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”.

The post Relive the Irish Sport Industry Awards! first appeared on Federation of 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

The post June Webinar: “Unlocking US Philanthropy for Irish Sport” first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

• 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 9^th 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 9^th 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

The post Celebrating Excellence in Irish Sport: Finalists Unveiled for the 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

Click here to register.

The post Sport Industry Webinar: Managing Data Subject Access Requests and Minimising Risk first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

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

The post A look-back to a special day celebrating the people who make sport possible… our volunteers! first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

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: 2^nd 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.

The post Federation Launch 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards, including two new categories first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

Federation of Irish Sport Celebrates Volunteers in Sport from 32 Counties, Championing Community Spirit, Dedication and Participation

The Federation of Irish Sport, supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships celebrated 36 recipients of the 2025 Volunteers in Sport Awards, recognising one individual from every county in Ireland for their exceptional commitment to enabling sport and physical activity thrive in their local sports club and communities. Attending the awards to pay special tribute to the volunteers was Minister Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy who gave the keynote address.

• 32 countywide celebration of volunteers in sport at annual awards ceremony, supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships.
• Awards honour contribution of Ireland’s 460,000 volunteers across all sports.
• Contribution of volunteers estimated to be in excess of €1.5billion annually.

In addition to celebrating the 32 county individuals, Co. Tyrone’s Garry Mc Gillion was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award. Garry’s boxing journey began as a young competitor, but his career was tragically cut short following the Omagh Bombing in 1998. Despite the trauma and personal loss, Garry redirected his passion into lifelong voluntary service. Garry’s contribution also extends to leadership and governance through his work on the Ulster Boxing Council and the Central Council in Dublin, ensuring Ulster boxing continues to have a strong and trusted voice nationally. Garry Mc Gillion exemplifies resilience, dedication, and outstanding community spirit.

For decades, Garry has been a dedicated coach with his local club, giving 3–4 evenings each week to training and mentoring young boxers. His focus has always been about more than success in the ring, he uses boxing to help young people overcome hardship, build resilience, confidence, discipline, and achieve their personal best in sport and in life.

Speaking at the awards, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy commented: “The culture of volunteering in sport is one that we have a proud tradition of in this country, and so it is fitting that we celebrate some of the outstanding individuals and groups from all sectors of the sporting community at this event. Be it coaching teams, preparing pitches, administering timetables, driving participants to training, matches or competitions, none of it happens without the dedication of volunteers.  I want to wish all of the nominees the very best of luck, and to thank them, and the wider volunteering community, for all of their contributions to sport around the country.”

Speaking about the significance of the awards, Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, said: “The Federation of Irish Sport is delighted to honour the extraordinary volunteers who dedicate their time, passion, and energy to supporting sport and physical activity across Ireland. Their commitment not only enriches Irish sport but also strengthens communities nationwide.

“Their dedication is worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy each year. These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the immense scale of volunteering required each week to support 1.47 million club members throughout the country.”

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the driving force behind sport in Ireland. Their contribution helps sustain clubs and communities. From coaches to committee members, officials and event helpers, their contribution helps keep people active and connected.

“Sport Ireland research highlights the sheer scale of this commitment, with hundreds of thousands of people giving their time to support sport, including more than 268,000 involved in coaching – most of them volunteering, many with children. This generosity reflects a deeply rooted culture of involvement that underpins sport right across the country.”

Shane McArdle Coordinator of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership and member of the adjudication panel said: “The National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships is delighted to come together to collectively support and promote the annual Volunteers in Sport Awards. The awards are a nationwide celebration of the grassroots activities and spirit of volunteerism that is the backbone driving sport and physical activity in our communities.”

Championing Community Collaboration and Lifelong Service to Sport

This year’s awards saw the introduction of an inaugural club/community award in association with Clann Credo to highlight the breadth of volunteer commitment across the country, recognising the collective impact of volunteer-led groups supporting sport and physical activity nationwide.  The provincial honourees were in Ulster: Leander ASC; Celebrating over 60 years of intergenerational volunteering. From Munster: Shannon Paddlers Kayak and Canoeing Club – Removing barriers, creating a welcoming environment and promoting “Wellness on the Water”. In Leinster: Naas Pythons Special Olympics Club – Founded in friendships, prospering through empowerment. From Connacht: Moyne Villa Football Club and Community Grounds – The power of volunteers and community resilience. Details of each club can be found on the event website.

The inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Tony Davitt, which recognised six decades of dedication and service as a highly respected legend in Irish boxing. Known for his decades-long dedication as a coach, mentor and community sporting figure starting out at Julianstown Boxing Club and Phoenix of Ballyboughal Boxing Club where he currently trains the next generations.

The Volunteers in Sport Awards are presented by:

See below for full list of 2025 recipients.

#DedicatedtotheDedicated

SEE BELOW FOR FULL LIST OF 2025 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS AND PROVINICAL CLUB AWARD RECIPIENTS

The post Federation of Irish Sport Celebrates Volunteers in Sport from 32 Counties, Championing Community Spirit, Dedication and Participation first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

The Community Sport Facilities Fund is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.

• The Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, has allocated over €1.4 billion to almost 19,000 projects since 1998.
• The programme prioritises participation, accessibility, and sustainability, with targets including 60% national participation in sport by 2027.

Being Grant Ready for CSFF – tell the story!

1.Who are the people that will benefit from this project?

2.What would you like to fund? Ambition…

3.Why should you get this over another application?

Once you answer these then think about….

I.Where is the project

II.How much will your ambition cost? How much funding would you like to get from the Community Sport Facilities Fund? How will you match this?

III.When will you complete the work?

Members can look back at the full webinar. To request the link and slideshow presentation, please email info@irishsport.ie

The post 2into3 Partner Event: Being Grant Ready Nov 2025 first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

• Free MyWaste webinar series this September to help all Irish sports clubs adopt sustainable waste management practices, backed by leading sporting bodies.
• Clubs can now register for the MyWaste Sports Club Toolkit webinar series and learn how to reduce waste and enhance their environmental impact.

• September 9th: Core waste management guidance, illustrated with diverse examples from across the entire Irish sporting landscape. Register HERE
• September 16th: Core waste management guidance, with a specific focus on examples and successful initiatives from GAA clubs. Register HERE
• September 23rd: Core waste management guidance, highlighting practical applications and achievements from FAI club. Register HERE
• September 30th: Core waste management guidance, featuring insights and case studies from IRFU clubs. Register HERE

The post MyWaste ‘Kicks Off’ Free Webinar Series to Empower Sports Clubs Towards a Greener Future first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

Background

In February 2024, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (the ‘Commission’) invited Gymnastics Ireland (GI) to be the first Irish sport to carry out an ‘Equality Review’.

In April 2025 the Commission published an account of the outcome of the Equality Review and commended GI for its positive engagement in the process. This consisted of an audit by the organisation of the level of equality of opportunity that exists in relation to the provision of services in line with current equality legislation. The Commission acknowledged and congratulated GI’s commitment to striving to be a sector leader in this area, commending the organisations new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Strategy plus other key developments. The Commission also referenced the GI review as a useful resource for other sporting bodies and cultural institutions to benchmark against in their efforts regarding the promotion of equality.

Upon publication of the report the Commission commented that; “Overall, the Equality Review process undertaken by Gymnastics Ireland is of a very high standard, and the Commission recognises the level of effort that the organisation has put into preparing the Equality Review.”

Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner said:

“We welcome the publication today of the details of the Equality Review undertaken by Gymnastics Ireland.

The achievement of equality of opportunity requires continuous and ongoing work and it is positive to see that Gymnastics Ireland has put in place a strong policy and procedural framework to protect and promote this.   The Commission hopes that the implementation of this new framework in practice will ensure equality of opportunity for all.

Sport is an important part of the fabric of our society, and sporting organisations have an important role to play in promoting and protecting equality amongst their participants. We hope this Equality Review can provide a useful resource for other sporting bodies and cultural institutions in their promotion of equality.”

Presentation slides are available for members upon request.

The post Member & Partner Presentation on Completing an NGB Equality Review first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.