May 29, 2024
· Some €250m available for largest-ever investment in sports facilities nationwide
· Figure represents 50% increase in funding compared with previous 2020 round
· Allocations due to be announced in the autumn
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne T.D., and Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., have today announced at least €250m in funding under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.
The recently negotiated National Development Plan, confirmed by Minister Donohoe T.D., has facilitated this largest-ever investment in sports facilities across the country.
The funding available represents a 50% increase on the funding allocated in early 2022 under the 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. It should mean positive allocation decisions for all valid applications under the 2023 Programme.
Since 1998, more than 13,000 projects have benefited from sports capital funding, bringing the total allocations in that time to approximately €1.15 billion. It is generally accepted that the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improvements in the quality and quantity of sporting facilities in virtually every village, town and city.
Today’s announcement follows the confirmation made earlier this month by Ministers Martin and Byrne that over €26m in equipment-only grants had been awarded to over 900 sports groups. This represented the largest-ever allocation of equipment-only grants under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme to date which will be of practical benefit to multiple sports organisations, their members and athletes across Ireland.
Minister Martin said:
“I am delighted to have secured the largest ever allocation for the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. This is great news for sporting organisations throughout the country, their members and athletes. As a Government we have committed to 60% overall participation in sport by 2027. Today’s announcement takes us further along that journey as the funding confirmed, including over €26m for sports equipment earlier this month, will help to increase participation in a wide range of sports. As we look forward to the Olympics just around the corner today’s announcement is an important demonstration of the Government’s commitment to the sports sector and the communities that use the facilities to be funded. I look forward to announcing the sports clubs and organisations throughout the country who will get the funds.”
Minister Thomas Byrne said:
“I know that every club and sporting organisation who applied under the 2023 round of the Sports Capital Programme have been eagerly anticipating confirmation regarding their applications. Earlier this month I was pleased to confirm the equipment grants to organisations across the country and to over fifty sports and activities. Further individual allocations, including those for capital works and capital works with an equipment component, will be announced in the autumn. The funding confirmed today represents a 50% increase on the funding allocated under the 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme and it should mean positive allocation decisions for all valid applications under the current 2023 Programme. As a Government, we are delivering record budgets for sport, as we work to provide everyone, of every ability, with an opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity. I look forward to confirming individual allocations later in the year.”
Minister Donohoe said:
“The significant increase in funding available under this round of the Sports Capital Grant demonstrates this Government’s commitment to encouraging the take-up of sports, of all kinds, and the continued drive to promote sporting participation across the country. As a former Minister at the Department of Sport, I have seen first-hand the impact that the Sports Capital Grant has on the lives of our citizens, and also the demand that exists for the grant. I am pleased to see that the interest in this round is as strong as ever. The benefits of sport, at any age, both mentally and physically, cannot be overstated. There is also a tremendous sense of community that comes from engagement with sports and their associated organisations. Ensuring that we have the right equipment in place and that adequate facilities are provided is key to supporting people of all abilities to get, and to stay, involved. I was pleased that the recently negotiated National Development Plan could provide for this, the largest-ever investment in sports facilities across the country. I look forward to see this funding in action.”
May 29, 2024
Pictured above; Mary O’Connor FIS CEO, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath TD, Dr. Una May CEO Sport Ireland
The Federation of Irish Sport celebrated the 7th annual Irish Sport Industry Awards which recognise the important economic role Sport plays to the Irish economy. Minister for Finance Michael McGrath TD gave the keynote address reaffirming the Government’s ongoing investment in sport through the Sports Capital Grants, Major Sports Infrastructure under LSSIF and the record funding available recently announced under the latest round of Sports Equipment Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (‘SCEP’).
The prestigious Banking Hall of the College Green Hotel was the venue for the popular awards ceremony which was once again extremely well attended by key stakeholders across the sector. The 11 award categories recognise a cross section of the work being done by new and innovative sports tech enterprises, the significant sports sponsorship market, media campaigns in sport, alongside the important work being done by National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships. In addition to this the awards honour standout individuals making a difference in Sport. For the full list of winners see below.
The much-anticipated award for National Governing Body of the Year 2024 went to Canoeing Ireland. Canoeing Ireland has had the challenging task of continuing the organisational growth achieved in recent years with the passion and ambition which is endemic within Canoeing Ireland. Earlier this year they set out a new strategic plan (2024 – 2027) with an ambitious path for the organisation and its members, continuing the growth seen in over the last four years while maintaining and enhancing their excellence in the areas of governance and leadership.
The recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Irish Sport for 2024 is John Trainor (1972-2024). Widely regarded as the ‘father’ of the sponsorship industry in Ireland and, in particular, the professionalisation of the discipline. John was the Founder and CEO of ONSIDE. As well as being the first Irish Board Director of the European Sponsorship Association, he was a fellow of the Marketing Institute of Ireland where his championing of the sponsorship discipline helped give senior marketing decision-makers more confidence to invest in partnerships.
The recipient of the Women in Business in Sport Award, in partnership with KPMG for 2024 is Sarah Keane CEO Swim Ireland. This is a milestone year for Keane as it marks 20 years at the helm on Swim Ireland and her final Olympic Games as President of the Olympic Federation of Ireland. Sarah has international experience in Governance and Gender Equality Issues as well as extensive experience in Corporate Management and Governance.
The Jimmy Magee FIS/ASJI Sports Coverage of the Year Award, was presented Mark Gallagher of the Irish Daily Mail. Mark Gallagher has been a sports journalist with the Irish Mail on Sunday, the Irish Daily Mail since August 2005, covering a wide variety of sports from Gaelic games to boxing to soccer.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said, “The Federation is delighted to celebrate all the nominees and award winners this evening. It is hugely important to not to underestimate the collective power of sport and the positive impact it has on us as individuals but also to our communities and our economy.
The Federation believes that by continuing to invest in sport at a regional and national level, we can ensure that everyone has access to quality facilities, coaching, and opportunities to get involved, regardless of their background or socio-economic status. This not only benefits individual participants but also contributes to the overall health and well-being of our communities, fostering social cohesion and a sense of belonging. Congratulations to all those honoured this evening. “
Minister for Finance Michael McGrath TD, said, “I wish to commend the Federation of Irish Sport on the 7th hosting of the Irish Sport Industry Awards and I want to congratulate all the award winners and all those that have been shortlisted.
These awards play a huge part in recognising the depth and quality of the many programmes and initiatives being carried out across the country to promote participation and inclusivity in sport and physical activity.”
Full List of Award Winners
Best Sports Sponsorship
Olympic Federation of Ireland & PTSB, Dare to Believe
Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport
FAI, FAI Connect
Best New Sports Business of the Year, in partnership with Sport Ireland
Precision Sports Technology
Best Sports Business of the Year, in partnership with Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet
SportsKey
Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity
LGFA Sports Direct G4MAO (Gaelic4Mothers&Others)
Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity
Field Of Vision
Local Sports Partnership of the Year
Clare Local Sports Partnership
Governing Body of the Year
Canoeing Ireland
Jimmy Magee FIS/ASJI Sports Coverage of the Year
Mark Gallagher
Women in Business in Sport Award, in partnership with KPMG
Sarah Keane
Outstanding Contribution to Irish Sport Award
John Trainor
May 27, 2024
On May 25th 2024, Business Plus Magazine published a feature interview with Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor.
Sport in Ireland is big business, in fact the sports economy outgrew the Irish economy over a decade according to a Sports Ireland report published in 2021.
€3.3bn was spent on sports goods in that time, with the total value of the industry being €3.7bn (1.4% of the total economy).
The CEO of the Federation of Sport for Ireland (IFS) Mary O’Connor outlined the pivotal role it plays in the Irish economy.
“450,000 people a week volunteer for Irish sport,” she said, emphasing the point that this is something that the Exchequer would not be able to repay.
The Federation is the link between the Government and 81 National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs).
It also represents Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs).
With the financial might of the sport industry, the 3.3bn figure accounts for 3.1% of total consumer spending in the Irish economy, O’Connor knows the importance of being a flagbearer for the sector.
“We make sure that the price of sport is heard, and the value of sport is heard”.
A Government commitment to double funding to €220m by the end of 2027 as part of the National Sport Policy has been welcomed by O’Connor, but she has also warned that inflation over the last couple of years has greatly cut into the initially perceived benefits.
That is not the only area that concerns the CEO.
Multi-annual funding is another key issue for the Federation, which would allow organisations to plan over two years.
“What we’ve been asking the government to deliver on is multi-annual funding for sports organisations because at the moment its annual funding so it’s very difficult for (organisations) to plan, to strategise, to retain staff if they’re only getting funding year to year.”
The only sportspeople that do receive funding in this way are the high-performance athletes, which she says has been a great benefit to them.
The former Camogie star also wants to see more facilities for athletes in the country.
O’Connor points to the fact that there is still no permanent ice facility in the country for high-performance athletes, the last being in Dundalk and having closed down in 2010.
She also pointed to the need for more multi-sport facilities.
O’Connor was speaking ahead of the 7th annual Irish Sports Industry Awards, which are being held in the College Green Hotel in Dublin on Tuesday.
These awards recognise those involved in both the sporting and business world, with 10 different categories up for grabs.
She says she is delighted “to see that the Minister for Finance (Michael McGrath) is coming to the ‘Sports Industry awards’, I think that signifies government intent and support for the sector.”
This follows the announcement earlier this month that the government would be committing over €26m in equipment grants to sporting organisations nationwide.
O’Connor says the government’s continued investment in sport provides a healthy return on investment for the finance ministry and the Irish economy.
“We estimate that for every €1 the government invests in Irish sport, they’re getting €1.95 back.”
May 23, 2024
On Thursday May 23rd, the Federation of Irish Sport hosted its Annual General Meeting at Irish Sport HQ. The Federation is the voice of sport in Ireland and represents 110 National Governing Bodies (NGB) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSP) across the island of Ireland. The Federation places an emphasis on maintaining a transparent relationship with our members, and the AGM, is a crucial opportunity to engage and inform our members about the work the Federation is doing on their behalf.
The AGM was attended by senior leaders from across the sports sector, including NGB Chief Executive Officers, LSP Administrators and members of our board. Attendees were warmly welcomed by the Federation’s Chairperson, Clare McGrath.
Mary O’Connor, Federation of Irish Sport CEO, delivered an extensive update to attendees on the activities of the Federation. Attendees attention was drawn to the development of a new member focused strategic plan, founded on three strategic pillars; Effective and Impactful Member Supports, Purposeful Advocacy and Leadership, A Resilient and Sustainable FIS.
This strategic plan was the result of extensive consultation and engagement with members, Sport Ireland and the Department of Sport. Mary welcomed continued feedback and input from members.
It was stressed that the essential purpose of the Federation was to support its member stakeholders in the areas of Advocacy and Public Affairs, and in this area, the Federation has been exceptionally effective and dynamic. 
In 2022, Minister Thomas Byrne, was appointed to the role of Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport and Physical Activity. The Federation has developed a positive and open relationship with Minister Byrne, and Mary has consulted with him and expressed the views of the Federation’s member stakeholders on a diverse range of issues.
Mary stated that among the topics which the Federation have made representation to the government on are; core funding for NGB’s and LSP’s and resources for appropriate levels of staffing, multi annual funding, continued commitment to the National Sports Policy and action plans, taxation reform, the Gambling Regulation Bill, and insurance reform. The Federation have also campaigned on; the future of sports broadcasting, inclusion in sport, and the Draft National Philanthropy Policy.
It was noted that the Federation’s keynote annual events are not only an opportunity for the Federation to engage with its members, but also provide a platform for the Federation to be a Voice for Sport in Ireland across the national, media and local media landscape.
The Keynote events from 2023 were; the launch of the Federation’s 2024 pre-budget submission. The Volunteer in Sport Awards which celebrates the achievements and contribution of over 450,000 people who volunteer each week to make sport happen and their efforts which are worth over €1.5 billion to the Irish economy. The Irish Sport Industry Awards, which recognises the value of the sports sector to the Irish economy, in terms of the employment it provides which stands at 64,000 and a total value to the Irish economy of €3.7 billion and the Annual Leaders Forum, which provided an opportunity for Minister Byrne to meet with key industry stakeholders.
It was announced that with respect to increased external costs, outside of the control of the Federation, that it was the intention of the Federation to increase rates of membership subscription by 5% in 2025 and 2026, the CEO informed members, “saying it will allow FIS to fund a 3% increase in annual costs and strategies appropriately for the next 2 years of our strategic plan”. KPMG Ireland partner and the Federation’s treasurer, Darina Barrett, delivered a positive update on the Federation’s 2023 audited accounts.
Pictured above Board Members: Peter O’Brien, FIS Chair Clare McGrath, FIS CEO Mary O’Connor and newly appointed Board Member Moira Aston.
One highly important order of business, before the AGM was closed by Chairperson McGrath, was the election of Moira Aston, CEO of Canoeing Ireland to the Federation board representing Category D membership. We extend our best wishes to Moira in her new role and look forward to welcoming her. Following the closing of the meeting, attendees enjoyed refreshments and the opportunity to network with other industry stakeholders.
May 17, 2024
The Federation of Irish Sport is pleased to announce the shortlist of nominees for the 2024 Irish Sport Industry Awards, which will take place at Dublin’s College Green Hotel on Tuesday 28th May, with keynote speaker Minister for Finance Michael McGrath TD.
The 11 award categories celebrated represent a cross-section of enterprise, sporting organisations and individuals that fuel and drive the promotion, management, growth, and sustainability of sport in Ireland. The 8 open category nominees were revealed today, see below for the list of nominees.
A highlight of the awards evening will include the announcement of the individual award winners for the coveted Outstanding Achievement and Contribution to Sport Award, the Women in Business in Sport Award, in partnership with KPMG and the Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award, as determined by the Association of Sports Journalists Ireland, to be presented by the Magee Family.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said, “The Federation is delighted to host the 7th 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 public health, education, social integration, tourism and economic growth. These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the multibillion-euro value of the sport sector to the Irish economy and celebrate the work of the more than 60,000 people employed within the sector.”
Sport for Business Founder and CEO Rob Hartnett, Chair of the Judging Panel commented, “It has been a real privilege to study the record number of nominations and to debate their merits with my fellow judges, each bringing a depth of industry knowledge and expertise to the discussion. The awards are a unique celebration of the intersection between sport and business. Congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted and achieving this accolade.”
Full Shortlist of Open Category Nominees
Best Sports Sponsorship
- Certa & Cricket Ireland, Women’s Cricket
- WHPR, Guinness Six Nations, ‘L’Opportunité’
- Olympic Federation of Ireland & PTSB, Dare to Believe
- FAI and SKY, WNT
Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport
- FAI, FAI Connect
- Munster Rugby, Access Munster
- Titan Experience, Her Moves
- FAI & 53 Six, WNT Squad announcement FIFA Women’s World Cup
Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity
- Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership, Sim 4 STEM Women in Motorsport
- LGFA Sports Direct G4MAO (Gaelic4Mothers&Others)
- Orreco, FitrWoman
- Laois Sports Partnership, MenoWell
Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity
- Paralympics Ireland, PTSB NextGen
- Field Of Vision
- Sanctuary Runners
- Liquid Therapy, A Drop in the Ocean
Local Sports Partnership of the Year
- Clare Local Sports Partnership
- Carlow Local Sports Partnership
- Sligo Local Sports Partnership
- Laois Local Sports Partnership
Governing Body of the Year
- Basketball Ireland
- IRFU
- Irish Squash
- Canoeing Ireland
Best New Sports Business of the Year, in partnership with Sport Ireland
- MoveAhead
- Danu
- Precision Sports Technology
- Sports Impact Technologies
Best Sports Business of the Year, in partnership with Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet
- Future Ticketing
- Orreco
- SportsKey
- ClubZap
To be announced on the 28th May 2024 at the awards ceremony:
- Jimmy Magee FIS/ASJI Sports Coverage of the Year Award
- Women in Business in Sport Award, in partnership with KPMG
- Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award
For more on the awards go to www.irishsportindustryawards.ie
May 14, 2024
Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, will represent Ireland at the EU Sports Council meeting in Brussels today (Tuesday, 14 May 2024).
Topics on the agenda for the EU Sports Council include the approval of a new high-level EU Work Plan for Sport. The EU Work Plan for Sport plan proposes a renewed priority and focus to be given to the integrity and values in sport, the socio-economic and sustainable dimensions of sport, and to encouraging greater participation in sport and health-enhancing physical activity, across the European Union.
Other items to be discussed at the EU Sports Council include the key role that self-organised sport plays in developing a physically active culture in the European population as well as the vital role of volunteers in delivering sport to all sections in society.
In addition to the formal elements of the Council, an informal debate is planned to consider how EU Member States can support women to achieve leadership positions in sport.
Speaking ahead of the EU Sports Council meeting, Minister Byrne said:
“I welcome the new EU Work Plan for Sport which is focused on many of Ireland’s policy priorities for sport, including the need to increase participation in sport and physical activity, the need to protect and strengthen the integrity and values in sport, and to recognise the socio-economic and sustainable dimensions of sport.
In response to the need to increase participation levels amongst young girls and women, a number of new policies have been introduced, in addition to significant funding provided under our Women in Sport Programme. At grassroots level in sport, I have introduced a new Similar Access Requirement which ensures that public funding will not go towards the development of sports facilities, which do not provide similar access to women and men. At sport leadership level, I have also introduced a new rule to ensure 40% gender representation on the boards of National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships is both achieved and maintained, with 50% of state funding to be withheld from National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships, until such a time as 40% gender representation is achieved. We are now seeing a consistent increase in female representation at sport leadership level year on year, with the overall percentage of women on boards standing at 45% today, compared to just 24% in 2019.
In relation to our discussion on the vital role of volunteers, I fully recognise that the Irish sporting community simply would not function, without our volunteers. In January, I joined Sport Ireland to launch a new ‘Volunteering in Sport Policy’ which advances a vision for a sports sector in Ireland that has the best volunteering culture in the world. I look forward to exchanging insights with my European colleagues on these areas of focus.”
