2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards Celebrate Leadership, Partnershipand Purpose

May 19, 2026

• Full List: 2026 Federation of Irish Sport Industry Award Winners Revealed
• Sport as Soft Power Takes Centre Stage at Federation of Irish Sport Industry Awards
• Federation of Irish Sport Honours Best-in-Class Championing Innovation, Inclusion and Sustainability

 The award winners of the Federation of Irish Sport Industry Awards for 2026 have been announced with full attendance at the College Green Banking Hall. The annual awards provided a national platform where sport, diplomacy, and business converged — showcasing how Ireland can turn global sporting connections into real economic growth.

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”.

A highlight of the evening was a presentation spotlighting previous New Sports Business of the Year Award winners Field of Vision Co-Founder David Deneher. Field Of Vision enriches this experience by merging ADC with tactile technology. Their devices track on-field action and translate it into touch-based feedback, providing a more immersive, all-encompassing experience of the sport.

There were 13 award categories in total recognising commercial partnerships, use of communications, innovation, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability.  The highly coveted FIS member awards for Local Sports Partnership of the Year and National Governing Body of the Year went to Meath Local Sports Partnership and Golf Ireland respectively. See below for the full list of winners.

There was much anticipation on the night as the recipient of the prestigious individual honour for Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Irish Sport was awarded to Helen O’Rourke, for her extraordinary service to Ladies Gaelic Football and to Irish sport over more than three decades. As LGFA President and, for 28 years, Chief Executive Officer, she led the Association through a transformative era of growth, professionalism and national recognition. Under her leadership, membership flourished, landmark partnerships were secured, attendances reached record levels, and the Association successfully navigated unprecedented challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic.

The KPMG Women in Sport Award recognised Moira Aston who has demonstrated transformational leadership through strategic governance, inclusion, and international influence in paddle sports. Since becoming CEO of Canoeing Ireland in 2018, she has led major modernisation efforts, delivering stronger governance, gender-balanced leadership, and award-winning initiatives.

The Jimmy Magee (ASJI) Sports Coverage of the Year Award was presented to Greg Allen, who joined the RTE radio sports department in 1984, has since become one of the most recognisable and trusted voices in Irish sports broadcasting, from covering multiple World and European Championships, and Olympic Games to reporting on all our Irish Major golfing triumphs.

Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport addressed attendees saying: “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.

Ireland is a nation where sport and physical activity are deeply woven into our national identity. Today, the Irish sports industry stands as a powerful economic engine, a global innovation hub, and a vital cornerstone of our social fabric. We gather tonight to formally recognise this immense impact and to map out our future through targeted innovation, public-private investment, and unprecedented global connection.

Sport a high-return investment in Ireland’s health, economic prosperity, and global diplomatic reputation. By seamlessly merging record government backing with robust corporate sponsorship, and anchoring traditional sporting passion to cutting-edge technology, we guarantee a healthier, more competitive future for all. Together, let us continue to champion, fund, and elevate Irish sport at every level, both here at home and across the globe.”

Speaking at the awards Minister McConalogue said; “I would like to extend my congratulations to the Federation of Irish Sport for the hosting of these awards for what is the 9th time, and to also acknowledge and applaud all of those shortlisted. Government understands the significance of sport in Irish life and we are committed to supporting the sporting ecosystem so more people can participate, reap the benefits of sport, and fulfil their potential – from grassroots right up to high performance level.

 For Ireland, sport is a powerful point of connection in the community and is a vital cog in the economy where sport and sport-related activities support over 64,000 full-time equivalent jobs, over 2.8% of the overall level of employment in Ireland, stimulates over €3.3 billion in household spending and is worth in excess of €3.7bn (GVA). Furthermore, sport and physical activity are also good for people’s mental and physical health, and it is a valued tool for building communities and relationships, fostering integration and growth.

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. 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.”

2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards – Winners

Best Commercial Partnership in Sport sponsored by Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership

• FAI and Sky Ireland Bound by Belief

Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport & Physical Activity sponsored by MWX Media Ltd.

• Badminton Ireland & Sport Narrative AIG VICTOR Irish Open

Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport sponsored by MyWaste.ie

• Golf Ireland Drive The Green

Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport & Physical Activity sponsored by Sport Ireland

• Special Olympics Transforming Lives Through Sport

Best Initiative to Promote Diversity, Equality & Inclusion in Sport & Physical Activity

• Virgin Media, PHD & Diageo Ireland Audio Description (AD), Irish Sign Language (ISL), and inclusive production

Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity

• Athletics Ireland Girls Squad Programme

Best New Sports Business of the Year

• Sports Impact Technologies

Best Sports Business of the Year

• Torpey

Local Sport Partnership of the Year

• Meath Sports Partnership

National Governing Body of the Year sponsored by Marsh Insurance

• Golf Ireland

Individual Award Winners:

• Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award, presented by the Federation of Irish Sport Helen O’Rourke, LGFA former CEO
• KPMG Women in Sport Award, sponsored by KPMG Ireland Moira Aston CEO Canoeing Ireland
• Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award, in partnership with the Association of Sports Journalists in Ireland Greg Allen, RTÉ Sport

 Meath Local Sports Partnership

Meath LSP has demonstrated outstanding leadership in increasing participation through inclusive programming, strategic partnerships, and strong alignment with national participation priorities. In 2025, 37,324 people engaged across 508 programmes, supported by 74 partner organisations and 29 National Governing Bodies. Participation growth was evident across all target groups, including a 23% increase in Women in Sport programmes, 1,200 students engaged through Olympic Handball school’s programmes, and over 800 adults involved in Mature Movers activities. Inclusion remains central, with a 12% increase in Sports Inclusion participation and the launch of an Inclusive Cycling Hub. Community Sports Hubs successfully reached disadvantaged areas, with 32% of participants new to activity. Strong communications generated over 2 million Facebook views, while initiatives such as Sport Uile demonstrate Meath LSP’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and long-term community impact.

Golf Ireland

In the penultimate year of delivering its ambitious Golf for Everyone Strategic Plan, Golf Ireland continued to demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation and impact across the island of Ireland. The organisation achieved record affiliated membership of 236,384 in 2025, a 30% increase since 2020 and the highest figure since Golf Ireland’s formation, while junior membership rose by 25%. Women’s participation also continued to grow strongly, with more than 40,000 women and 5,000 girls now registered within clubs nationwide. Golf Ireland has successfully broadened access to the sport through initiatives such as iGolf, which attracted more than 4,900 subscribers and generated significant revenue for clubs while creating a proven pathway into membership. At club level, the organisation strengthened volunteer supports, launched new governance and business resources, and invested heavily in junior development and inclusion programmes. Its leadership in sustainability, equality and accessibility has also set a strong example for sport in Ireland, with major progress through Women in Golf Charter, Golf4All and Drive the Green initiatives. Operating with finite funding, a staff of 53 and a strong volunteer network, Golf Ireland continues to deliver measurable national impact through strategic vision, strong governance and a commitment to growing the game for everyone.

Record investment of €28.5m in high performance sport announced for 2026 

Apr 21, 2026

Investment follows a record number of 127 major medals won in 2025

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, and Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, today announced €28.5m annual investment in the High Performance programme for 2026 that will be distributed through Sport Ireland.

This record investment will continue to support high performance athletes and the National Sports Policy’s aim of increasing Ireland’s target medal haul.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said: “Last year was a record-breaking one for Irish athletes, with a total of 127 major medals won. These results were achieved across a great number of sports and backed up by significant Government investment. Once again, we are happy to support Irish athletes by investing more funds than ever before.

“This year is a pivotal mid-way point in the LA Cycle and the delivery of the High Performance Strategy 2021-2032. Irish athletes are continuing to win medals on the world stage, and I am confident that this continued financial support will lead to further achievement at the highest levels.”

The 2026 investment of €28.5m in high performance sport is an increase on the €27m invested in 2025, and the highest-ever annual investment in high performance sport. Over €55m will be invested by the mid-way point of the Olympic/Paralympic cycle.

Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport & Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue said: “Public investment in High Performance Sport gives our athletes the best possible chance of performing strongly at the highest level, which is why we are investing €28.5m through Sport Ireland over 2026.

 “The significant increase in High Performance Sport funding over many years demonstrates the government’s continued commitment, in collaboration with Sport Ireland, to support our athletes as they continue to strive for success.” 

Funding to athletes in 2026 has increased by €600,000 from last year. In 2026, Sport Ireland will invest €4.75m in the International Carding scheme and Player Funding Scheme. This funding allocation will cover all elements of the Scheme, including 139 individually funded athletes, nine pool funding and relay allocations, the Athlete Career Transition Programme, Player Funding Scheme, and reserves.

Sport Ireland will reintroduce two-year Carding awards in 2027 and 2028, which means 2026 will be a key year for athletes to achieve criteria and secure this multi-annual funding award.

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “I’d like to thank the Government for their generous backing of the High Performance system. This year is a pivotal mid-way point in the LA Cycle and the delivery of the High Performance Strategy 2021-2032. Strong foundations have already been laid down and now the high performance system is entering a critical moment to build on this progress.

 “As the High Performance Strategy enters its sixth year of implementation, Sport Ireland is going to deepen our commitment to the National Governing Body model, this is crucial in ensuring athletes are guided by sport-specific expertise with a clear focus on global success.”

Sport Ireland continues to evolve and develop its High Performance strategy. The Strategy is based on the philosophy that athletes and the people who support them are at the heart of everything.  In 2025 former international high-jumper and Olympian Deirdre Ryan was appointed as chairperson of the Sport Ireland High Performance Committee. This committee is fully committed to overseeing the implementation of this strategy and continually reviews its progress.

Investment in the Sport Ireland Institute and Campus has strengthened the support available to Irish athletes and enhanced Ireland’s capacity to prepare, perform, and compete at the highest level. The Campus continues to develop as the home of high performance sport in Ireland, and we are actively exploring opportunities to host major international events.

Deirdre Ryan, Chairperson of the Sport Ireland High Performance Committee, said: “At Sport Ireland we would like to thank the government for their investment in high performance sport. This backing will allow us to accelerate system improvements across coaching, innovation, and pathway development. The 2026 investment reflects this commitment, with €2.5m planned to be spent in these areas.

 “Sport Ireland is working with colleagues across the high performance system to support the additional costs that the LA Olympic Games will bring. We’re committed to protecting and enabling performance whilst maintaining cost efficiencies.”

Both Team Ireland (Olympic Federation of Ireland) and the Irish Paralympic Team (Paralympics Ireland) are key partners and delivery agents for Sport Ireland.