the invitation with the relevant member of your team: https://lnkd.in/egZtQGqe
May 7, 2026
The Federation of Irish Sport is thrilled to announce the shortlist of finalists for the much-anticipated 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards. Set to take place on Tuesday, 19th May at the prestigious College Green Hotel in Dublin, this event promises to be an exciting evening celebrating the power and impact of sport across Ireland. Adding to the anticipation on the night will be the unveiling of three prestigious individual honours: the Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award, the KPMG Women in Sport Award, and the Jimmy Magee (ASJI) Sports Coverage of the Year Award.
- 10 open category shortlisted finalists announced
- 3 individual awards to be revealed on the night
- Special Guest Speakers Minister McConalogue and Minister Richmond
The Irish Sport Industry Awards 2026 will be a national platform where sport, diplomacy, and business converge — showcasing how Ireland can turn global sporting connections into real economic growth. Special guest speakers on the night include Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD and Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Minister Neale Richmond TD.
Now in its 9th year, the Irish Sport Industry Awards continue to recognise excellence across the sector, with 13 award categories shining a spotlight on innovation, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability. This year sees the introduction of two new categories: Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport, sponsored by MyWaste.ie, and Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport, sponsored by Sport Ireland, reflecting the growing importance of environmental responsibility and accessibility within Irish sport.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said:
“The Federation is delighted to host the 9th annual Irish Sport Industry Awards, recognising and rewarding excellence in the business of sport and entrepreneurship and the immeasurable work being done by our National Governing Bodies in Sport and the National Network of Local Sports Partnerships. The continued growth of these awards, including the addition of new categories focused on sustainability and disability inclusion, reflects the evolving and positive impact of sport on Irish society. From health and education to social inclusion, tourism, and economic development, sport plays a vital role. These awards provide an important opportunity to celebrate the sector’s contribution, including the more than 64,000 people employed across Irish sport.”
Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship & Sustainability Officer, Core and Chair of the Judging Panel reflected: “My fellow judges and I were hugely impressed by the continued progression across Irish sport over the past year. The standard of entries reflected an industry embracing innovation, inclusivity, and long-term impact at every level. I’d like to sincerely thank the judging panel for their dedication throughout the process, as competition across many categories was exceptionally strong. It’s an exciting time for Irish sport, with real momentum and ambition driving the industry forward.”
2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards – Finalists
Best Commercial Partnership in Sport sponsored by Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership
- GAA and Irish Life Healthy Clubs Programme
- LGFA and Lidl Ireland #SeriousSupport
- FAI and Sky Ireland Bound by Belief
- Athletics Ireland McCabes Pharmacy Fit For Life
Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport & Physical Activity sponsored by MWX Media Ltd.
- Tennis Ireland Davis Cup & Irish Open
- Badminton Ireland & Sport Narrative AIG VICTOR Irish Open
- Basketball Ireland & Sideline Live SpotLight Her
- FAI League of Ireland “It’s a Way of Life”
Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport sponsored by MyWaste.ie
- Golf Ireland Drive The Green
- GAA Green Club Programme
- Munster Rugby A Different Approach to Impact
- Clare Local Development Company LEADER, SICAP and rural recreation
Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport & Physical Activity sponsored by Sport Ireland
- Special Olympics Transforming Lives Through Sport
- Kildare Local Sports Partnership The Kildare Inclusivity Festival
- Swim Ireland Swim Access Project
- Golf Ireland Golf4All
- Liquid therapy Making Waves Project
Best Initiative to Promote Diversity, Equality & Inclusion in Sport & Physical Activity
- Laois Sports Partnership Outdoor Survivalist Camps
- Irish SailingWatersports Inclusion Games
- Virgin Media, PHD & Diageo Ireland Audio Description (AD), Irish Sign Language (ISL), and inclusive production
- Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership &Trail Criú Building Inclusive Communities Through Trail Running
Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity
- Boxing Ireland LEAP Programme
- Canoeing Ireland Bridging the Gap
- Athletics Ireland Girls Squad Programme
- Tennis Ireland Women in Tennis Programme
- Longford Sports Partnership Roma Women CVICINES & SASTO – Sport & Health Inclusion Pilot
Best New Sports Business of the Year
- Grow Sport
- Anyscor
- Colata
- Sports Impact Technologies
Best Sports Business of the Year
- ForeFront Group
- FAI LOITV
- Torpey
- DB Sports
Local Sport Partnership of the Year
- Meath Sports Partnership
- Laois Sports Partnership
- Longford Sports Partnership
- Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership
National Governing Body of the Year sponsored by Marsh Insurance
- Football Association of Ireland
- Golf Ireland
- Athletics Ireland
- Special Olympics Ireland
Individual Award Winners Announced on the Night:
- Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award, presented by the Federation of Irish Sport
- KPMG Women in Sport Award, sponsored by KPMG Ireland
- Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award, in partnership with the Association of Sports Journalists in Ireland
Behind the Judging: Meet the Experts
- Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship & Sustainability Officer, Core
- Rob Hartnett, Founder, CEO Sport for Business
- Shane Califf, Head of the Organisational Development & Change Unit, Sport Ireland
- Maeve Buckley, Director, Leading Sport
- Ronan McCormack, Group Marketing Manager, Dalata Group Hotel
- Brenda O’Donnell, CEO, Active Disability Ireland
- Tom Fox, Co-Founder of 53Six
- Catherine Tiernan, Commercial Director, Olympic Federation of Ireland
- Stephen Bradshaw, Head of Marketing, Close Brothers Motor Finance
- Ger McTavish, Disability in Sport Lead, Sport Ireland
- Ronan Donagher, Former Head of Games Systems
- Anne McCormack, General Manager Edmondstown GC, former CEO Hockey Ireland
Apr 16, 2026
The Federation is pleased to present members with expert insights with a lunch n learn session hosted by our official legal partners Ogier. This event will be of relevance to member CEO’s, COO’s, Coordinators and Senior Management.
The theme of the event is: Managing Data Subject Access Requests and Minimising Risk and will be hosted by Faye Revington and Ultán Anderson this session will explore practical strategies for responding to DSARs efficiently, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, and mitigating potential legal and reputational risks. It will be focused exclusively on the sports industry.
This session will offer practical tips for handling DSARs confidently and efficiently, helping member organisations stay compliant with evolving data protection regulations and minimise risk. The Ogier team will share real-world examples, highlight common challenges and provide actionable advice you can use straight away.
Whether you want to strengthen your data protection processes or simply keep up with the latest requirements, this webinar will help you feel prepared and informed.
Click here to register.
Mar 27, 2026
Our Volunteer in Sport Awards was a fantastic afternoon dedicated to recognising the incredible individuals who give their time, passion and commitment to sport in our communities all year round. It was a privilege to celebrate the impact of so many amazing volunteers and to shine a spotlight on the difference you make.
A sincere thank you to the Minister Charlie McConalogue for joining us and presenting the awards, your support for volunteers in sport is hugely appreciated.
Thank you also to the Crowne Plaza Dublin Blanchardstown Plaza for being such a fantastic venue and helping create such a memorable evening.
A big shoutout to MWX Media for capturing the spirit and sentiment so perfectly.
We are grateful also to Prime Awards for the medals and goody bags the Volunteers received.
Most importantly, thank you to all of our volunteers. Your dedication behind the scenes is what keeps sport thriving, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to recognise and celebrate everything you do. Each club was also rewarded with a €200 voucher.
#DedicatedtotheDedicated
Mar 12, 2026
The Federation of Irish Sport today proudly launched the 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards. The awards will take place in Dublin on Tuesday 19th May and be hosted by broadcaster and journalist Sean O’Rourke. This will be the nineth staging of the awards which recognise the invaluable relationship between business and sport in Ireland. The Sport industry in Ireland supports 64,000 jobs, stimulates €3.3 billion in household spending, and generates €3.7 billion (GVA) gross value added to the Irish economy.
Entries are now open for submission, for a full list of categories, event updates and to enter the awards go to: https://irishsportindustryawards.ie/. Closing date for entries is: 2nd April 2026.
We are delighted to announce the addition of two new categories this year:
Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport and Physical Activity
This award is to recognise the support of lifelong participation for all in sport and physical activity. It is open to any organisation or enterprise either within the sport industry, or is using sport as a vehicle, which promotes increased inclusion, engagement and participation in sport and physical activity for those with a disability.
Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport and Physical Activity
This award shall recognise sporting bodies or businesses in the sport or physical activity sector who display a comprehensive strategy to promote sustainability in sport or physical activities to mitigate against environmental impact of their operations or participation of their members.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said: “The Irish Sport Industry Awards are an important platform for recognising our member National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships valuable contribution to sport through their initiatives, collaborations and commercial activations. While also spotlighting new and emerging sports tech enterprise innovations, many of whom have gone on to excel in international markets.”
We invite you to take a look back at the 2025 awards.
