Mar 21, 2024
The Federation of Irish Sport welcomed the news today that the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne, announced a record investment of almost €30 million in core funding support to sporting organisations, through Sport Ireland, for 2024. €17.3 million is being invested in the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) this year, an increase of €1.3 million on the 2023 figure. Investment in the network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) has increased by €1 million, with a total investment of €11.4 million being allocated across the 29 LSPs. This is the highest ever level of Core investment into NGBs and LSPs, increasing by almost €11.9m over the lifecycle of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., said: “The National Governing Bodies of Sport and the Local Sports Partnerships are at the heart of Irish sport and are key to achieving our aim of increasing participation in sport across the population. This significant investment of almost €30 million will support the implementation of important programmes and activities across a diverse range of sports throughout the country.
The sport sector has proven itself to be a resilient and vibrant sector, continuing to deliver increased opportunities for people to participate in sport despite the challenges of recent years. The Government’s increased investment in core funding for 2024, and in recent years, will assist in ensuring the long-term sustainability of our sporting organisations.”
Speaking at the 2024 core funding investment announcement, Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne T.D., said: “The overall core funding to National Governing Bodies of Sport has increased by 60% since 2018, from levels of €10.8 million then, to €17.3 million in 2024. The continued increase in core funding for sports bodies demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting Irish sport and will ensure that sport bodies can continue to provide valuable opportunities for everyone to participate in sport, in line with our National Sports Policy.
Around the country, Local Sports Partnerships are doing excellent work in supporting participation in sport and physical activity, at local level. The investment package of €11.4 million announced today will provide continued support to the network of 29 Local Sports Partnership in their local work. The investment of €1 million to support Sport Inclusion Disability Officers at local level will also support the valuable, inclusive work that our Local Sports Partnerships undertake.”
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, Dr. Úna May, commented: “A record level of investment this year and throughout the Life Cycle of the National Sports Policy demonstrates the Government’s sustained commitment to supporting the development of a strong sport sector. Sport Ireland welcomes this additional investment and is confident the NGBs, LSPs and Funded Bodies will continue to play a vital role as we enter the latter stages of the Government’s National Sports Policy.”
Sport Ireland’s Chairperson John Foley said: “On behalf of the Sport Ireland board I would like to welcome this crucial investment which will support the continued development of sport in Ireland. Our NGBs, LSPs and Funded Bodies are better supported than ever to deliver against broader Government objectives and the importance of sport in society is very much reflected in today’s announcement.”
Details of funding allocated to individual NGBs, LSPs and other sporting organisations is available at the Sport Ireland website and here on gov.ie:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/bb256-funding-allocated-to-individual-ngbs-lsps-and-other-sporting-organisations/
Mar 21, 2024
The Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, together with Minister Joe O Brien, have announced a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund.
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.
Sport Clubs are encouraged to contact their local authority for more details and to discuss potential projects to be funded under this new round of funding.
Local authorities, in collaboration with communities, will be funded to develop projects that will deliver long term benefits to those living in the areas selected.
Projects that will be funded include:
- Development or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities including play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens, allotments, and recreational areas;
- Development or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities;
- Enhancement to school/parish facilities which are open to use by all of the community after school hours;
- Purchase of equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations
- Transport infrastructure such as community vehicles
Minister Humphreys concluded by saying;
Feb 29, 2024
Outstanding Achievement Award Recipient for 2023 Announced.
The Federation of Irish Sport today recognised recipients of the 2023 Volunteers in Sports Awards, celebrating their dedication and giving freely of their time locally to make sport happen. Proudly supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships the committed volunteers from all across the country were honoured at an awards ceremony with special guest speaker Minister Thomas Byrne, Minster of State with responsibility for Sport and Physical Education presenting the 32 county awards.
In addition to the 32 county individuals being recognised, Eoin Kelly of Beech Hill Table Tennis Club in Co. Cork claimed the overall Outstanding Volunteer Award. His exceptional impact on the development of the sport of table tennis made him stand out as this year’s overall worthy winner. Eoin is a long standing member of Beech Hill Table Tennis Club in Cork city. His particular area of focus is on disability and in particular how to provide competition for people with disabilities.
The vital role of volunteers in advancing sports participation and community development cannot be underestimated or taken for granted. The economic significance of volunteering has an estimated value of €1.5 billion annually to the Irish economy. This figure underscores the immense social and economic benefits derived from the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the Irish sporting landscape.
Speaking at the awards, Minister Thomas Byrne noted; “Volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport and I am delighted to see their vital contribution recognised and celebrated by these awards. As Sport Minister, I am acutely conscious of the challenges involved with volunteering and I recently welcomed the publication of the Sport Ireland Policy on Volunteering in Sport, which sets out an ambitious vision for a sports sector with the best volunteering culture in the world. The success of Irish sport would not be possible without the many thousands of volunteers that willingly dedicate their time every week, in every part of Ireland, to help others enjoy their sport and I want to thank every volunteer for their valuable contribution.”
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor commented; “We are delighted to bring together the 2023 recipients of the Volunteers in Sport Awards from all over the country to receive their award from Minister Byrne today. Without this army of volunteers in clubs all around the country we would not have the level of grassroots participation that we do. It is important to take this time out and show our appreciation to the many unsung heroes of sport. We have heard today how sport can have such a meaningful and positive impact on our physical and mental health. And these volunteers are the conduit to providing that benefit.”
Commenting on the announcement of the list of recipients, Head of Sport, Louth LSP, Louth County Council and member of the judging panel Graham Russell stated, “The 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards serve as a reminder of the power of volunteering in sport, celebrating individuals whose unwavering dedication enriches lives, strengthens communities, and encourages a culture of active living. It was hugely rewarding to hear the stories shared here today how sport is breaking barriers, significantly benefits both our physical and mental well-being and is a vehicle for driving inclusivity and participation for all ages, abilities and demographics.”
29 February 2024; Eoin Kelly of Beech Hill Table Tennis Club, Cork with his Outstanding Achievment Award during the Federation of Irish Sport Volunteers in Sport Awards at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown, Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***
Outstanding Achievement Award Winner:
Eoin Kelly is a long standing member of Beech Hill Table Tennis Club in Cork city. His particular area of focus is on disability and in particular how to provide competition for people with disabilities. When he quickly realised that while Special Olympics offered a path to disabled athletes it lacked competition. Eoin therefore established the first ever competitive league for Special Olympic athletes. Soon there were 50 clubs throughout Munster and Leinster in the league. Following on from this Eoin next set up mixed ability play in Beech Hill TTC where people with disabilities and mainstream players played together. During the Pandemic Covid halted play for many people with underlying health conditions. At Beech Hill, Eoin introduced weekly social Zoom play-from-home sessions with a coach and Special Olympic players. It was a tremendous success. Since then, Eoin has helped to grow Para table tennis in Munster, particularly for players with intellectual disability (ID). Table tennis players with ID play at Classification 11 in Paralympics. Class 11 players were not being classified in Ireland by Paralympics Ireland, so could not play in International competition. Eoin has been instrumental in changing this – introducing Classification for ID players in table tennis in Ireland. As Chairperson of Munster Table Tennis Association (mainstream and para players), Eoin has re-grown the sport in Waterford, Kerry, Tipperary, Clare, Limerick and Co. Cork. He is introducing the sport in more schools and where necessary has even sponsored tables. Eoin is a most deserving winner of our award for Cork and ultimately the Volunteers in Sport Outstanding Achievement Award for 2023.
Feb 23, 2024
Final preparations are underway for our upcoming awards, celebrating the countless volunteers who make sport happen across the country, week in week out. We are delighted to welcome back Sports Broadcaster Gráinne McElwain as the host of the 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards. An avid sports fan and proud volunteer, Gráinne is the secretary of the local basketball club Cumann Cispheile na nGael ( club for girls and boys U10 and U12). Previously she was the Oifigeach Gaeilge for local GAA club Naomh Anna Leitir Móir and served on the Coiste for 5 years.
A sports and entertainment presenter with over 15 years experience working with Sky Sports, TG4, RTÉ, and BBC, Gráinne is the current anchor of GAAGO and was the presenter of Sky Sports GAA championship coverage aswell as Ladies football Peil na mBan Beo on TG4. A native of Monaghan, she is a fluent Irish speaker and is a columnist with the Irish News and Seachtain in the Irish Independent newspapers.
We look forward to hearing from all our Volunteers and enjoying Gráínne’s warm and unique interviewing style.
22 March 2023; Michael Cox from Park Rangers AFC, Waterford, is interviewed by MC Gráinne McElwain
22 March 2023; MC Gráinne McElwain interviews Marie Thompson from Abbeyleix Hockey Club, Laois.
Feb 9, 2024
Federation of Irish Sport Announces the 32 County Award Recipients for the 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards
32 County award winners named
- Supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships
- Unprecedented entries and over 50 sports nominated
- #dedicatedtothededicated
The Federation is delighted to announces the list of recipients for the 2023 Volunteers in Sports Awards, celebrating the depth and breadth of volunteering in sporting communities nationwide. Supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships these dedicated volunteers will be celebrated at a national awards ceremony in Dublin on Thursday 29th February 2024. The invited special guest speaker is Minister Thomas Byrne, Minster of State with responsibility for Sport and Physical Education, which is testament to the commitment at government level to supporting and recognising the vital role of volunteers in advancing sports participation and community development.
With a record-breaking number of entries, the 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards have seen nominations from over 50 different sporting disciplines, highlighting the widespread impact of volunteering ranging from mass participation sports to new and emerging sports. The 32 county awards will be presented, honouring outstanding volunteers from every corner of the country who have demonstrated commitment and dedication, serving as role models within their communities and inspiring others to get involved in sports volunteering.
The economic significance of volunteering in sport cannot be overstated, it has an estimated value of €1.5 billion annually to the Irish economy. This figure underscores the immense social and economic benefits derived from the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the Irish sporting landscape.
In addition to the county individuals being recognised, anticipation will be high as one exceptional individual will be awarded with the overall Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor commented; “We are looking forward to celebrating the exceptional contributions made by volunteers in sport from all over the country. Working behind the scenes volunteers play a crucial role in fostering community engagement, promoting physical activity, and driving the success of sporting events nationwide, they are truly #DedicatedToTheDedicated. The awards promise to be yet again another remarkable event acknowledging the time and passion of those involved in sport locally and to say, ‘thank you’ for their dedication.”
Commenting on the announcement of the list of recipients, Head of Sport, Louth LSP, Louth County Council and member of the judging panel Graham Russell stated, “The 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards serve as a reminder of the power of volunteering in sport, celebrating individuals whose unwavering dedication enriches lives, strengthens communities, and encourages a culture of active living.”
FULL LIST OF 2023 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS
| County |
First |
Surname |
Club |
| Antrim |
Cathryn |
Watson |
Ballymoney Hockey Club |
| Armagh |
Ciarán |
Maguire |
O’Hanlon’s LGFA |
| Carlow |
Stephen |
Dargan |
Carlow FC |
| Cavan |
Fidelma |
Sheridan |
Cumman Na mBunscol Co. Cavan & Erne Eagles Rounders Club |
| Clare |
Claire |
Cuddihy |
Clare Comets Basketball Club and Ennis Raptors basketball Club |
| Cork |
Eoin |
Kelly |
Beech Hill Table Tennis Club |
| Derry |
Micky |
Duddy |
Ring Boxing Club |
| Donegal |
Damien |
Devine |
Deele Community Anglers |
| Down |
Arnold |
Morgan |
Banbridge Table Tennis Club |
| Dublin City |
Henry |
Gillanders |
Mount Pleasant LTC |
| Dublin DLR |
Matt |
Hanlon |
Dalkey Devils Volleyball Club |
| Dublin Fingal |
Nuala |
Garrihy |
Fencing Ireland |
| Active Dublin South |
Amanda |
Spencer |
Jobstown Boxing Club |
| Fermanagh |
Ian |
Ross |
Enniskillen Rugby Club |
| Galway |
Tony |
Stephens |
Claregalway GAA Club |
| Kerry |
Lorcan |
Murphy |
Iveragh Athletics Club |
| Kildare |
Roy |
Baker |
Irish Martial Arts & Kickboxing Ireland |
| Kilkenny |
Ashley |
Godden |
Kilkenny Swimming Club |
| Laois |
Jackie |
Byrne |
Mountrath St. Fintan’s GAA |
| Leitrim |
Mary |
McMorrow |
Manorhamilton Community Tennis Club |
| Limerick |
Wanda |
Dwane |
Mungret St Paul’s GAA Club |
| Longford |
Ben |
McCormack |
Ballymahon Vocational School |
| Louth |
Fintan |
Cooper |
Glen Magic Soccer Club |
| Mayo |
Phelim |
Halligan |
Claremorris Ultimate Kickboxing Club |
| Meath |
David |
Quinn |
Dunshaughlin Youths Football Club |
| Monaghan |
Una |
Forde |
Monaghan Harps GAA |
| Offaly |
John |
Corboy |
Birr Town FC |
| Roscommon |
Philip |
Gordan |
Lough Ree Angling hub |
| Sligo |
Simon |
Cavanagh |
GAA Handball |
| Tipperary |
Paddy |
Doyle |
Moyne Athletic Club |
| Tyrone |
Rachel |
McBride |
Riding For Disabled Omagh |
| Waterford |
Sally |
Kavanagh |
Waterford Hockey Club |
| Westmeath |
Nuala |
Lawlor |
Shoot ‘n Stars Special Olympics |
| Wexford |
Martin |
Moylan |
Dunbrody Archers |
| Wicklow |
Ruth |
McDonagh |
Bray Hockey Club |
About the Federation of Irish Sport (FIS):
Founded in April 2002, the Federation of Irish Sports was established by Ireland’s national sporting organisations to provide leadership, co-ordination, support, and direction on key issues and to represent their interests to government and its relevant agencies. FIS is the representative organisation for 110 National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) from every corner of the country, comprising over 12,000 sports clubs. Our purpose is to provide a dynamic and effective voice for Irish sport, “to support and advocate collectively for our members, empowering them to maximise the impact of sport, recreation, and physical activity for society.”
Local Sports Partnership Network
The network is made up of 29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) who are passionate about getting Ireland physically active, involved in sport and ensuring everyone in the community has the chance to be included.
LSPs play a crucial role in community engagement through sports and physical activities. With dedicated professionals and volunteers, LSPs provide tailored opportunities, impacting over 340,000 individuals annually and contributing to the well-being of Irish communities.
To find your local Sports Partnership click here. https://volunteersinsport.ie/lsps/
Feb 2, 2024
Federation of Irish Sport (FIS) were once again delighted to hots the Annual Leaders Forum on “Future-proofing Irish Sport through Policy, Partnership and Collaboration”
- Launch of new FIS Strategic Plan (2024-2029)
- Government update on National Sports Policy (2018-2027)
- Government update on Auto-enrolment Retirement Savings System
- CEO insights on Philanthropy and Sport
Dublin, February 2nd, 2024: The Federation of Irish Sport (FIS) hosted its Annual Leaders Forum on Wednesday, January 31st, 2024, at the Campus Conference Centre, National Sports Campus. Under the theme of “Future-proofing Irish Sport through Policy, Partnership and Collaboration,” the forum brought together senior management from member National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships alongside valued commercial partners of the Federation to discuss relevant topics shaping the future of Irish sport.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport opened proceedings by welcoming attendees and launching the new FIS Strategic Plan 2024-2029. The new strategic roadmap sets the course for the Federation’s activities and initiatives over the next five years, reflecting its commitment to advancing the Irish sports sector. The plan is built upon three strategic pillars aimed at driving effective member support, fostering resilience and sustainability within the Federation, and advocating purposefully for the sports sector. Full details of the plan can be found on www.irishsport.ie/policies
A key highlight of the forum were the insightful updates from both the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Department of Social Protection. James Lavelle of the Sports Policy Division of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media provided an overview of the current status on the implementation of the National Sports Policy Plan (NSP) 2018-2027. He indicated while high performance strategies and funding are on track, participation and capacity within the sector remain a top priority. Supporting the development of a sports sector workforce strategy under Action 33 of the NSP will be key to addressing the ongoing workforce challenges within the sector. It was noted that there are 1.75 million people participating in sport and physical activity regularly and recognition of the importance that #SportMatters.
Tim Duggan, Assistant Secretary General at Department for Social Protection,
James Lavelle, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Mary O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer at Federation of Irish Sport
Tim Duggan, Assistant Secretary General at the Department of Social Protection, shed light on the implications of Pension Auto-enrolment for sports sector employers and employees, emphasising the importance of financial planning and security within the industry. He outlined how the auto-enrolment process with work with up to 800,000 workers who will be automatically included in the pension scheme through existing pay roll systems. The criteria for those eligible are related to age (23-60), earnings threshold (over 20k pa) and those not already in a pension scheme. Employees meeting these criteria will be automatically enrolled and a voluntary opt-in for those outside age and income thresholds. Employers will match the employee’s contribution and there will be a State top-up. Full details of the retirement savings system coming into effect later this year can be found at www.gov.ie/autoenrolment
The forum also addressed the crucial role of philanthropy in supporting sports initiatives, with Éilis Murray, CEO of Philanthropy Ireland, provided an overview of the National Philanthropy Policy 2024-2028. She outlined how this new policy is a ‘blueprint’ for collaboration to create an enabling environment, to accelerate engagement with Philanthropy in Ireland for social good and the role the sports sector can play in this.
Dennis O’Connor, CEO of 2into3, explored the intersection of philanthropy and sport, highlighting opportunities for enhanced participation, performance, and potential within the sector. He outlined how Irish sporting organisations already actively engage in philanthropy through volunteering, sponsorship, and fundraising. He noted that at least half of Ireland’s 1m+ volunteers give their time to sporting activities. In 2021 alone, an estimated 37.3 million hours were volunteered in local sports organisations, a reflection of Irish dedication to their sporting organisations. He commented how looking ahead, the Philanthropic Pie for Sports in Ireland has the potential to be significantly larger, if given the support it requires. Ireland’s Philanthropic Pie is predicted to potentially increase to €3b within 5 Years, from €1.63bn.
Éilis Murray, Chief Executive Officer at Philanthropy Ireland
Dennis O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer at 2into3
Roundtable conversation and Q&A
The Annual Leaders Forum concluded with a roundtable conversation and Q&A on the topic of Fundraising and Philanthropy and the importance of sporting organisations being ‘donor ready’. This was moderated by Matt McKerrow Associate Consultant 2into3 and guest speakers James O’Callaghan, Performance Director Irish Sailing Association, John Feehan, CEO Basketball Ireland with expert insights from 2into3’s Director of Fundraising Rob Foley and Patricia Keenan, Director of Grant Services. Post-event the conversation continued in-depth amongst attendees over lunch.
