Jun 23, 2025
The Federation is very grateful to Gymnastics Ireland CEO Ciaran Gallagher for sharing his organisations experience in being the first National Governing Body in Sport to complete and equality review of their organisation. Paddy Murphy, Managing Associate Ogier, Legal Partner of the Federation of Irish Sport, hosted an informative session to provide shared learnings on their recent engagement with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission regarding the equality review. This was followed by a Q&A session and practical tips from Ogier as to what first steps organisations can take in the very short term to comply.
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.
May 21, 2025
- Celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact across Irish sport.
The Federation of Irish Sport proudly hosted the 2025 Irish Sport Industry Awards last night for the 8th annual gathering, recognising outstanding achievements across the Irish sport sector. Held in Dublin and attended by industry leaders, sponsors, and government representatives, the ceremony celebrated innovation, leadership, and excellence in sport on and off the field.
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, who commended the shortlisted finalists, winners and all those working in sporting organisations for their vital role in shaping Ireland’s sporting future.
Outgoing Special Olympics Ireland CEO Matt English is presented with the Outstanding Achievement in Sport Award by Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Charlie McConalogue TD
One of the special moments was the presentation of the Outstanding Achievement for Contribution to Irish Sport Award to Matt English, who recently stepped down after 17 transformative years as CEO of Special Olympics Ireland. His leadership has impacted thousands of athletes and families across the country, helping to create a more inclusive sporting landscape.
Other individuals honoured included Neasa Russell, who received the KPMG Women in Sport Award for her visionary leadership within Paralympics Ireland and wider advocacy for gender equity in sport. Meanwhile, Hazel Nolan, Senior News & Sports Broadcaster at FM104, was honoured with the Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award, recognising her decades-long dedication to spotlighting Irish sport across multiple platforms.
The coveted title of National Governing Body of the Year went to Badminton Ireland. Emerging from the challenges of the pandemic, Badminton Ireland’s 2022-2028 strategic plan has driven remarkable growth and inclusivity, with membership rising to over 17,300—including 23% from ethnic minorities or first-generation Irish and affiliated clubs increasing to 420.
Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn in conversation with MC Sean O’Rourke during the Irish Sport Industry Awards 2025 at College Green Hotel in Dublin.
Mayo Sports Partnership was awarded the Local Sports Partnership of the Year, who have delivered measurable health outcomes, fostered community engagement, and strengthened links between sport and healthcare through a shift toward preventative, community-based physical activity.
The evening also featured two engaging conversations highlighting the power and potential of Irish sport beyond the field of play. Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn sat down with MC Sean O’Rourke for a fireside conversation to reflect on her journey from RTÉ to the Seanad, sharing insights on sport, advocacy, and public life. This was followed by an insightful panel discussion where Minister Alan Dillon TD, Jill Downey, and Peter McKenna explored sport’s growing economic impact and Ireland’s global opportunity as a host nation for major international events.
Minister Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Sport and Postal Policy TD, said, “‘The Irish Sport Industry Awards are an important means of showcasing and celebrating the consistent excellence on display in the sports industry in the country. They are a recognition of the close collaborative relationship between sport and business. I would like to extend my congratulations to the Federation of Irish Sport for the hosting of these awards for what is the 8th time. Looking across all of the finalists for these awards it is easy to see the incredible range of talent and expertise at play, and it gives an insight into the quality of programmes currently on offer throughout the country, and the drive to improve and innovate.”
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor praised the award winners, saying: “This year’s winners reflect the diversity, strength, and heart of Irish sport. From innovation in business to community-driven inclusion, each honouree is helping build a stronger and more impactful sporting ecosystem. We’re especially proud to recognise leaders like Matt English, whose legacy reminds us why we do this work.”
The Federation thanks all sponsors, partners, and guests for making the 2025 Awards a memorable celebration of Irish sporting excellence.
2025 Irish Sport Industry Award Winners
| Category |
Presented by |
Winner |
| Best Commercial Partnership in Sport |
Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership |
Athletics Ireland and 123.ie |
| Best Use of Communications Platform in Sport |
Future Ticketing |
IRFU, Irish Rugby+ in partnership with WiiStream |
| Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity |
Opel Ireland |
Basketball Ireland, SOCIA-Ball |
| Best Initiative to Promote Diversity & Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity |
A&L Goodbody |
Donegal Sports Partnership,
Sport 4 Empowerment and
Canoeing Ireland, PaddleAble |
| Local Sports Partnership of the Year |
Clann Credo |
Mayo Sports Partnership |
| National Governing Body of the Year |
Marsh |
Badminton Ireland |
| Best New Sports Business of the Year |
Sport Ireland |
Hexis |
| Best Sports Business of the Year |
Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet |
ClubSpot |
| KPMG Women in Sport Award |
KPMG Ireland |
Neasa Russell |
| Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year |
Association of Sports Journalists Ireland |
Hazel Nolan |
| Outstanding Achievement for Contribution to Irish Sport |
Federation of Irish Sport |
Matt English |
Jan 21, 2025
The Federation of Irish Sport is pleased to announce details of the Annual Leaders Forum ‘Informing & Empowering Leaders & Decision Makers in Sport’ for member CEOs and Senior Management, which will take place at the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown on Wednesday 29th January. This is an important annual gathering for our member organisations as we invite presentations on new and emerging issues for the sector and guidance on how best to prepare for these. The forum will feature government representatives from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners who will make a presentation on the Finance Act and the provisions for Sport and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media on the new Sports Action Plan 2024-2027.
There will be expert insights from our partners on a variety of trending topics in sport with the following presentations:
- ‘Ogier: Equality and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission’, with Paddy Murphy & Mary Gavin.
- 2into3 Partner insights: ‘3 Key Pillars to Win Sporting Success: Governance, Fundraising & Talent’ with Dennis O’Connor, & Orla Dolan
- Clann Credo Community Finance Partner insights: ‘Financing Sporting Ambition’ with Tony Marshall
By invitation only.
Jan 21, 2025
The Federation of Irish Sport with support from the Sport Ireland Women in Sport fund are running another Board Readiness Training programme for females who have recently been appointed to an NGB/LSP board or who have never served on a board of a sporting organisation but have an interest in this area.
The programme will take place online via zoom on all of the following dates (Course is 4 weeks long)
- Monday February 10th 2025 7-9pm
- Monday February 17th 2025 7-9pm
- Monday February 24th 2025 7-9pm
- Monday March 3rd 2025 7-9pm
The programme will give an overview of the following topics.
- Sporting landscape
- Sport and Gender Equality
- Legal context
- Governance
- Sporting Boards
- Membership
- Strategy
Presented by Sarah O Shea
Sarah O’ Shea is a qualified solicitor and holds an International Masters in Sports Law and Management. As a consultant Sarah works with a variety of sporting bodies including Sport Ireland, Rowing Ireland, Golf Ireland, Irish Boxing, Gymnastics Ireland, Horse Sport Ireland, Irish Squash, Irish Canoeing, and various others. She provides consultancy services including governance, strategic planning, training and advisory. She also works for two pharma clients providing governance consultancy services. With a colleague Sarah also designed and delivers a Women in Sport Leadership programme which has seen over 400 women attend since 2020.
It promises to be both informative and interactive programme that will ensure candidates are prepared to operate effectively at board level.
The programme is free, but places are limited and will be on a first come first served basis.
If you are interested or need more information, please contact alison.deane@irishsport.ie
Deadline for applications is COB on Tuesday January 28th 2025
Nov 12, 2024
Pictured above: Mary O’Connor CEO Federation of Irish Sport, Olympian Sarah Lavin, Phelim Mackin Coordinator Limerick Sports Partnership
Double Olympic hurdler Sarah Lavin was on hand to lend her voice to the launch of the 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards, a national celebration of the extraordinary individuals who contribute to the vibrant fabric of Irish sports.
Hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport and supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships these prestigious awards recognise the selfless volunteers who dedicate their time, skills, and passion to support sports clubs and community organisations across Ireland.
- Supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships
- Nominations open from 12th November – 17th December 2024
- To nominate a volunteer visit volunteersinsport.ie
- #dedicatedtothededicated
The 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards will bring together individuals from all 32 counties to celebrate their commitment to fostering participation and ensuring that sport is accessible to all. Their contributions not only inspire communities but also enable clubs and organisations to thrive, supporting social cohesion and well-being across Ireland. Without their dedication, many sporting opportunities simply would not exist. Nominations are now open and the awards celebration will take place in Dublin in February 2025.
Ambassador for the 2024 Awards Track and field star and double Olympian Sarah Lavin commented: “High performance sport in Ireland as well as grassroots relies so heavily on volunteers. We cannot take for granted the time and dedication of people who step up and volunteer on a weekly basis. They deserve to be celebrated for the positive change they bring to communities across Ireland. It’s truly an honour to support this celebration of the people who make sport possible for all of us at every level.”
In every corner of the country, from city centres and suburbs to rural villages, over 460,000 volunteers work tirelessly each week to bring sport and physical activity to life for people of all ages*. The impact of their work is profound, providing multi-generational opportunities to engage in sport, build communities, and promote healthy lifestyles. The economic value of their contribution is estimated to be worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy**.
“The goodwill and work of volunteers cannot be taken for granted,” said Mary O’Connor CEO Federation of Irish Sport. “These awards are our chance to say thank you and in acknowledging the incredible efforts volunteers make, ensure that we continue to encourage more people to get involved and safeguard the future of sport in the country.”
The Volunteers in Sport Awards is a vital opportunity to recognise their efforts and to shine a light on the invaluable contribution they make to Irish sport and society.
A National Network of Support
Supporting the awards is the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships. Limerick Sports Partnership Coordinator Phelim Macken remarked: “The event is proudly supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), which work to increase participation in sport and physical activity by breaking down barriers and encouraging inclusivity. Through the work of the partnerships, more people across Ireland are getting active, and the Volunteers in Sport Awards is a fitting tribute to those who help make this possible”.
Nomination Process
Nominations for the 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards are open from Tuesday, 12th November 2024, until Tuesday, 17th December 2024. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate deserving volunteers from their club or sporting organisation who have made a significant contribution or impact to their local club or community. For more information and to submit a nomination, visit www.volunteersinsport.ie
ENTRIES NOW LIVE!
*Sport Ireland – Irish Sports Monitor 2023
** Sport Ireland – Economic Value of Sport Report 2021
Oct 16, 2024
♻ Following the recent launch of the MyWaste Sports club toolkit, supported by the Federation of Irish Sport, MyWaste are now inviting you to a FREE online masterclass designed specifically for sports club leaders like YOU!
Register today!
Event Details:
· Date: Monday, 21st October 2024
· Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
· Location: Online
👉During this webinar, you’ll discover:
✅ Winning strategies to eliminate single-use plastics and reduce your club’s environmental footprint.
✅Pro tips on implementing the FREE MyWaste Sports Club Toolkit, packed with resources to simplify your sustainability journey.
✅Inspiring stories from other clubs who are already scoring big with their waste management initiatives.
✅Live Q&A – Get all your burning sustainability questions answered by the experts!
💻Secure your spot now, click to register: https://dv4-com.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TF2LViFWQAyHr2t3AwsD_g#/registration
Don’t miss this chance to make a real impact – for your club, your community, and the planet. 🌎
