Nov 25, 2025
The Federation was delighted to co-host a webinar for members with our Partners 2into3 on the practical steps members can take to make their CSFF grant applications more robust. Expert insights were shared by Patricia Keenan the Director of Funding Services at 2into3. She has worked for local authorities, government departments and social enterprises at a senior level before embarking on consulting in 2005. She has a track record of delivering 50+ webinars and in-person events to over 5,000 attendees and has directly supported more than 80 CSFF grant applications across a wide range of sports with a 93% success rate overall. The event proved very popular with member and there was excellent engagement.
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
Sep 1, 2025
Free Webinars this SEPTEMBER – Waste Management for all Irish Sports Clubs and Organisations
MyWaste.ie, Ireland’s official guide to managing your waste, today announced a free, four-part webinar series designed to equip sports clubs nationwide with the knowledge and tools to implement sustainable waste management practices. The MyWaste Sports Club Toolkit webinar series, supported by The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), the-Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the Federation of Irish Sport, will provide practical advice and insights from experts, empowering clubs to reduce their environmental footprint and foster a greener Ireland.
Webinar Series Details:
Each episode of this webinar series will explore key sustainability practices, using examples and insights from various sporting codes. While specific examples will be highlighted, the practical advice shared is applicable to all sporting organisations. Each session will run from 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM on Tuesday evenings in September 2025:
- 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
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
