Finalists Announced for the 2025 Irish Sport Industry Awards

May 9, 2025

The Federation of Irish Sport is thrilled to unveil the shortlist of finalists for the much-anticipated 2025 Irish Sport Industry Awards. Set to take place on Tuesday, 20th May at the prestigious College Green Hotel in Dublin, this event promises to be an exciting evening celebrating the power and impact of sport across Ireland.

With 11 award categories shining a spotlight on excellence in innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, the Irish Sport Industry Awards highlight the individuals, businesses, and organisations who are shaping the future of Irish sport. Today, eight competitive categories have been announced (see below for the list of nominees).

The night will also see the unveiling of three coveted individual honours for the Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award, KPMG Women in Sport Award and the Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award, as chosen by the Association of Sports Journalists Ireland

Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said, “The Federation is delighted to host the 8^th annual Irish Sport Industry Awards which recognise and reward excellence in the business of sport and entrepreneurship. Sport has a unique potential to drive positive change in Irish society, in the areas of health, education, social integration, tourism and economic growth. These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the multibillion value of the sport sector to the Irish economy and celebrate the work of the more than 64,000 people employed within the sector.”

Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship & Sustainability Officer, Core and Chair of the Judging Panel commented, “My fellow judges and I were blown away by the innovative, dedicated, and progressive work happening across sport right now. I want to thank the judges for taking such care and attention, reviewing every entry in detail. Many of the categories were so difficult to call with multiple worthy winners. It’s an exciting time to be part of a vibrant and thriving sports industry.”

2025 Finalists

Best Commercial Partnership in Sport, presented by Dublin City Sports & Wellbeing Partnership

• Ladies Gaelic Football Association and TG4, Lidl Ireland
• Olympic Federation of Ireland and Flogas
• Paralympic Ireland and Nestlé Cereals
• Athletics Ireland and 123.ie

Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport, presented by Future Ticketing

• Leave No Trace Ireland, Love This Place
• IRFU, Irish Rugby+ in partnerships with WiiStream
• Athletics Ireland, Irish Runner Magazine
• Football Association of Ireland, League of Ireland

Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity presented by Opel Ireland

• Mayo Local Sports Partnership, ‘Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini Marathon’
• Basketball Ireland, SOCIA-Ball
• Athletics Ireland, The Girls Squad 
• Badminton Ireland, BadminTEEN

Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity presented by A&L Goodbody

(by a Local Sports Partnerships)

• Laois Sports Partnership, Translation of Safeguarding 1 Training into Ukrainian
• Wicklow Sports Partnership, Urban Outdoor Recreation
• Wexford Sports Partnership, Nature Walker app
• Donegal Sports Partnership, Sport 4 Empowerment

Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity presented by A&L Goodbody

(by a National Governing Body)

• Cycling Ireland, Project Moljnir
• Canoeing Ireland, PaddleAble programme
• Irish Wheelchair Association Sport, Treaty Rollers multi-sport club 
• Football Association of Ireland, Cairdeas Cup Festival

Local Sports Partnership of the Year, presented by Clann Credo                    

• Fingal Sports Council
• Mayo Sports Partnership
• Laois Sports Partnership
• Leitrim Sports Partnership

Governing Body of the Year, presented by Marsh                          

• Badminton Ireland
• Athletics Ireland
• Basketball Ireland
• Squash Ireland

Best New Sports Business of the Year, presented by Sport Ireland                                

• Skippio
• Hexis
• KineMo
• Sports Impact Technologies

Best Sports Business of the Year, presented by Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet                      

• WiiStream
• Irish American Events Ltd. (IAEL)
• ClubSpot
• Quiz Wizards

To be announced on the 20^th May 2025 at the awards ceremony:

• Jimmy Magee FIS/Association of Sports Journalist Ireland Sports Coverage of the Year Award
• KPMG Women in Business in Sport Award
• Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award                           

Behind the Judging: Meet the Experts

• Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship & Sustainability Officer, Core
• Rob Hartnett, Founder, CEO Sport for Business
• Elma Beirne, Associate Director, Talent & Marketing Representation, Wasserman Ireland
• 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

Central Bank report shows a sharp rise in motor insurance premiums of 9% in the first 6 months of last year.

May 7, 2025

Today the Central Bank released the NCID Private Motor Insurance Mid-Year 2024 Report.

· Set against this, how can the government justify taking steps that will drive the cost of people’s car insurance even higher?

· If adopted, the 17% increase in personal injury awards will lead directly to even greater increases in car insurance premiums.

The report shows a sharp rise in motor insurance premiums of 9% in just the first 6 months of last year(2). As anyone who has renewed their motor policy more recently knows, premiums have only continued to increase since that time. The increase has, in large part, been attributed to inflation and the increasing cost of vehicle repairs.

Set against this, how can the government justify taking steps that will drive the cost of people’s car insurance even higher? The Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, is currently considering a recommendation from the Judicial Council that personal injury awards be increased by almost 17% in the coming weeks. Notwithstanding that awards are higher here than in most other countries(3) and the relatively short time the current award guidelines are in existence (2021), if adopted it will lead directly to even greater increases in policyholder premiums. Motorists, businesses, sporting, community and voluntary groups simply cannot afford for this to happen.

Given the adverse consequences of such an increase and the myriad of policy considerations involved, the proposal to raise personal injury awards needs to be put before the relevant Oireachtas Committee for considered, public debate. We urge Minister O’Callaghan and the government to take this course of action in the best interest of policyholders.

The Alliance for Insurance Reform brings together 47 civic and business organisations from across Ireland including the Federation of Irish Sport, representing over 55,000 members, 700,000 employees, 614,000 volunteers and 374,000 students in highlighting the negative impact of persistently high premiums and calling for real reforms that will quickly reduce liability and motor insurance premiums to affordable levels and keep them that way.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: contact@insurancereform.ie

Business Plus.ie Announced as Official Media Partner to the Irish Sport Industry Awards 2025

Apr 10, 2025

The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to announce BusinessPlus.ie as the Official Media Partner for the 2025 Irish Sport Industry Awards, taking place in Dublin on 20th May 2025. This year marks the eighth staging of the prestigious awards, which celebrate the vital connection between business and sport in Ireland.

As Official Media Partner, BusinessPlus.ie will provide exclusive coverage, profiling nominees and winners while showcasing the evolving relationship between sport and business in Ireland. With a longstanding reputation for expert business journalism, BusinessPlus will ensure that both business and sporting communities remain informed and inspired in the lead-up to, during, and following the event.

The Irish Sport Industry Awards spotlight the sector’s considerable contribution to Ireland’s economy and society. The sport industry supports 64,000 jobs, contributes €3.3 billion in household spending, and generates €3.7 billion (GVA) annually for the Irish economy. As the voice of over 110 National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), the Federation’s annual awards night recognises organisations and individuals making an impact through innovation, inclusion, and excellence in sport.

“We are delighted to welcome Business Plus.ie as our Official Media Partner,” said Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport. “Their reach and reputation across Ireland’s business landscape make them an ideal partner to help us amplify the message that sport is not only a powerful social force—but also a key economic driver.”

Paul Henderson, CEO of BusinessPlus.ie publisher dmg media commented, “For over 25 years Business Plus has reported on excellence in business. As a publisher, we sponsor a swathe of national sporting organisations. Bringing the two of these together is a natural fit. We look forward to being involved.”

Business Plus, Ireland’s most widely distributed business magazine, has been a leading voice in the B2B sector since 1998. With a print circulation of 13,000 copies, 120,000 monthly online users, and a strong presence across social media, Business Plus brings timely and insightful coverage to Ireland’s dynamic business environment. As part of the DMG Media group, they bring decades of journalistic excellence to their role as media partner.

This year’s event will highlight 11 award categories, nine of which are open for public nomination, shining a spotlight on partnerships, initiatives promoting inclusivity, and entrepreneurial achievements in sport. Through the shortlisting and awards process, the Federation seeks to showcase the strength and innovation within Ireland’s sport industry.

If your business would like to be associated with these prestigious awards, there is the opportunity to sponsor the last remaining award categories, please contact clarelouise.odonoghue@irishsport.ie

Entries are open until 5pm Wednesday 16^th April 2025. The full list of categories for the 2025 Irish Sport Industry Awards includes:

Public Entry Categories:

1. Best Commercial Partnership in Sport
2. Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport
3. Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity
4. Best Initiative to Promote Diversity & Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity
5. Governing Body of the Year
6. Local Sports Partnership of the Year
7. Best New Sports Business of the Year
8. Best Sports Business of the Year
9. KPMG Women in Sport Award

Closed Categories:

• The Jimmy Magee Award for Sports Journalist of the Year (in partnership with the ASJI)
• Outstanding Contribution to Irish Sport (selected by the Federation of Irish Sport Board)

For all the latest awards news and details how to enter go to: https://irishsportindustryawards.ie/news/

Alliance for Insurance Reform: ‘The government needs to safeguard and promote the Injuries Resolution Board as the fairest and fastest means of settling claims.’

Apr 2, 2025

The Alliance for Insurance Reform welcomes today’s report (on personal injury claims and awards for 2024) from the Injuries Resolution Board which highlights sustained reductions in claim volumes (1) in recent years and makes the ongoing increase in insurance premiums impossible to justify (2).

Although the report finds an increase in cases being resolved at the Injuries Board (going from 48% to 50%), we need to see this number continue to increase further, as there are still too many cases being settled via litigation. Litigation adds greatly, and often unnecessarily, to the cost of claims and ultimately the premiums people have to pay (3).

The government needs to safeguard and promote the Injuries Board as the fairest and fastest means of settling claims. The proposed increase of 17% in personal injury awards from the Judicial Council currently being considered by the government and the related 3-year review period of the Judicial Guidelines, threatens to drive more cases out of the Injuries Board and into costly litigation. Increased awards will also mean increased premiums and Ireland already pays considerably higher awards than most other countries. Motorists, businesses, sports, community and voluntary organisations simply cannot afford for this to happen.

If we continually review upwards personal injury awards every three years and it takes two and a half years to settle a claim at the Injuries Board, claimants will simply hold on a few months and bring their case into litigation. Not only will awards increase but legal fees will increase the cost of claims exponentially. The Alliance for Insurance Reform brings together 47 civic and business organisations from across Ireland, representing over 55,000 members, 700,000 employees, 614,000 volunteers and 374,000 students in highlighting the negative impact of persistently high premiums and calling for real reforms that will quickly reduce liability and motor insurance premiums to affordable levels and keep them that way.

Notes:

1. Injuries Resolution Board Liability Report 2024, p.6:
2. The most recent NCID liability report from the Central Bank published in March 2025 found that premiums increased by 4% in 2023 and have increased by 17% since 2020, despite a range of government reforms. The liability market has also proven highly profitable for insurers, showing an operating profit of 13% in 2023.
3. The same NCID liability report showed that average legal costs are less than €1,000 for cases finalised at the Injuries Board but over €23,000 once it enters into litigation, whilst awards for claimants were the same in either channel (also at €23,000). Almost 70% of cases settle in the litigation channel.

Ministers O’Donovan and McConalogue Launch Federation of Irish Sport Industry Awards 2025

Mar 26, 2025

The Federation of Irish Sport launched the 2025 Irish Sport Industry Awards with the Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, and the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD alongside Federation CEO Mary O’Connor.

• Eighth hosting of the Irish Sport Industry Awards
• Economic value of Sport €3.7bn GVA to the economy
• Over 64,000 employed in sport 
• Entries are now live: www.irishsportindustryawards.ie                    

The Federation of Irish Sport will host the Irish Sport Industry Awards in Dublin on 20^th May. This will be the eighth staging of the awards which recognise the invaluable relationship between business and sport in Ireland. The Sport industry in Ireland supports 64,000 jobs, stimulates €3.3 billion in household spending, and generates €3.7 billion (GVA) gross value added to the Irish economy.

This annual awards celebration highlights the valuable social and economic contribution of the Federation member organisations and sports enterprise in Ireland. This year’s event will also serve to heighten the awareness of the value of sport as an economic driver when showcasing our sporting passion as a nation in hosting major international sports events that deliver significant economic contribution such as the 2025 NFL Dublin Game this September, the Ryder Cup in 2027 and the UEFA Euro 2028.

Minister O’Donovan said:

“The Irish Sport Industry Awards are a unique celebration of Sport. They offer an opportunity to acknowledge new enterprises and innovation in sport, and also to recognise and commend the National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships for their drive and commitment in promoting participation for all in sport.

I would like to congratulate the Federation of Irish Sport for organising the awards and extend my congratulations to all of those being celebrated.

Minister McConalogue said:

“With record levels of investment in sport, Government are committed to working with all stakeholders and partners to ensure, we continue to recognise and support all participants in a suitable and sustainable way. With that in mind, it is my pleasure to applaud all of the organisers of this event from the Federation of Irish Sport, and to wish all the award nominees the very best of luck.”

Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said: “We are delighted to have the support of both Ministers O’Donovan and McConalogue for the launch of the Irish Sport Industry Awards, our annual celebration of the economic role sport plays to the Irish economy. The awards recognise excellence across various aspects of sport, including entrepreneurship, media coverage, good governance, inclusivity, sponsorship, and leadership. This year we will be highlighting the massive financial contribution that hosting major international sports events has to the Irish economy and their global audience reach.”

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 Wednesday 16^th April 2025.

FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT HONOURS IRELAND’S SPORTING VOLUNTEERS

Feb 28, 2025

Pictured above: FIS Chairperson Clare McGrath, FIS CEO Mary O’Connor, Martin Casey (Co. Limerick & Outstanding Achievement of the Year Award), FIS Board Member Graham Russell, Head of Louth Sport and member of the adjudication panel. 

The Federation of Irish Sport celebrated 35 recipients of the 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards, recognising one individual from every county in Ireland (four in Dublin) for their exceptional commitment to enabling sport and physical activity thrive in their local sports club and communities. Present at the awards to pay special tribute to the volunteers was Minister Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform who gave the keynote address.

• 32 countywide celebration of volunteers in sport at annual awards ceremony, supported by the 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
• Martin Casey (Co. Limerick) named Outstanding Achievement Award recipient

In addition to celebrating the 32 county individuals, Co. Limerick’s Martin Casey was revealed as the Outstanding Achievement Award recipient for his impact as a leader in community engagement through sport.

Martin Casey’s dedication to Limerick Sports Partnership (LSP) and his local community has had a transformative impact, particularly in promoting physical activity, inclusion, and engagement. His journey with Limerick LSP began in Transition Year through the Voluntary Inspired Participation (VIP) Programme, where he gained coaching qualifications and contributed 100 volunteer hours. With LSP’s support, he later obtained coaching and gym instructor certifications, giving back an additional 50 volunteer hours.

Over the past four years, Martin has been instrumental in leading initiatives that expand access to sport and physical activity. His work with the Travelling Community, including a mid-term camp that engaged 46 children from Limerick City halting sites, has significantly boosted participation. He also played a key role in developing and delivering the Women’s Self-Defence Programme, which was expanded due to high demand, empowering women with essential self-defence skills.

In his role as a coach and tutor, Martin’s leadership, passion and ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds have made Limerick Sports Partnership more inclusive and welcoming. His unwavering commitment continues to inspire and strengthen community engagement through sport.

Speaking at the awards, Minister Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform commented: “The Volunteer in Sport Awards are always one of the highlights in the sporting calendar. It is a pleasure to once again represent the Government as we celebrate the contributions and achievements of our incredible volunteers who sacrifice time, effort and energy so that we can all enjoy sport at local, national and international level. Volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport at all levels and it is important they are formally recognised and encouraged so they continue to drive interest, passion and participation in sports in our communities. I congratulate all those honoured on the day and thank them for their contribution to our society.”

Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor stated: “The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to honour the 2024 Volunteers in Sport Award recipients, recognising the incredible individuals whose dedication sustains grassroots participation and strengthens communities. Volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport, enabling 1.47 million club members to engage in sport and physical activity. These awards are a vital tribute to their invaluable contribution.”

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of Irish sport, driving participation across all disciplines. Sport Ireland research reveals unprecedented levels of engagement, with nearly two million adults participating in sport weekly. That’s a real testament to the tireless efforts of volunteers. They don’t merely contribute – they transform aspirations into achievements, making sport accessible and enjoyable for all. We all owe them a debt of gratitude and we’re happy to play our part in recognising their dedication.”

 Head of Louth Sports Partnership, representative of the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships and member of the judging panel, Graham Russell said: “The 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards highlight the nationwide impact of volunteers in driving inclusive participation and strengthening communities through sport. Their dedication breaks down barriers, enriches lives, and promotes active living for all ages and abilities. The National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships is proud to celebrate these unsung heroes who make sport accessible and beneficial for so many.”

#DedicatedtotheDedicated

FULL LIST OF 2024 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS