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
Mar 12, 2026
The Federation of Irish Sport today proudly launched the 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards. The awards will take place in Dublin on Tuesday 19th May and be hosted by broadcaster and journalist Sean O’Rourke. This will be the nineth 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.
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: 2nd April 2026.
We are delighted to announce the addition of two new categories this year:
Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport and Physical Activity
This award is to recognise the support of lifelong participation for all in sport and physical activity. It is open to any organisation or enterprise either within the sport industry, or is using sport as a vehicle, which promotes increased inclusion, engagement and participation in sport and physical activity for those with a disability.
Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport and Physical Activity
This award shall recognise sporting bodies or businesses in the sport or physical activity sector who display a comprehensive strategy to promote sustainability in sport or physical activities to mitigate against environmental impact of their operations or participation of their members.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said: “The Irish Sport Industry Awards are an important platform for recognising our member National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships valuable contribution to sport through their initiatives, collaborations and commercial activations. While also spotlighting new and emerging sports tech enterprise innovations, many of whom have gone on to excel in international markets.”
We invite you to take a look back at the 2025 awards.
Feb 6, 2026
5th February 2026; The Federation of Irish Sport (FIS) is delighted to announce a new partnership with MWX Media, who have been appointed as the Federation’s official AV Media Partner.
The partnership will provide Federation members with access to professional, high-quality media services designed to enhance visibility, audience engagement, and sponsor value across Irish sport.
Under the multi-year agreement, MWX Media will support members offering a wide range of services, including video production and editing, live streaming, media training, audio-visual podcasting, content creation, promotional material and event AV services. They offer affordable and viable options for National Governing Bodies and sporting organisations of every size.
Save the Date – Partnership Launch & Media Training Open Day
To launch the partnership and engage directly, FIS Members are invited to save the date of Tuesday 24th February when the Federation will be hosting an Open Day information session on an exclusive Commentary Media Training Course, which will be presented by MWX Media. Attendees will hear from MWX Media Operations Manager and Client Accounts David Streek followed by a course overview from Olympic Sports Broadcaster Duane Dell’Oca.
Commentary Media Training Course
Federation members will have exclusive access to a Commentary Media Training Course, aimed at developing professional broadcast skills and media confidence which can be tailored to take place over 4-days or a 1-day option.
MWX Media has extensive experience in providing services to sporting bodies at major international events including clients such as Swim Ireland, Cricket Ireland and Hockey Ireland. In addition to this they provide AV Production services for the Federation of Irish Sport annual awards ceremonies the Volunteers in Sport Awards and the Irish Sport Industry Awards. They specialise in sport live streaming, digital content, podcast production and media training. This partnership creates a strong synergy, providing Federation members with modern media tools, strategic support, and practical training to maximise exposure and commercial opportunities in a digital-first sporting environment.
For more information contact:
Clare Louise O’Donoghue Federation of Irish Sport, Head of Commercial and Marketing
M: +353 86 043 7887, E: clarelouise.odonoghue@irishsport.ie
David Streek (MWX Media Operations Manager & Client Accounts)
M: +353 87 1920 100. E: david@mwx-media.ie
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