Federation Launch 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards, including two new categories

Federation Launch 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards, including two new categories

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.

Federation of Irish Sport Announces Prime Awards as Official Supplier to its National Awards Ceremonies

Federation of Irish Sport Announces Prime Awards as Official Supplier to its National Awards Ceremonies

Pictured above: Clare Louise O'Donoghue Head of Commercial and Marketing FIS, Mary O'Connor CEO FIS, Jenny Fogarty Director of Sales and Marketing Prime Awards, John Lee Business Development Manager Prime Awards

The Federation of Irish Sport has announced a new partnership with Prime Awards as the Official Supplier to its two flagship annual celebrations — the Volunteers in Sport Awards and the Irish Sport Industry Awards.

Under the partnership, Prime Awards will design and produce the medals, trophies and branded merchandise that recognise excellence across both events, celebrating the individuals and organisations who contribute to the success of Irish sport.

The Volunteers in Sport Awards honour the vital contribution of volunteers across the country, whose efforts underpin community sport and are estimated to contribute €1.5 billion in economic value to the Irish economy each year.

   

 

The Irish Sport Industry Awards recognise the organisations and leaders driving Ireland’s growing sports sector, which contributes €3.7 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy and supports almost 65,000 jobs nationwide.

Established in 1939, Prime Awards is an Irish family-run business and the nation’s leading supplier of trophies, awards and promotional branded goods. Bringing together the heritage of MMI, Lee Brothers and Bright Promotions, the company combines more than 200 years of expertise in recognition and branding.

Based in Dublin, Prime Awards continues to design and manufacture in Ireland, serving clients across government, education, sport and corporate sectors. With modern facilities and a passionate team rooted in tradition, Prime Awards proudly carries a shared legacy forward while delivering excellence in quality, service and innovation.”

Speaking on the announcement Mary O’Connor CEO Federation of Irish Sport said, “This partnership will ensure that the achievements celebrated through the Volunteers in Sport Awards and the Irish Sport Industry Awards are marked with bespoke awards custom made by the skilled professionals at Prime Awards that reflect the pride, dedication and excellence of Irish sport. Their branded merchandise will elevate our awards ceremonies, conferences and increase FIS branding visibility.”

John Lee Business Development Manager of Prime Awards stated, “As Official Supplier to the Federation of Irish Sport, Prime Awards will play a key role in helping recognise the individuals from grassroots volunteers to national and industry leadership, whose contributions help shape Irish sport at every level. We are honoured to create the awards and promotional goods that celebrate dedication, performance and achievement at every level of Irish sport.”

Federation of Irish Sport Celebrates Volunteers in Sport from 32 Counties, Championing Community Spirit, Dedication and Participation

Federation of Irish Sport Celebrates Volunteers in Sport from 32 Counties, Championing Community Spirit, Dedication and Participation

Garry Mc Gillion (Co. Tyrone) receives Outstanding Achievement Award

Federation of Irish Sport Celebrates Volunteers in Sport from 32 Counties, Championing Community Spirit, Dedication and Participation

The Federation of Irish Sport, supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships celebrated 36 recipients of the 2025 Volunteers in Sport Awards, recognising one individual from every county in Ireland for their exceptional commitment to enabling sport and physical activity thrive in their local sports club and communities. Attending the awards to pay special tribute to the volunteers was Minister Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy who gave the keynote address.

  • 32 countywide celebration of volunteers in sport at annual awards ceremony, supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships.
  • Awards honour contribution of Ireland’s 460,000 volunteers across all sports.
  • Contribution of volunteers estimated to be in excess of €1.5billion annually.

In addition to celebrating the 32 county individuals, Co. Tyrone’s Garry Mc Gillion was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award. Garry’s boxing journey began as a young competitor, but his career was tragically cut short following the Omagh Bombing in 1998. Despite the trauma and personal loss, Garry redirected his passion into lifelong voluntary service. Garry’s contribution also extends to leadership and governance through his work on the Ulster Boxing Council and the Central Council in Dublin, ensuring Ulster boxing continues to have a strong and trusted voice nationally. Garry Mc Gillion exemplifies resilience, dedication, and outstanding community spirit.

For decades, Garry has been a dedicated coach with his local club, giving 3–4 evenings each week to training and mentoring young boxers. His focus has always been about more than success in the ring, he uses boxing to help young people overcome hardship, build resilience, confidence, discipline, and achieve their personal best in sport and in life.

Speaking at the awards, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy commented: “The culture of volunteering in sport is one that we have a proud tradition of in this country, and so it is fitting that we celebrate some of the outstanding individuals and groups from all sectors of the sporting community at this event. Be it coaching teams, preparing pitches, administering timetables, driving participants to training, matches or competitions, none of it happens without the dedication of volunteers.  I want to wish all of the nominees the very best of luck, and to thank them, and the wider volunteering community, for all of their contributions to sport around the country.”

Speaking about the significance of the awards, Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, said: “The Federation of Irish Sport is delighted to honour the extraordinary volunteers who dedicate their time, passion, and energy to supporting sport and physical activity across Ireland. Their commitment not only enriches Irish sport but also strengthens communities nationwide.

“Their dedication is worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy each year. These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the immense scale of volunteering required each week to support 1.47 million club members throughout the country.”

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the driving force behind sport in Ireland. Their contribution helps sustain clubs and communities. From coaches to committee members, officials and event helpers, their contribution helps keep people active and connected.

“Sport Ireland research highlights the sheer scale of this commitment, with hundreds of thousands of people giving their time to support sport, including more than 268,000 involved in coaching – most of them volunteering, many with children. This generosity reflects a deeply rooted culture of involvement that underpins sport right across the country.”

Shane McArdle Coordinator of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership and member of the adjudication panel said: “The National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships is delighted to come together to collectively support and promote the annual Volunteers in Sport Awards. The awards are a nationwide celebration of the grassroots activities and spirit of volunteerism that is the backbone driving sport and physical activity in our communities.”

Championing Community Collaboration and Lifelong Service to Sport

This year’s awards saw the introduction of an inaugural club/community award in association with Clann Credo to highlight the breadth of volunteer commitment across the country, recognising the collective impact of volunteer-led groups supporting sport and physical activity nationwide.  The provincial honourees were in Ulster: Leander ASC; Celebrating over 60 years of intergenerational volunteering. From Munster: Shannon Paddlers Kayak and Canoeing Club – Removing barriers, creating a welcoming environment and promoting “Wellness on the Water”. In Leinster: Naas Pythons Special Olympics Club – Founded in friendships, prospering through empowerment. From Connacht: Moyne Villa Football Club and Community Grounds – The power of volunteers and community resilience. Details of each club can be found on the event website.

The inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Tony Davitt, which recognised six decades of dedication and service as a highly respected legend in Irish boxing. Known for his decades-long dedication as a coach, mentor and community sporting figure starting out at Julianstown Boxing Club and Phoenix of Ballyboughal Boxing Club where he currently trains the next generations.

The Volunteers in Sport Awards are presented by:

 

See below for full list of 2025 recipients.

#DedicatedtotheDedicated

SEE BELOW FOR FULL LIST OF 2025 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS AND PROVINICAL CLUB AWARD RECIPIENTS

 

 

County First Surname Club Sport
Antrim Emma Montgomery Glens United FC FAI
Armagh Majella Crilly St Brenda’s Camogie Club Camogie
Carlow Simon Racklyeft Carlow Town Hurling and Camogie Club GAA/LGFA
Cavan Tommy McMahon Belturbet Rowing Club Rowing
Clare Tom Loughnane St Cronan’s Athletics Club Athletics
Cork Kelly Fitzgerald Owenabue Special Olympics Special Olympics Gymnastics
Derry  Philip Johnston Derry City FC FAI
Donegal Fergus McAteer Mulroy Academy FC FAI
Down Kathryn Wylie Leander Swimming Club Swimming
Dublin City Sports & Wellbeing Ger Redmond Coolock Running Club (CRC) Athletics
Dublin Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown Patrick Finnerty Cabinteely Athletic Club Athletics
Dublin Fingal Declan Harte NAC Masters SC Swimming
Active South Dublin Patsy Kelleher Dublin Lions Basketball Club Basketball
Fermanagh Daphne Greene Brookeborough Heber MacMahons Club LGFA
Galway Arun Babu County Galway Cricket Club Cricket
Kerry Debbie Quirke Kingdom Pickleball Club Pickleball
Kildare Annelies Goyarts North Kildare Basketball Club Basketball
Kilkenny Garry Kehoe Marble City Boxing Club Boxing
Laois Louise Foster Kestrels Basketball Portarlington Basketball
Leitrim Ronan Butler St Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA club GAA
Limerick David Leahy Castle United AFC FAI
Longford Tony Headon Longford Rugby Club Rugby
Louth Andrew Gallagher Castletown Belles FC FAI
Mayo Jes Gough Kilmurry Youths FC FAI
Meath Paddy Bird Stamullen Julianstown Badminton Club Badminton
Monaghan Sheila Forde Blackhill Nursery GAA
Offaly Adrian Curley Tullamore Harriers Athletics
Roscommon Anthony Shally Kilbride GAA GAA
Sligo Rory Clarke Sligo Rowing Club Rowing
Tipperary Sean Minogue Riverdale Pitch & Putt Pitch and Putt
Tyrone Garry McGillion Bishop Kelly Boxing club Boxing
Waterford Kate Ryan Tallow GAA & Camogie GAA/Camogie
Westmeath Bill Dougherty Westmeath Minotaurs American Football
Wexford John Joe Doyle DMP Athletics Club Athletics
Wicklow Lucy Mooney Hollywood GAA club GAA
Lifetime Achievement Tony Davitt Phoenix of Ballyboughal, Dublin Boxing
Ulster Club/Community Award Leander Amateur Swimming Club Swimming
Munster Club/Community Award Shannon Paddlers Kayak & Canoeing Club Paddle Sports
Leinster Club/Community Award Naas Pythons Special Olympics Club Special Olympics
Connacht Club/Community Award Moyne Villa Football Club and Community Grounds Soccer, GAA

 

 

Federation of Irish Sport Reveals 2025 Volunteers in Sport Honourees, Celebrating Exceptional Dedication and Community Service.

Federation of Irish Sport Reveals 2025 Volunteers in Sport Honourees, Celebrating Exceptional Dedication and Community Service.

Federation of Irish Sport Reveals 2025 Volunteers in Sport Honourees, Celebrating Exceptional Dedication and Community Service.

The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships recognising 36 exceptional volunteers from every county in Ireland (including four awardees from Dublin) for their unwavering dedication to sport and physical activity within their local communities.

These inspiring individuals will be honoured at a special awards ceremony on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, where Minister Charlie McConalogue TD. Minister for Sport & Postal Policy will give the keynote address.

A Nation of Sporting Volunteers

Volunteers remain the foundation of Irish sport. Each week, an estimated 460,000 volunteers give their time to support 1.47 million club members across Ireland, helping communities stay active, connected, and engaged. From coaching young athletes to managing clubs, promoting inclusion, and ensuring child safety, their contribution is vital at every level.

Honouring Those Who Keep Irish Sport Thriving

The 2025 awards attracted a record number of nominations spanning more than 49 sporting disciplines, reflecting the remarkable diversity and strength of volunteering in sport and physical activity throughout Ireland.

Championing Community Collaboration

This year’s awards see the introduction of an inaugural community award in association with Clann Credo to highlight the breadth of volunteer commitment across the country. The Club/Community Award, in association with Clann Credo will recognise the collective impact of volunteer-led groups supporting sport and physical activity nationwide, with one club from each province to be announced in this category. The recipients will be announced in the coming weeks.

A new Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising dedication over many years of service has also been introduced this year.

The event will culminate in the announcement of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award, celebrating one volunteer whose contribution to Irish sport has been truly extraordinary.

Speaking about the significance of the awards, Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, said: “The Federation of Irish Sport is delighted to honour the extraordinary volunteers who dedicate their time, passion, and energy to supporting sport and physical activity across Ireland. Their commitment not only enriches Irish sport but also strengthens communities nationwide. Their dedication is worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy each year. These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the immense scale of volunteering required each week to support 1.47 million club members throughout the country.”

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the driving force behind sport in Ireland. Their contribution helps sustain clubs and communities. From coaches to committee members, officials and event helpers, their contribution helps keep people active and connected.

“Sport Ireland research highlights the sheer scale of this commitment, with hundreds of thousands of people giving their time to support sport, including more than 268,000 involved in coaching – most of them volunteering, many with children. This generosity reflects a deeply rooted culture of involvement that underpins sport right across the country.

“But of course, volunteers do far more than just support sport; they strengthen communities, foster belonging and make participation possible. Their contribution is invaluable. At Sport Ireland we’re very proud to play a role in recognising and supporting them.”

Shane McArdle Coordinator of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership and member of the adjudication panel said: “The National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships is delighted to come together to collectively support and promote the annual Volunteers in Sport Awards. The awards are a nationwide celebration of the grassroots activities and spirit of volunteerism that is the backbone driving sport and physical activity in our communities.”

See below for full list of County recipients.

#DedicatedtotheDedicated

Brought to you by:

 

FULL LIST OF 2025 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS COUNTY RECIPIENTS

County First Surname Club Sport
Antrim Emma Mongomery Glens United FC FAI
Armagh Majella Crilly St Brenda’s Camogie Club Camogie
Carlow Simon Racklyeft Carlow Town Hurling and Camogie Club GAA/LGFA
Cavan Tommy McMahon Belturbet Rowing Club Rowing
Clare Tom Loughnane St Cronan’s Athletics Club Athletics
Cork Kelly Fitzgerald Owenabue Special Olympics Special Olympics Gymnastics
Derry  Philip Johnston Derry City FC FAI
Donegal Fergus McAteer Mulroy Academy FC FAI
Down Kathryn Wylie Leander Swimming Club Swimming
Dublin City Sports & Wellbeing Ger Redmond Coolock Running Club (CRC) Athletics
Dublin Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown Patrick Finnerty Cabinteely Athletic Club Athletics
Dublin Fingal Declan Harte NAC Masters SC Swimming
Active South Dublin Patsy Kelleher Dublin Lions Basketball Club Basketball
Fermanagh Daphne Greene Brookeborough Heber MacMahons Club LGFA
Galway Arun Babu County Galway Cricket Club Cricket
Kerry Debbie Quirke Kingdom Pickleball Club Pickleball
Kildare Annelies Goyarts North Kildare Basketball Club Basketball
Kilkenny Garry Kehoe Marble City Boxing Club Boxing
Laois Louise Foster Kestrels Basketball Portarlington Basketball
Leitrim Ronan Butler St Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA club GAA
Limerick David Leahy Castle United AFC FAI
Longford Tony Headon Longford Rugby Club Rugby
Louth Andrew Gallagher Castletown Belles FC FAI
Mayo Jes Gough Kilmurry Youths FC FAI
Meath Paddy Bird Stamullen Julianstown Badminton Club Badminton
Monaghan Sheila Forde Blackhill Nursery GAA
Offaly Adrian Curley Tullamore Harriers Athletics
Roscommon Anthony Shally Kilbride GAA GAA
Sligo Rory Clarke Sligo Rowing Club Rowing
Tipperary Sean Minogue Riverdale Pitch & Putt Pitch and Putt
Tyrone Garry McGillion Bishop Kelly Boxing club Boxing
Waterford Kate Ryan Tallow GAA & Camogie GAA/Camogie
Westmeath Bill Dougherty Westmeath Minotaurs American Football
Wexford John Joe Doyle DMP Athletics Club Athletics
Wicklow Lucy Mooney Hollywood GAA club GAA
Lifetime Achievement Tony Davitt Phoenix of Ballyboughal, Dublin Boxing

 

 

Federation of Irish Sport Names MWX Media as Official AV Media Partner

Federation of Irish Sport Names MWX Media as Official AV Media Partner

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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Record €33.36m Core Funding and New Multi-Annual Model Deliver Long-Term Certainty for Sport

Record €33.36m Core Funding and New Multi-Annual Model Deliver Long-Term Certainty for Sport

Federation CEO Mary O Connor was delighted to attend the announcement yesterday of record increases in core funding by Minister Patrick O’ Donovan and Minister Charlie McConalogue from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

  • Minister Patrick O’Donovan and Minister Charlie McConalogue announce record investment of over €33 million in core funding support to sporting organisations
  • Highest ever level of Core grant investment in sport
  • €19.5 million for National Governing Bodies
  • €12.66 million for Local Sports Partnerships
  • €1.2 million for other sporting bodies
  • New multi-annual funding model to support improved planning Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, today announced a record investment of €33.36 million in core funding support to sporting organisations, through Sport Ireland, for 2026.

€19.5 million is being invested in 57 National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) this year, an increase of €1.2 million on the 2025 figure.

Investment in Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) has increased by 5.9% compared to 2025, with a total investment of €12.66 million being allocated across the 29 LSPs.

This is the highest ever level of Core investment in sport and represents a 6.5% increase on 2025 levels and an 87.4% increase on the €17.8 million investment in 2018, when the National Sports Policy was published.

2026 marks the first year of Sport Ireland’s 3-year multi-annual funding model, a transformative development that will support improved planning, workforce stability and more strategic use of resources within sports organisations.

Speaking at the funding announcement at the Sport Ireland Campus today, Minister O’Donovan said:

“This investment represents a steadfast commitment by the Government to strengthening the foundations of Irish sport. By backing National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships, it recognises their central role in delivering participation, performance and community impact across the country. We are continuing to scale investment in participation programmes, particularly those supporting women and girls, reinforcing our commitment to further narrowing the gender participation gap in sport, and in time, to eliminate it completely. This increased funding provides the stability and support required to sustainably grow participation, and position Ireland as a leader in inclusive, high-quality sport for all”.

Minister McConalogue said:

“The work of NGBs and LSPs in advancing wider Government priorities underlines the central role sport plays in Irish society. This Core funding will strengthen investment in high-performing, volunteer-led organisations in 2026, enabling them to build capacity, enhance sustainability, and plan with confidence for the future. Crucially, it will support their continued efforts to make sport more inclusive and accessible – particularly for those facing socio-economic barriers and people with disabilities – while further expanding the reach and impact of LSPs as they empower communities, to participate in sport and physical activity”.

Speaking after the event Federation CEO Mary O Connor said

We welcome this record €33.36 million investment in core funding for sport, including the 6.5% increase on 2025 levels. This is a significant vote of confidence in the sector, recognising the pivotal role National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships play, not only in delivering on the National Sports Policy, but also in advancing broader Government priorities.

With 64% of the population now active on a weekly basis, this funding will help strengthen participation, performance, and community impact across Ireland.

Importantly, 2026 marks the first year of Sport Ireland’s 3-year multi-annual funding model, a transformative development that the Federation of Irish Sport actively campaigned for. This change will support improved planning, workforce stability, and more strategic use of resources within sports organisations, providing the certainty needed for National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships to build capacity and continue making sport inclusive and accessible for all.

I want to thank both Minister O Donovan and Minister McConalogue for their work in securing funding and look forward to working with all in government to enhance opportunities for the sector”.

To read the full press release click the link.

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/record-level-of-core-funding-for-sports-bodies-in-2026/