Jun 11, 2026
Pictured above Fine Gael representatives with Olympians Daniel Wiffen, Gráinne Walsh, Paralympian Colin Judge and members of the FIS Team.
Sport is at the heart of Ireland’s culture, communities, and national identity. As discussions begin ahead of Budget 2027, the Federation of Irish Sport continues to advocate for investment in a sector that delivers social, economic and health benefits across every corner of the country.
Last night, hosted by Senator Ní Chuilinn, we were proud to welcome Olympians Daniel Wiffen and Gráinne Walsh, alongside Paralympian Colin Judge, to Leinster House. Their achievements on the world stage showcase the power of Irish sport to unite, inspire and create national pride.
The event highlighted the importance of supporting our high-performance athletes while also recognising the volunteers, coaches, administrators and grassroots participants who are the foundation of sport in Ireland.
Thank you to all the Ministers, Deputies and Senators who joined us and reaffirmed their support for Irish sport. Together, we can ensure sport continues to enrich lives, strengthen communities and inspire future generations.
Olympic Champion Daniel Wiffen also received a warm welcome during a visit to the viewing gallery from the Ceann Comhairle.
Moments like these are a reminder of the unique power of sport to bring people together. The achievements of our athletes on the international stage inspire pride across the country, lift our spirits, and create a shared sense of joy that resonates far beyond the field of play.
Ireland celebrates its sporting heroes because their success belongs to all of us.
Jun 4, 2026
For many Irish sport’s governing bodies, membership fees, sponsorship income, competition entry fees, and education programmes form the backbone of annual revenue. However, from accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026, the revised Section 23 of FRS 102 will introduce a fundamentally different approach to how much of that income can be recognised and, crucially, when it can be recognised.
OSK is the official Audit and Accounting partner of the Federation of Irish Sport (FIS) and the preferred supplier of these services to the Federation’s members. Deirdre McDermott Audit Partner – OSK has brought the below key points to our attention and also shared a detailed article via the link below on this matter. I am sharing it with you for your information and if you need advice on the above changes or in relation OSK’s audit and accountancy services please contact us today for a direct introduction.
For Irish National Governing Bodies (NGBs), sporting charities, and representative associations with a 31 December year-end, the first financial statements impacted will be those for the year ending 31 December 2026. Organisations should begin reviewing contracts, membership arrangements, and sponsorship agreements now to understand where changes may be required and to avoid unexpected adjustments during the audit process.
Key Changes
- Revised Section 23 of FRS 102 applies to accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026.
- The new rules focus on when services are delivered rather than when cash is received.
- Membership subscriptions, affiliation fees and sponsorship agreements are likely to require the greatest attention.
- Many organisations may see increased deferred income balances at year-end.
- Early contract reviews during 2026 can reduce audit issues and unexpected accounting adjustments.
Why Does This Matter?
Many sports organisations receive income from a variety of sources, including:
- Membership subscriptions
- Club affiliation fees
- Competition entry fees
- Sponsorship agreements
- Commercial partnerships
- Coach education programmes
- Event income
- Broadcasting rights
- Licensing arrangements
See below link for article and attached graphic for article.
New Revenue Recognition Rules Under FRS 102: What Irish Sports Governing Bodies Need to Know for 31 December 2026
https://www.osk.ie/blog/posts/new-revenue-recognition-rules-under-frs-102-what-irish-sports-governing-bodies-need-to-know-for-31-december-2026/
May 25, 2026
Register Today!
Following on from our 2026 Annual Leaders Forum panel discussion earlier this year on “Foundations as a Path to Structural Resilience”, together with our Partners 2into3 and FIS members Irish Sailing Association we will be exploring the topic of Foundations further and the potential that lies overseas in “Unlocking US Philanthropy for Irish Sport”.
❓Could the United States be a viable philanthropic market for Irish sporting organisations?
📆 Join 2into3 and FIS on Tuesday, 9 June at 12:00 PM for a webinar aimed at members considering how to broaden their philanthropic horizons. We will also have, Bridget Murphy, CFRE, Principal at Graham-Pelton, one of the most established fundraising consultancies in the US, as a guest speaker.
🪙 With over three decades of fundraising leadership and an appointed seat on the New Jersey Ireland Trade Commission, Bridget brings both deep US sector expertise and an understanding of the Irish context.
The session will cover:
→ How American philanthropy works and why it differs from Ireland.
→ The realities, costs, and structures behind US philanthropic engagement.
→ What Irish sporting bodies should consider before pursuing the US market.
→ The common pitfalls — and where genuine opportunity lies.
→ Case study: We’ll also be joined by James O’Callaghan from the Irish Sailing Association, sharing their own journey and experiences to learn from, followed by audience Q&A.
🔗You are invited to register now or please share the invitation with the relevant member of your team: https://lnkd.in/egZtQGqe
May 25, 2026
At the Federations 2026 AGM, Clare McGrath concluded her term as Chairperson of the Federation of Irish Sport Board following six years of outstanding service. Clare’s leadership, commitment, and contribution to Irish sport have been greatly valued, and we are deeply appreciative of the impact she has made during her tenure. Clare is a lifelong leader in Irish water saftey and former President of Swim Ireland, where she served as Board Chairman from 2014 to 2019 to embed exemplary governance. An International ‘A’ Referee, she regularly leads World and European Championships, including directing the 2018 European Juniors in Ireland. Clare sits on the board of Water Safety Ireland as Chair of Lifesaving Sport and protects local coastlines as Clare County Council’s Water Safety Development Officer. On behalf of the Board of the Federation we wish her continued success in her contribution to Irish Sport.
We are delighted to welcome Enda Lynch CEO of Badminton Ireland to the role following his election as the new Chairperson at the AGM. We look forward to working with Enda as the Federation continues to support and strengthen Irish sport across the country. Prior to taking up the helm at Badminton Ireland over three years ago Enda was Head of Commercial & Marketing with Munster Rugby and a seasoned sponsorship manager, working across a number of sponsorships for brands both domestically and internationally for over 12 years. Under his tenure Badminton Ireland were awarded the National Governing Body of the Year award at the 2025 Irish Sport Industry Awards and in 2026 took home the award for Best Use of Communications Platform in Sport.
In addition to the appointment of a new Chair, the Federation Board of Directors also saw three new members appointed following the completion of terms by Peter O’Brien formerly of Special Olympics Ireland and David Courell CEO FAI. We would like to thank them for the time, expertise and contribution to the Federation of Irish Sport. We are delighted to welcome on board the following new appointees:
Christina Kenny
COO Football Association of Ireland
Christina Kenny is Chief Operating Officer of the Football Association of Ireland, having joined the organisation in March 2025 following almost five years serving as an Independent Expert on the FAI Nominations Committee.
Louise O’Loughlin
COO Basketball Ireland
Louise joined Basketball Ireland in 2010 and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2015. She has overseen the delivery of a number of international events, and leads operations for Basketball Ireland’s premier domestic competitions.
Adam Cox
Director of Aquatic Sports
Adam brings over 14 years of experience in Irish sport, having played a key leadership role in the development and growth of aquatic disciplines nationwide. In his current position with Swim Ireland he has been instrumental in advancing competitions, club governance, pathways, and strategic collaboration across the sector.
May 19, 2026
- Full List: 2026 Federation of Irish Sport Industry Award Winners Revealed
- Sport as Soft Power Takes Centre Stage at Federation of Irish Sport Industry Awards
- Federation of Irish Sport Honours Best-in-Class Championing Innovation, Inclusion and Sustainability
The award winners of the Federation of Irish Sport Industry Awards for 2026 have been announced with full attendance at the College Green Banking Hall. The annual awards provided a national platform where sport, diplomacy, and business converged — showcasing how Ireland can turn global sporting connections into real economic growth.
Special guest speakers on the night included a keynote address from Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD and a fireside chat with Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Minister Neale Richmond TD on “Sport as Ireland’s Global Soft Power”.
A highlight of the evening was a presentation spotlighting previous New Sports Business of the Year Award winners Field of Vision Co-Founder David Deneher. Field Of Vision enriches this experience by merging ADC with tactile technology. Their devices track on-field action and translate it into touch-based feedback, providing a more immersive, all-encompassing experience of the sport.
There were 13 award categories in total recognising commercial partnerships, use of communications, innovation, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability. The highly coveted FIS member awards for Local Sports Partnership of the Year and National Governing Body of the Year went to Meath Local Sports Partnership and Golf Ireland respectively. See below for the full list of winners.
There was much anticipation on the night as the recipient of the prestigious individual honour for Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Irish Sport was awarded to Helen O’Rourke, for her extraordinary service to Ladies Gaelic Football and to Irish sport over more than three decades. As LGFA President and, for 28 years, Chief Executive Officer, she led the Association through a transformative era of growth, professionalism and national recognition. Under her leadership, membership flourished, landmark partnerships were secured, attendances reached record levels, and the Association successfully navigated unprecedented challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic.
The KPMG Women in Sport Award recognised Moira Aston who has demonstrated transformational leadership through strategic governance, inclusion, and international influence in paddle sports. Since becoming CEO of Canoeing Ireland in 2018, she has led major modernisation efforts, delivering stronger governance, gender-balanced leadership, and award-winning initiatives.
The Jimmy Magee (ASJI) Sports Coverage of the Year Award was presented to Greg Allen, who joined the RTE radio sports department in 1984, has since become one of the most recognisable and trusted voices in Irish sports broadcasting, from covering multiple World and European Championships, and Olympic Games to reporting on all our Irish Major golfing triumphs.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport addressed attendees saying: “The Federation is delighted to host the 9th annual Irish Sport Industry Awards, recognising and rewarding excellence in the business of sport and entrepreneurship and the immeasurable work being done by our National Governing Bodies in Sport and the National Network of Local Sports Partnerships.
Ireland is a nation where sport and physical activity are deeply woven into our national identity. Today, the Irish sports industry stands as a powerful economic engine, a global innovation hub, and a vital cornerstone of our social fabric. We gather tonight to formally recognise this immense impact and to map out our future through targeted innovation, public-private investment, and unprecedented global connection.
Sport a high-return investment in Ireland’s health, economic prosperity, and global diplomatic reputation. By seamlessly merging record government backing with robust corporate sponsorship, and anchoring traditional sporting passion to cutting-edge technology, we guarantee a healthier, more competitive future for all. Together, let us continue to champion, fund, and elevate Irish sport at every level, both here at home and across the globe.”
Speaking at the awards Minister McConalogue said; “I would like to extend my congratulations to the Federation of Irish Sport for the hosting of these awards for what is the 9th time, and to also acknowledge and applaud all of those shortlisted. Government understands the significance of sport in Irish life and we are committed to supporting the sporting ecosystem so more people can participate, reap the benefits of sport, and fulfil their potential – from grassroots right up to high performance level.
For Ireland, sport is a powerful point of connection in the community and is a vital cog in the economy where sport and sport-related activities support over 64,000 full-time equivalent jobs, over 2.8% of the overall level of employment in Ireland, stimulates over €3.3 billion in household spending and is worth in excess of €3.7bn (GVA). Furthermore, sport and physical activity are also good for people’s mental and physical health, and it is a valued tool for building communities and relationships, fostering integration and growth.
The Irish Sport Industry Awards are an important means of showcasing and celebrating the consistent excellence on display in the sports industry in the country. They are a recognition of the close collaborative relationship between sport and business. Looking across all of the finalists for these awards it is easy to see the incredible range of talent and expertise at play, and it gives an insight into the quality of programmes currently on offer throughout the country, and the drive to improve and innovate.”
2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards – Winners
Best Commercial Partnership in Sport sponsored by Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership
- FAI and Sky Ireland Bound by Belief
Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport & Physical Activity sponsored by MWX Media Ltd.
- Badminton Ireland & Sport Narrative AIG VICTOR Irish Open
Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport sponsored by MyWaste.ie
- Golf Ireland Drive The Green
Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport & Physical Activity sponsored by Sport Ireland
- Special Olympics Transforming Lives Through Sport
Best Initiative to Promote Diversity, Equality & Inclusion in Sport & Physical Activity
- Virgin Media, PHD & Diageo Ireland Audio Description (AD), Irish Sign Language (ISL), and inclusive production
Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity
- Athletics Ireland Girls Squad Programme
Best New Sports Business of the Year
- Sports Impact Technologies
Best Sports Business of the Year
Local Sport Partnership of the Year
National Governing Body of the Year sponsored by Marsh Insurance
Individual Award Winners:
- Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award, presented by the Federation of Irish Sport Helen O’Rourke, LGFA former CEO
- KPMG Women in Sport Award, sponsored by KPMG Ireland Moira Aston CEO Canoeing Ireland
- Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award, in partnership with the Association of Sports Journalists in Ireland Greg Allen, RTÉ Sport
Meath Local Sports Partnership
Meath LSP has demonstrated outstanding leadership in increasing participation through inclusive programming, strategic partnerships, and strong alignment with national participation priorities. In 2025, 37,324 people engaged across 508 programmes, supported by 74 partner organisations and 29 National Governing Bodies. Participation growth was evident across all target groups, including a 23% increase in Women in Sport programmes, 1,200 students engaged through Olympic Handball school’s programmes, and over 800 adults involved in Mature Movers activities. Inclusion remains central, with a 12% increase in Sports Inclusion participation and the launch of an Inclusive Cycling Hub. Community Sports Hubs successfully reached disadvantaged areas, with 32% of participants new to activity. Strong communications generated over 2 million Facebook views, while initiatives such as Sport Uile demonstrate Meath LSP’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and long-term community impact.
Golf Ireland
In the penultimate year of delivering its ambitious Golf for Everyone Strategic Plan, Golf Ireland continued to demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation and impact across the island of Ireland. The organisation achieved record affiliated membership of 236,384 in 2025, a 30% increase since 2020 and the highest figure since Golf Ireland’s formation, while junior membership rose by 25%. Women’s participation also continued to grow strongly, with more than 40,000 women and 5,000 girls now registered within clubs nationwide. Golf Ireland has successfully broadened access to the sport through initiatives such as iGolf, which attracted more than 4,900 subscribers and generated significant revenue for clubs while creating a proven pathway into membership. At club level, the organisation strengthened volunteer supports, launched new governance and business resources, and invested heavily in junior development and inclusion programmes. Its leadership in sustainability, equality and accessibility has also set a strong example for sport in Ireland, with major progress through Women in Golf Charter, Golf4All and Drive the Green initiatives. Operating with finite funding, a staff of 53 and a strong volunteer network, Golf Ireland continues to deliver measurable national impact through strategic vision, strong governance and a commitment to growing the game for everyone.
