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.”
May 13, 2024
The Alliance for Insurance Reform welcomes the news today that Outsurance is to invest €160 million in its new Irish operation, creating 230 jobs over the next three years. We also want to positively acknowledge the Government and other’s role in attracting Outsurance to the Irish market.
At a time when motor premiums are increasing month on month, the added competition Outsurance brings to this and the home insurance market is very welcome. The liability sector in urgent need of greater competition as premiums continue to spiral.
Ireland has become a much more attractive destination in which to provide insurance thanks to the range of Governmental reforms that have been introduced. Increasing competition is a key means by which these reforms translate into lower premiums and greater access to cover, particularly in the liability sector, which urgently needs new market entrants.
Despite the significant reduction in the volume of claims and size of awards, liability premiums continue to spiral for businesses, sports, arts, community and voluntary groups. It is impossible to justify these increased costs placed on struggling businesses and other organisations, at a time when a recent Central Bank Report (NCID, 2022) showed that insurer profits increased by 55% in 12 months. New competition in the liability market is urgently needed to help arrest this gross unfairness.
The Alliance for Insurance Reform brings together 46 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: contact@insurancereform.ie or Alliance CEO, Brian Hanley at 086 8620 974.
May 9, 2024
Record Funding for Sports Equipment Announced
Ministers Catherine Martin and Thomas Byrne announce over €26m in equipment grants to sporting organisations nationwide
- Total allocation represents largest-ever funding for sports equipment under Sports Capital and Equipment Programme
- Further funding for capital works, including those with an equipment component, to be confirmed later
Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Thomas Byrne T.D., Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, have announced over €26 million in equipment grants under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (‘SCEP’).
The allocations announced today under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme are in response to equipment-only applications which sporting organisations submitted. Over 900 sports groups were successful in their applications for various types of equipment which will be of practical benefit to multiple sports organisations, their members and athletes across Ireland.
Further allocations under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, including those for capital works, and capital works tied with an equipment component, will be announced later.
Minister Martin said: “Our sporting organisations are at the heart of our communities providing opportunities to people to participate in healthy activities and to enjoy the successes of their local teams and sporting heroes. I am delighted to confirm the largest ever allocation of grants for equipment under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. The significant funding announced today will assist a vast range of sporting organisations around the country and be a great source of support to local teams on and off the field of play. Minister Thomas Byrne and I are committed to providing continued supports to sporting organisations to increase participation in sport in communities across Ireland. I am confident that the revised allocations under the National Development Plan will also allow for significant funding to be allocated for capital works when the necessary assessments of applications are completed.”
Minister Thomas Byrne said: “The diversity of organisations which will receive this record level of sports equipment funding illustrates the passion and interest that we have as a nation for sport in all its forms. The work done on a voluntary basis throughout the country in sports organisations is invaluable and it is only right that the Government plays its part in facilitating sporting participation and excellence across the country. In an Olympic year it is appropriate that we illustrate the Government’s commitment to sport and participation through strong investment in the facilities and equipment needed. I look forward to confirming further capital funding for the sport sector under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.”
May 3, 2024
• Funding available for investment in barrier-free outdoor sport infrastructure
• Fund focused at increasing participation in local community settings
• Fund open to applications from the network of Local Sports Partnerships nationwide from today until Friday, 21 June
The Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne T.D., has today (Friday, 3 May) launched a new sport investment fund, the ‘Participation Nation Outdoor Fund’, for the purchase and installation of permanent sport equipment that can be placed on public land for community use.
In line with the Programme for Government target of reaching 60% overall participation in sport by 2027, the fund is designed to spur physical activity in local community settings by supporting Local Sports Partnerships with the development of sport projects on publicly-accessible land.
The fund will be overseen by the Department and administered by Sport Ireland with applications open to the network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships. (‘LSP’). A minimum of €70,000 will be available to each LSP for the purposes of installing barrier-free sports infrastructure on publicly-accessible land.
“Every person, of every ability, should enjoy the right to participate in sport and physical activity. Last week, I announced funding of up to €120m under a new round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund and this week, I am delighted to launch the new Participation Nation Outdoor Fund. From small-scale investment to large-scale investment in sport, we must always ensure that there is a participation dividend. The new sport fund that I am announcing today is very important because it will provide communities and individuals with the opportunity to be more active in barrier-free outdoor settings. This new sport fund will help us in realising the many social and health benefits that come with participating in sport and physical activity and I look forward to seeing the delivery of these sport projects around the country.”
