Mar 31, 2026
Irish Sport Industry Awards 2026: Celebrating Excellence Across the Sector
The Irish Sport Industry Awards continue to stand as a powerful platform to showcase the very best of sport in Ireland. Uniquely positioned to tell the story of the industry as a whole, the awards recognise recent achievements across the sector while shining a light on the incredible contribution of organisations, partners, and individuals who are driving sport and physical activity forward.
From grassroots participation to high-performance innovation, the awards capture the breadth and impact of Ireland’s sporting landscape. They celebrate not only success, but also ambition, creativity, and the commitment to shaping the future of sport.
As the 2026 awards approach, organisations across the country are encouraged to submit their entries and be part of that story. This is an opportunity to showcase the positive work being done every day, helping to paint a broader, more vibrant picture of the sporting industry in Ireland.
Highlight Category: Best Commercial Partnership in Sport
Strong partnerships are at the heart of modern sport, and the Best Commercial Partnership in Sport category recognises collaborations that deliver real impact.
This award celebrates partnerships that go beyond traditional sponsorship. It focuses on those that create meaningful engagement, align shared values, and achieve measurable outcomes for both the sporting organisation and the commercial partner. Whether through innovative campaigns, creative activations, or long-term strategic alignment, successful entries will demonstrate clear evidence of audience growth and engagement, mutual benefits and shared objectives, and measurable impact such as reach, return on investment, and brand value.
In an increasingly competitive landscape, this category highlights how collaboration can elevate sport, expand its reach, and deliver lasting value for all involved.
Highlight Category: Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport
In today’s digital world, storytelling and connection are more important than ever. The Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport category recognises organisations that are cutting through the noise with innovative and engaging digital content.
This award celebrates those who have successfully built and nurtured a community of sports fans through creative use of communications platforms, whether through social media, campaigns, or integrated digital strategies. Judges will be looking for evidence of building and engaging a strong digital audience, originality and standout execution in a crowded space, and measurable growth supported by clear data and insights.
This category reflects the evolving nature of sport, where digital platforms play a key role in connecting communities, promoting participation, and amplifying the voice of sport across Ireland and beyond.
Make Your Entry Count
Submitting a strong entry is essential. The judges can only assess what is presented, so clarity, structure, and impact are key. Keep your submission concise, tell your story in clear and simple language, and ensure your key achievements are easy to understand.
The most successful entries combine both quantitative data and qualitative insight, backed up with evidence. Metrics such as participation growth, audience reach, or campaign performance are crucial in demonstrating impact, while strong observations help bring your story to life.
Make sure to address all judging criteria for your chosen category, provide supporting materials such as presentations or media links, and tailor each submission if entering multiple categories.
Above all, be clear about your goals, your delivery, and your outcomes.
Be Part of the Story
The Irish Sport Industry Awards are more than just a celebration. They are a reflection of the innovation, dedication, and passion that define sport in Ireland.
By submitting your entry, you are not only showcasing your organisation’s achievements, but also contributing to a wider narrative about the strength and future of the sporting sector.
So don’t miss your chance. Get your entry in and be part of Ireland’s sporting story.
Enter here https://irishsportindustryawards.ie
Entries close April 2nd
#ISIAS26 #SportMatters
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
Jan 22, 2026
Federation CEO Mary O Connor was delighted to attend the announcement yesterday of record increases in core funding by Minister Patrick O’ Donovan and Minister Charlie McConalogue from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
- Minister Patrick O’Donovan and Minister Charlie McConalogue announce record investment of over €33 million in core funding support to sporting organisations
- Highest ever level of Core grant investment in sport
- €19.5 million for National Governing Bodies
- €12.66 million for Local Sports Partnerships
- €1.2 million for other sporting bodies
- New multi-annual funding model to support improved planning Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, today announced a record investment of €33.36 million in core funding support to sporting organisations, through Sport Ireland, for 2026.
€19.5 million is being invested in 57 National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) this year, an increase of €1.2 million on the 2025 figure.
Investment in Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) has increased by 5.9% compared to 2025, with a total investment of €12.66 million being allocated across the 29 LSPs.
This is the highest ever level of Core investment in sport and represents a 6.5% increase on 2025 levels and an 87.4% increase on the €17.8 million investment in 2018, when the National Sports Policy was published.
2026 marks the first year of Sport Ireland’s 3-year multi-annual funding model, a transformative development that will support improved planning, workforce stability and more strategic use of resources within sports organisations.
Speaking at the funding announcement at the Sport Ireland Campus today, Minister O’Donovan said:
“This investment represents a steadfast commitment by the Government to strengthening the foundations of Irish sport. By backing National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships, it recognises their central role in delivering participation, performance and community impact across the country. We are continuing to scale investment in participation programmes, particularly those supporting women and girls, reinforcing our commitment to further narrowing the gender participation gap in sport, and in time, to eliminate it completely. This increased funding provides the stability and support required to sustainably grow participation, and position Ireland as a leader in inclusive, high-quality sport for all”.
Minister McConalogue said:
“The work of NGBs and LSPs in advancing wider Government priorities underlines the central role sport plays in Irish society. This Core funding will strengthen investment in high-performing, volunteer-led organisations in 2026, enabling them to build capacity, enhance sustainability, and plan with confidence for the future. Crucially, it will support their continued efforts to make sport more inclusive and accessible – particularly for those facing socio-economic barriers and people with disabilities – while further expanding the reach and impact of LSPs as they empower communities, to participate in sport and physical activity”.
Speaking after the event Federation CEO Mary O Connor said
“We welcome this record €33.36 million investment in core funding for sport, including the 6.5% increase on 2025 levels. This is a significant vote of confidence in the sector, recognising the pivotal role National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships play, not only in delivering on the National Sports Policy, but also in advancing broader Government priorities.
With 64% of the population now active on a weekly basis, this funding will help strengthen participation, performance, and community impact across Ireland.
Importantly, 2026 marks the first year of Sport Ireland’s 3-year multi-annual funding model, a transformative development that the Federation of Irish Sport actively campaigned for. This change will support improved planning, workforce stability, and more strategic use of resources within sports organisations, providing the certainty needed for National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships to build capacity and continue making sport inclusive and accessible for all.
I want to thank both Minister O Donovan and Minister McConalogue for their work in securing funding and look forward to working with all in government to enhance opportunities for the sector”.
To read the full press release click the link.
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/record-level-of-core-funding-for-sports-bodies-in-2026/
Feb 23, 2024
Final preparations are underway for our upcoming awards, celebrating the countless volunteers who make sport happen across the country, week in week out. We are delighted to welcome back Sports Broadcaster Gráinne McElwain as the host of the 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards. An avid sports fan and proud volunteer, Gráinne is the secretary of the local basketball club Cumann Cispheile na nGael ( club for girls and boys U10 and U12). Previously she was the Oifigeach Gaeilge for local GAA club Naomh Anna Leitir Móir and served on the Coiste for 5 years.
A sports and entertainment presenter with over 15 years experience working with Sky Sports, TG4, RTÉ, and BBC, Gráinne is the current anchor of GAAGO and was the presenter of Sky Sports GAA championship coverage aswell as Ladies football Peil na mBan Beo on TG4. A native of Monaghan, she is a fluent Irish speaker and is a columnist with the Irish News and Seachtain in the Irish Independent newspapers.
We look forward to hearing from all our Volunteers and enjoying Gráínne’s warm and unique interviewing style.
22 March 2023; Michael Cox from Park Rangers AFC, Waterford, is interviewed by MC Gráinne McElwain
22 March 2023; MC Gráinne McElwain interviews Marie Thompson from Abbeyleix Hockey Club, Laois.
Oct 5, 2023
We’re continuing to share our member CEO views on our Asks of Government in Budget 2024. Under Action 3.7 of the Sports Policy Action Plan the Federation was tasked with presenting the business case for reforms to the taxation policy. These recommendations have been set these out in our Pre-Budget Submission under the following headings:
- Extending relief donations to approved sporting bodies
- VAT relief for sporting bodies
- Granting of charitable status to those NGBs and LSPs who wish to pursue that option
- Tax-driven incentives for personal exercise
We asked member CEOs: Would a change in VAT or Taxation Reform have a positive impact on your sport?
Here’s what Basketball Ireland CEO John Feehan had to say about VAT:
The Government has committed to doubling funding to sport over the ten-year life of the National Sports Policy, and while it has risen incrementally, the reality is that since 2021 the real value of core funding for NGBs has been eroded by inflation and other costs of doing business.
In this clip Michelle Carpenter, CEO of Rowing Ireland highlights the operational costs to her sporting organisation.
Click on the image below to read the Submission in more detail.
