Launch of Research on Gender Equality in Media Representation of Sport in Ireland
The Federation of Irish Sport and Maynooth University Launch Research on Gender Equality in Media Representation of Sport in Ireland
- Federation of Irish Sport collaborate with Maynooth University on research report
- Funded by Sport Ireland research grant scheme
- Report titled ‘Gender equality in media representation of sport in Ireland’ launched today
- Review of challenges and complexities of content creation and guidelines set out for better practice
The Federation of Irish Sport collaborated with Dr Anne O’Brien and Maynooth University on the research question ‘why journalists and media producers create gendered sports content in the ways that they do.’
This work, entitled ‘Gender Equality in Media representation of Sport in Ireland’, explores the complexities and challenges of gender content creation in sports media. It is an important step in understanding the forces at play and envisioning a more inclusive and equitable future. It is a reminder that the fight for gender equality in sports is not just about advocating for women to be seen and heard; the key discoveries of the research are about shifting the broader cultural framework and understanding that everyone has their part to play if we are to tackle the challenges.
The relationship between gender and sports has been a topic of ongoing discussion, including in representation in the media. Historically, male athletes have received more visibility and recognition, while women’s sports have been underrepresented and often framed through limiting perspectives. This report aims to examine the challenges and nuances of how women’s sports are portrayed in the media and offers a framework for how more balanced and equitable coverage can be achieved.
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor commented: “I would like to thank Dr O’ Brien for her dedication and expertise in producing this report and also to thank all the journalists and editors who participated in interviews and provided information. This work could not have been undertaken without the support of Sport Ireland, and the research grant scheme, our sincere thanks for their financial support.”
Dr Úna May, Sport Ireland CEO, said: “Sport Ireland is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the sports sector. We’ve consistently sought to drive gender equality within the sporting landscape, including sports media, as evidenced by the Visibility pillar under our Women in Sport Policy. Dr O’Brien’s report is a vital piece of work in this area, and we’re very happy to be able to provide support. It’s heartening to see how committed all the stakeholders are to continuing the fight for gender equality in sports media. While much good work has been done so far, it’s important that we all work to increase the visibility of women’s sport across the sports media landscape.”
Dr Anne O’Brien of Maynooth University added: “Despite the myriad of challenges identified by journalists and producers with regard to tackling gender inequality in sports reporting, it was heartening that there was also a strong range of proposals for measures to tackle the challenge and a very strong sense of willingness on the part of media practitioners to engage with sports organisations, sponsors and society more generally to bring about change. I look forward to working with both media and sports sectors to achieve greater equality in sports media.”
Calling all sports clubs and communities!
Nominate Your Local Club Volunteer and Be In with a Chance to Win €200 for Your Club
Calling all sports clubs and communities! Do you have a dedicated volunteer who goes above and beyond to make sport happen in your area? Now’s your chance to celebrate their commitment and give back to your club.
🏆 Nominate today at www.volunteersinsport.ie
📍 Volunteers from all 32 counties will be honoured
💰 €200 donation to each county recipient’s club
⏰ Entries close December 17th, 2024
The Volunteers in Sport Awards, hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport in partnership with the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships, recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Ireland’s 460,000+ volunteers. These individuals dedicate their time, energy, and passion to their clubs and communities, which supports 1.47 million sports club members around the country to be active and engaged in sport.
Why Nominate?
- Celebrate a local hero: Shine a light on someone who makes a difference in your club or community.
- Win €200 for your club: Every county winner will secure a cash donation to directly support their affiliated club or sporting organisation.
- National Recognition: Winners from each of Ireland’s 32 counties will be honoured for their contributions.
Volunteers play a vital role not only in Ireland’s sporting success, but by contributing an estimated €1.5 billion in economic value annually. This is your chance to say, “thank you” and showcase their incredible impact. Don’t miss the chance to make your local sports volunteer feel truly valued.
Nominations are open now until December 17th, 2024. Visit www.volunteersinsport.ie to submit your nomination today.
Let’s celebrate those who are #DedicatedToTheDedicated.
Act now! Nominate a volunteer, give them the recognition they deserve, and help support your club. Visit www.volunteersinsport.ie today!
Olympian Sarah Lavin champions the launch of the Federation of Irish Sport 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards
Pictured above: Mary O’Connor CEO Federation of Irish Sport, Olympian Sarah Lavin, Phelim Mackin Coordinator Limerick Sports Partnership
Double Olympic hurdler Sarah Lavin was on hand to lend her voice to the launch of the 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards, a national celebration of the extraordinary individuals who contribute to the vibrant fabric of Irish sports.
Hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport and supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships these prestigious awards recognise the selfless volunteers who dedicate their time, skills, and passion to support sports clubs and community organisations across Ireland.
- Supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships
- Nominations open from 12th November – 17th December 2024
- To nominate a volunteer visit volunteersinsport.ie
- #dedicatedtothededicated
The 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards will bring together individuals from all 32 counties to celebrate their commitment to fostering participation and ensuring that sport is accessible to all. Their contributions not only inspire communities but also enable clubs and organisations to thrive, supporting social cohesion and well-being across Ireland. Without their dedication, many sporting opportunities simply would not exist. Nominations are now open and the awards celebration will take place in Dublin in February 2025.
Ambassador for the 2024 Awards Track and field star and double Olympian Sarah Lavin commented: “High performance sport in Ireland as well as grassroots relies so heavily on volunteers. We cannot take for granted the time and dedication of people who step up and volunteer on a weekly basis. They deserve to be celebrated for the positive change they bring to communities across Ireland. It’s truly an honour to support this celebration of the people who make sport possible for all of us at every level.”
In every corner of the country, from city centres and suburbs to rural villages, over 460,000 volunteers work tirelessly each week to bring sport and physical activity to life for people of all ages*. The impact of their work is profound, providing multi-generational opportunities to engage in sport, build communities, and promote healthy lifestyles. The economic value of their contribution is estimated to be worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy**.
“The goodwill and work of volunteers cannot be taken for granted,” said Mary O’Connor CEO Federation of Irish Sport. “These awards are our chance to say thank you and in acknowledging the incredible efforts volunteers make, ensure that we continue to encourage more people to get involved and safeguard the future of sport in the country.”
The Volunteers in Sport Awards is a vital opportunity to recognise their efforts and to shine a light on the invaluable contribution they make to Irish sport and society.
A National Network of Support
Supporting the awards is the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships. Limerick Sports Partnership Coordinator Phelim Macken remarked: “The event is proudly supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), which work to increase participation in sport and physical activity by breaking down barriers and encouraging inclusivity. Through the work of the partnerships, more people across Ireland are getting active, and the Volunteers in Sport Awards is a fitting tribute to those who help make this possible”.
Nomination Process
Nominations for the 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards are open from Tuesday, 12th November 2024, until Tuesday, 17th December 2024. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate deserving volunteers from their club or sporting organisation who have made a significant contribution or impact to their local club or community. For more information and to submit a nomination, visit www.volunteersinsport.ie
ENTRIES NOW LIVE!
*Sport Ireland – Irish Sports Monitor 2023
** Sport Ireland – Economic Value of Sport Report 2021
New Sports Action Plan 2024-2027 published today
• New Plan designed to progress the National Sports Policy
• Enhanced focus on disability in sport, local sports plans, the volunteer sector and narrowing the gender participation gap
• Publication follows landmark Budget 2025 which doubled sports funding compared to 2018 levels two years ahead of schedule
Today (6 November 2024), the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, published the Sports Action Plan 2024-2027. The new Plan has been published with the aim of ensuring the continued development and success of Irish sport. 47 specific initiatives are set out under the Plan with the intention of further advancing the National Sports Policy, which was published in 2018, and concludes in 2027. The National Sports Policy committed the Government to doubling funding in sport to more than €220 million by 2027, compared to 2018 levels, but this target has been reached two years ahead of schedule, with Budget 2025 having allocated over €230 million for sport. The new Sports Action Plan continues the strong focus of the Government on boosting participation levels in sport and physical activity and it also includes a number of new specific actions that focus on other important priorities. The ongoing necessity to address enduring challenges for youth and disability participation in sport is a prominent feature of the new Plan. In addition, there is a stronger focus on sectoral and environmental sustainability.
Some highlights of the new Sports Action Plan include:
· Supporting the roll-out of Local Sports Plans in each Local Authority.
· Developing the Volunteering in Sport sector.
· Appointment of a Disability in Sport Lead by Sport Ireland.
· Reviewing disability sport funding and approach.
· Researching scope to introduce design improvements in sports facilities to meet the specific needs of women and girls in sport.
· Improving the linkage between sporting bodies and schools and maximising community access to sports facilities in schools.
· Support development of camogie and hurling in accordance with its special cultural designation by UNESCO.
To read the full Plan click here.
The plan was developed by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport, Gaeltacht and Media with the assistance of Sport Ireland and a Sports Leadership Group, which is convened by the Department and chaired by Minister Byrne.
Launching the plan, Minister Thomas Byrne said:
“The publication of the new Sports Action Plan underlines the commitment and determination of the government to increase our participation levels in sport and physical activity. In order to meet our ambitious participation targets, we need to promote a ‘Sport for All’ approach and the publication of this new plan is one way in which we are working to tackle the participation gap where it exists, such as among people with a disability.
The new Sports Action Plan advances the significant progress made to date under the National Sports Policy when it comes to increasing our participation levels, developing high performance sport in Ireland and in improving the governance and capacity of the sport sector. Budget 2025 also represented a landmark moment for Irish sport when funding for sport was more than doubled compared to 2018 levels, which meant that a key priority under the National Sports Policy was met, two years ahead of schedule.”
Minister Byrne added:
“In my dual role as Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, I recognise how important it is to get people involved in sport from a young age and fundamentally, to find ways to encourage them to stay involved throughout their life.
The new Sports Action Plan includes a strong focus on developing the link between sport and education, involving a series of actions to support such initiatives, as the Active School Flag programme, as well endeavouring to maximise community access to sports facilities in schools.”
2into3 LSSIF Clients Secure €43 Million in Funding
Partners of the Federation 2into3 were successful in securing funding worth €43million for 13 clients. A massive congratulations to their clients on their success in LSSIF 2024 grant allocations. A total of 13 clients were successful in this funding round and received €43.25 million, which is a monumental achievement for a range of NGBs, County Councils, Universities and sports organisations across Ireland. Undoubtedly, this funding will be transformative for a range of sports facilities and will have a significant impact on their communities.
Naturally while they were pleased with the success of many, they note that not everyone was successful in this round. However, it is encouraging to see that a reserve list has been created and they look forward to learning more about how this will be implemented.
Patricia Keenan, Director of Funding, 2into3
We’re thrilled for our clients on their recent success in securing over €43 million in funding LSSIF. We understand that unfortunately, there is some disappointment from certain applicants and await updates from the reserve list. It’s been a pleasure to work with a range of projects from their initial stages of development. This funding will undoubtedly have a transformative impact on Irish sports infrastructure and communities across the country. Once again, congratulations to all involved and the real work of getting your projects implemented can commence!
Dennis O’Connor, CEO, 2into3
The overall level of funding available was significantly less than the demand, €173m vs €660m and 35 out of 90 applicants (39% of applicants) have been allocated funding so far. We are delighted that 60% of clients we supported secured an allocation and we will continue to work with those on reserve list to secure funding that reflects the scale of investment needed in Sports Infrastructure.