Jun 25, 2025
· Alliance releases 2025 Insurance Survey Findings:
o Premiums continue to rise
o Lack of trust in insurers and the legal profession
o No support for increasing awards
o Consumers yet to benefit from the reforms.
· “Government risks being seen as ‘completely out of touch’ if it approves an increase in personal injury awards that will see insurance premiums skyrocket – do they not know people just can’t afford it”
Today the Alliance for Insurance Reform publishes the findings of a significant survey it undertook with small and medium businesses, sports, community and voluntary groups in respect of their liability insurance cover in recent months. It received a very substantial 775 responses, and the findings are striking:
· Almost three quarters of respondents have seen their premium rise in the last two years, notwithstanding recent government reforms. It should also be noted that these increases are occurring at a time when the volume of claims is reducing, awards are coming down and insurance companies are making record profits.[1]
· One in five organisations have only one underwriter willing to provide insurance cover. This is a perilous state for them to be in, and we need to see rapid delivery of the government’s commitments to increase competition in the liability insurance market.
· 90% of respondents said they have not benefited from the government’s action plan on insurance reform. The last government undertook an extensive programme of reform, and it must be galling for them to see the benefits of these reforms not being shared with policyholders.
· 67% of policyholders have seen added exclusions, increased excesses or both in recent years. This essentially means people are now paying more and getting less.
· 76% of respondents said they have not had a claim in the past 2 years.
· Four out of five people believed claims were unnecessarily extended by the legal profession to increase their fees. We know from a recent Central Bank report[2] that liability awards are the same on average whether a claimant settles at the Injuries Resolution Board or via litigation. It is therefore astonishing that almost 70% of claims (equating to almost 90% of the overall value of liability claims) continue to be settled in litigation. This is an area that requires much greater examination.
· 95% of respondents did not believe insurers when they said they were passing on savings to customers.
· 93% of respondents said they did not believe it was appropriate or necessary for personal injury awards to be increased at this time. The Minister for Justice is currently poised to recommend a 17% increase in awards to Cabinet in the coming weeks, notwithstanding the fact that awards in Ireland are higher than virtually anywhere else, and he is about to do so in the context of ever rising insurance premiums. It is obvious to everyone what will happen to premiums if this increase goes ahead.
Speaking about today’s survey results grocery store owner and Alliance board member, Flora Crowe said: ‘the Government risks being seen as ‘completely out of touch’, if it approves an increase in awards that will see insurance premiums skyrocket – do they not know people just can’t afford it’.
‘It is only a few years ago that the Personal Injuries Commission found that awards here were 440% higher here than in England. The Personal Injury Guidelines brought them down a bit, but premiums have continued to go up. If they increase awards now, the Minister for Justice is guaranteeing that my premium goes up considerably. Motor insurance costs are certain to keep going up as well; I just don’t see how Ministers and TDs can support it.’
‘I run a small business like many other people, and the cost of business is already the biggest concern facing us and now the government looks set to make it worse. Where is the SME test in all of this? The increase will undo so much of the good work done on insurance reform by the last government. The findings in this survey couldn’t be clearer – I hope common sense will prevail, but I am very worried.’
The Alliance for Insurance Reform brings together 47 civic and business organisations from across Ireland including the Federation of Irish Sport, 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
1. Premium increase will not be limited to businesses, sports and community groups. Motorists will also see their premiums rise sharply in a market where premiums have been on an upward trend for at least 18 months. The Central Bank NCID report for the first half of 2024 showed a sharp rise in motor insurance premiums of 9% in just the first 6 months of last year. CSO data has tracked increases in the cost of car insurance every month since then.
2. The most recent NCID liability report from the Central Bank published in March 2025 found that premiums increased by 4% in 2023 and have increased by 17% since 2020, despite a range of government reforms. The liability market has also proven highly profitable for insurers, showing an operating profit of 13% in 2023 (2.5 times greater than international norms).
3. The same NCID liability report showed that average legal costs are less than €1,000 for cases finalised at the Injuries Board but over €23,000 once it enters into litigation, whilst awards for claimants were the same in either channel (also at €23,000). Almost 70% of cases settle in the litigation channel.
4. If we continually review upwards personal injury awards every three years and it takes two and a half years to settle a claim at the Injuries Board, claimants will simply hold on a few months and bring their case into litigation. Not only will awards increase but legal fees will increase the cost of claims exponentially.
5. The Alliance for Insurance Reform brings together 47 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.
6. Please see below (and attached) infographic of today’s survey findings:
May 29, 2025
The Federation of Irish Sport hosted their Annual General Meeting on Thursday 22nd May which saw the addition of two new Board Directors, Brenda O’Donnell CEO Active Disability Ireland and Shane McArdle Coordinator Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership. The Chair thanked outgoing Board Member Graham Russell Head of Louth Sports for his 6 years of service.
Brenda has always worked and being involved in disability sport and physical activity, creating equal sporting and recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. She is a graduate from the Institute of Technology Tralee, (now Munster Technological University) and in 2001 graduated with a BSc in Health, Fitness and Leisure Studies. Through her role Brenda aims to increase the profile of Active Disability Ireland, building on the strong foundations and its vital partnerships across the sport, disability, health and community sectors. She promises to continue the strong connections and relationships that have been established over the years with all of Active Disability Ireland’s funding and supporting partners. Working closely with all team members within Active Disability Ireland her role will focus on operational effectiveness aligned to the organisations strategy, continued leadership through example under good governance, continued Influencing and challenge of local and national policy and strengthened support of the creation of choice and opportunity through direct engagement with people with disabilities.
A graduate of both DIT Cathal Brugha Street and Smurfit Business School, Shane has been working in the sports and leisure industry for over 23 years in a variety of roles and sectors. His previous roles include those in the fitness industry, leisure consultancy and sports facility management. Having taken the role of Coordinator in Dun Laohaire Rathdown Sports Partnership in 2008, he now collaborates with a range of partner organisations to increase participation in sport and physical activity across all age groups and abilities in the County. While a large proportion of his time would be spent in leadership and planning, he is also heavily involved in managing a range of events and initiatives around getting people out and active in whatever form that takes. Shane is also a long-standing Director in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Volunteer Centre.
May 29, 2025
The Federation of Irish Sport hosted an engaging high-level briefing in the AV Room of Leinster House on Wednesday 28 May, aimed at informing elected representatives of the critical structural and financial challenges facing Ireland’s sporting sector. The event hosted by Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn was very well attended by elected public representatives and their officials.
Following the briefing Deputy James Geoghegan TD raised the question of investment in sport with Minister McConalogue.
FIS called for:
- An introduction of guaranteed year-on-year increases in newly proposed multi-annual funding model
- An establishment of a national pay framework for the professional sports workforce
- An implementation of a new1% betting levy to fund grassroot sport programmes
Sport in Ireland delivers significant public, economic, and social value, the Federation outlined a series of policy recommendations to ensure the sustainability and growth of the sector. Key voices from Ireland’s sports leadership who supported the call for action, included:
- Sarah Keane, CEO, Swimming Ireland
- Hamish Adams, CEO, Athletics Ireland
- Peter Sherrard, CEO, Olympic Federation of Ireland
- Stephen McNamara, CEO, Paralympics Ireland
Current State of Play
The current core funding model has been eroded by inflation and rising compliance costs, limiting the capacity of sports organisations to plan and scale. While Budget 2025’s 4% increase was a welcome step, it remains insufficient. The Federation welcomes the Government’s move to multi-annual funding from 2026 but insists that this funding must grow progressively to ensure stability and impact.
The Irish sports sector relies on a professional workforce. To sustain and grow the sector’s workforce, the Federation is calling for:
- A national pay framework
- A Sports Exemption Scheme, modelled on the Artists Exemption scheme.
In regard to the implementation of a new 1% betting levy to fund grassroot sport programmes, there are examples of European approaches to this, namely in France and Portugal, where levies directly fund sport infrastructure and programming at all levels. In 2023, the existing 2% betting levy generated €103 million. A new 1% levy could provide an additional €50 million annually for sport development and participation.
Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor said: “In order to secure the future of sport in Ireland and ensure we reach the 60% participation target set out in the National Sports Policy, we need decisive and sustained action from Government. We are calling for annual increases in core funding to reflect inflation and the real costs of the business of sport. A new 1% betting levy could provide an estimated additional €50 million annually for sport development and participation. We also need to recognise and reward the workforce that keeps our sector moving by introducing standardised pay scales and implementing a Sports Volunteer Exemption Scheme. We welcomed the opportunity provided to talk directly to elected public representatives today and I would like to thank Senator Ní Chuilinn for hosting this important sector representation and my colleagues in sport for their contribution.”
May 28, 2025
Sunday Independent, 25th May 2025, by Cliona Foley
With all the petrodollars, gargantuan salaries, pay-per-view TV deals and prize pots sloshing around professional sport right now, it is easy to feel like business’ is becoming the new dirty word of this arena. Last week’s confirmation that Ireland will play France in a men’s Six Nations game on a Thursday next year so broadcasters can concentrate on the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics the following day feels like another victory for commerce over the paying punter. It is all a far cry from the jumpers for goalposts purity that so many of us idealise and yet the business of sport doesn’t need to stand for over-inflation or grotesque greed.
Business, with a small ‘b’, remains the lifeblood without which grassroots sports cannot thrive. Nowhere was that clearer than at the eighth annual Irish Sport Industry Awards last week, an event that rewards innovation and collaboration within members of the Federation of Irish Sport (FIS) and Irish business.
There is always some irony that the venue is a former bank, now a glitzy Dublin hotel, given that most of those present, especially the many captains of the Irish sports industry, work in not-for-profits.
Governing bodies (NGBs) exist not to make money but to further their sport. They are answerable solely to their members, not share holders. The FIS is an umbrella organisation for 81 NGBs — from big hitters like the Olympic and Paralympic Federations down to the minnows like the Coarse Fishing and Horse
Shoe Pitching Associations — plus 29 Local Sports Partnerships. An independent advocacy group, it is the key intermediary between many Irish sporting bodies and government, publicising sport’s economic and social capital and campaigning for reform of structures and funding.
FIS CEO Mary O’Connor threw out plenty of impactful figures on the night. Irish sport employs 64,000 people, is estimated to be worth €3.7 billion annually to the economy and savings of over half a billion for our health services. The FIS represents sporting bodies whose 1.47m club members provide the backbone of Irish sport by volunteering, so the benefits of sport cannot just be quantified by profit and loss columns. “Beyond the balance sheet, sport is the social glue that keeps our country together,” O’Connor stressed.
Many of the night’s winners put flesh and blood and humanity into the cheques and balances, hammering home how investment in sport, whether from government or private industry, helps to change lives. The winner of the inclusivity award was a brilliant collaboration between the Donegal Sports Partnership and local domestic violence services which is empowering some of the county’s most marginalised women and children through sport and physical activity.
What started out with a pilot group of 12 has already had 88 participants. Many of them had no previous access to sport due to cost, transport, fear or self-esteem issues. How impactful is this initiative? It has a remarkable retention rate of 100 per cent. Another winner was Canoeing Ireland’s ‘PaddleAble’ programme, which trains its coaches to support paddlers with additional needs, has a partnership with the National Rehabilitation Hospital and was described as “a beacon for inclusive sport.”
Badminton Ireland seemed genuinely shocked to win National Governing Body of the Year for its growth and inclusivity among ethnic minorities and first-generation Irish.
The Mayo Sports Partnership won an award for their Better Balance Programme, which trains older people to retain and improve their balance; a collective, practical health initiative that first started in Cork, now applies in four other counties and targets a demographic that is far too often an afterthought when
ever sport is mentioned.
The night’s Outstanding Achievement award went to Matt English who recently stepped down after 17 years as CEO of Special Olympics Ireland. Getting three government ministers, 20 TDs and five senators to attend was quite the catch and demonstrative of sport’s phenomenal pulling power. Politicians, like big
business, love sport for its populist appeal and feel-good occasions but, once again, they heard the FIS ask for more core funding; the money that pays for people, not pitches and buildings.
Last year, in its pre-budget submission, the FIS pleaded for this to be ‘multi-annual’, allowing sports to plan programmes and recruit talent much more strategically with the security of knowing what their budget will be for several years. It also sought VAT relief for sporting bodies and tax relief for donations;
suggested an Employee Exercise Scheme (like the bike-to-work initiative but for gym membership) and an increase in Ireland’s betting levy which, it suggested, could be ring-fenced to create the kind of multi-sport, community facilities that operate so well in other countries.
The Government agreed to multi-annual funding, but while a three-year cycle has been posited that has not actually been agreed or formalised yet.
The FIS pleas for tax exemptions for certain levels of sporting organisations and tax relief on donations was also successful, vitally increasing the possibility of more philanthropic donations. The Government also increased overall core funding in 2024 by four per cent to €31m, but the FIS argues that didn’t even mitigate the cost of rampant inflation or the standards of governance, compliance and safety their members must increasingly meet. What is noticeable is how this type of funding is completely dwarfed by government’s allocations for capital projects. In 2024 this was €429m, with €173m for major sports building projects, €230m to community infrastructures and €26m for equipment. There has been surprisingly little debate on this imbalance.
That emphasis on building was understandable when Ireland was so behind the curve with facilities, but a lot of bricks and pitches have been funded in the last two decades, from the impressive and ever-expanding Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin to multiple pitches and club facilities across the country.
Why the government funds facilities so disproportionately is not clear. Is it because it is the most measurable form of ‘bang for buck’? Is it because the construction of capital projects provides significant revenue returns? Or could it be that a shiny new building and official ribbon-cutting is the most visible and tangible proof of a politician’s loyalty to their constituents?
It might be a bit of all three, but what are buildings and facilities without great people? It is the work of visionary people, creative collaborations and invaluable
community leaders that is consistently showcased at the FIS awards. Business can equally be visionary. Just last week, Allianz and the Olympic Federation announced a new schools tour’ initiative at the Sport Ireland Campus which, in the wake of record success in Paris, will surely further inspire the nation’s children. Yet last December the Judicial Council proposed an overall increase of 16.7 per cent in damages for personal injuries, something that, if passed in the Oireachtas, will directly affect sports clubs and organisations.
The FIS feels strongly that it’s time for the government to invest more in people; to help NGBs harvest the compost gold that grows every Irish sport from the ground up (volunteers) and develop, funnel and retain their top talent (coaches and administrators) in high performance. When it recently surveyed its members about their biggest challenges in retaining staff, 83 per cent of respondents said it is not being able to provide them with a pension plan.
All this and much more is part of the great tapestry, but complicated daily business at sport’s coalface in this country.
GOVERNMENT FUNDING TO SPORT IN 2024
●- €230m Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF, for facilities & equipment) *
● ●- €173m Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF)*
● ● – €28.7m Core Funding (€17.3m national governing bodies, €11.4m Local Sports Partnerships).
● ●- €27m High Performance Sport
● ● – €6m Dormant account funding to other initiatives
● ●- €4m Women in sport
* Both of these figures cover more than one year. The Department says the current focus is on delivering projects already approved and that the next
round of funding should be announced in 2026.
**The Federation of Irish Sport also received €135,
May 21, 2025
- Celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact across Irish sport.
The Federation of Irish Sport proudly hosted the 2025 Irish Sport Industry Awards last night for the 8th annual gathering, recognising outstanding achievements across the Irish sport sector. Held in Dublin and attended by industry leaders, sponsors, and government representatives, the ceremony celebrated innovation, leadership, and excellence in sport on and off the field.
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, who commended the shortlisted finalists, winners and all those working in sporting organisations for their vital role in shaping Ireland’s sporting future.
Outgoing Special Olympics Ireland CEO Matt English is presented with the Outstanding Achievement in Sport Award by Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Charlie McConalogue TD
One of the special moments was the presentation of the Outstanding Achievement for Contribution to Irish Sport Award to Matt English, who recently stepped down after 17 transformative years as CEO of Special Olympics Ireland. His leadership has impacted thousands of athletes and families across the country, helping to create a more inclusive sporting landscape.
Other individuals honoured included Neasa Russell, who received the KPMG Women in Sport Award for her visionary leadership within Paralympics Ireland and wider advocacy for gender equity in sport. Meanwhile, Hazel Nolan, Senior News & Sports Broadcaster at FM104, was honoured with the Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award, recognising her decades-long dedication to spotlighting Irish sport across multiple platforms.
The coveted title of National Governing Body of the Year went to Badminton Ireland. Emerging from the challenges of the pandemic, Badminton Ireland’s 2022-2028 strategic plan has driven remarkable growth and inclusivity, with membership rising to over 17,300—including 23% from ethnic minorities or first-generation Irish and affiliated clubs increasing to 420.
Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn in conversation with MC Sean O’Rourke during the Irish Sport Industry Awards 2025 at College Green Hotel in Dublin.
Mayo Sports Partnership was awarded the Local Sports Partnership of the Year, who have delivered measurable health outcomes, fostered community engagement, and strengthened links between sport and healthcare through a shift toward preventative, community-based physical activity.
The evening also featured two engaging conversations highlighting the power and potential of Irish sport beyond the field of play. Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn sat down with MC Sean O’Rourke for a fireside conversation to reflect on her journey from RTÉ to the Seanad, sharing insights on sport, advocacy, and public life. This was followed by an insightful panel discussion where Minister Alan Dillon TD, Jill Downey, and Peter McKenna explored sport’s growing economic impact and Ireland’s global opportunity as a host nation for major international events.
Minister Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Sport and Postal Policy TD, said, “‘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. I would like to extend my congratulations to the Federation of Irish Sport for the hosting of these awards for what is the 8th time. 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.”
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor praised the award winners, saying: “This year’s winners reflect the diversity, strength, and heart of Irish sport. From innovation in business to community-driven inclusion, each honouree is helping build a stronger and more impactful sporting ecosystem. We’re especially proud to recognise leaders like Matt English, whose legacy reminds us why we do this work.”
The Federation thanks all sponsors, partners, and guests for making the 2025 Awards a memorable celebration of Irish sporting excellence.
2025 Irish Sport Industry Award Winners
| Category |
Presented by |
Winner |
| Best Commercial Partnership in Sport |
Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership |
Athletics Ireland and 123.ie |
| Best Use of Communications Platform in Sport |
Future Ticketing |
IRFU, Irish Rugby+ in partnership with WiiStream |
| Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity |
Opel Ireland |
Basketball Ireland, SOCIA-Ball |
| Best Initiative to Promote Diversity & Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity |
A&L Goodbody |
Donegal Sports Partnership,
Sport 4 Empowerment and
Canoeing Ireland, PaddleAble |
| Local Sports Partnership of the Year |
Clann Credo |
Mayo Sports Partnership |
| National Governing Body of the Year |
Marsh |
Badminton Ireland |
| Best New Sports Business of the Year |
Sport Ireland |
Hexis |
| Best Sports Business of the Year |
Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet |
ClubSpot |
| KPMG Women in Sport Award |
KPMG Ireland |
Neasa Russell |
| Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year |
Association of Sports Journalists Ireland |
Hazel Nolan |
| Outstanding Achievement for Contribution to Irish Sport |
Federation of Irish Sport |
Matt English |
May 9, 2025
The Federation of Irish Sport is thrilled to unveil the shortlist of finalists for the much-anticipated 2025 Irish Sport Industry Awards. Set to take place on Tuesday, 20th May at the prestigious College Green Hotel in Dublin, this event promises to be an exciting evening celebrating the power and impact of sport across Ireland.
With 11 award categories shining a spotlight on excellence in innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, the Irish Sport Industry Awards highlight the individuals, businesses, and organisations who are shaping the future of Irish sport. Today, eight competitive categories have been announced (see below for the list of nominees).
The night will also see the unveiling of three coveted individual honours for the Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award, KPMG Women in Sport Award and the Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award, as chosen by the Association of Sports Journalists Ireland
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said, “The Federation is delighted to host the 8th 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 health, education, social integration, tourism and economic growth. These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the multibillion value of the sport sector to the Irish economy and celebrate the work of the more than 64,000 people employed within the sector.”
Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship & Sustainability Officer, Core and Chair of the Judging Panel commented, “My fellow judges and I were blown away by the innovative, dedicated, and progressive work happening across sport right now. I want to thank the judges for taking such care and attention, reviewing every entry in detail. Many of the categories were so difficult to call with multiple worthy winners. It’s an exciting time to be part of a vibrant and thriving sports industry.”
2025 Finalists
Best Commercial Partnership in Sport, presented by Dublin City Sports & Wellbeing Partnership
- Ladies Gaelic Football Association and TG4, Lidl Ireland
- Olympic Federation of Ireland and Flogas
- Paralympic Ireland and Nestlé Cereals
- Athletics Ireland and 123.ie
Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport, presented by Future Ticketing
- Leave No Trace Ireland, Love This Place
- IRFU, Irish Rugby+ in partnerships with WiiStream
- Athletics Ireland, Irish Runner Magazine
- Football Association of Ireland, League of Ireland
Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity presented by Opel Ireland
- Mayo Local Sports Partnership, ‘Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini Marathon’
- Basketball Ireland, SOCIA-Ball
- Athletics Ireland, The Girls Squad
- Badminton Ireland, BadminTEEN
Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity presented by A&L Goodbody
(by a Local Sports Partnerships)
- Laois Sports Partnership, Translation of Safeguarding 1 Training into Ukrainian
- Wicklow Sports Partnership, Urban Outdoor Recreation
- Wexford Sports Partnership, Nature Walker app
- Donegal Sports Partnership, Sport 4 Empowerment
Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity presented by A&L Goodbody
(by a National Governing Body)
- Cycling Ireland, Project Moljnir
- Canoeing Ireland, PaddleAble programme
- Irish Wheelchair Association Sport, Treaty Rollers multi-sport club
- Football Association of Ireland, Cairdeas Cup Festival
Local Sports Partnership of the Year, presented by Clann Credo
- Fingal Sports Council
- Mayo Sports Partnership
- Laois Sports Partnership
- Leitrim Sports Partnership
Governing Body of the Year, presented by Marsh
- Badminton Ireland
- Athletics Ireland
- Basketball Ireland
- Squash Ireland
Best New Sports Business of the Year, presented by Sport Ireland
- Skippio
- Hexis
- KineMo
- Sports Impact Technologies
Best Sports Business of the Year, presented by Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet
- WiiStream
- Irish American Events Ltd. (IAEL)
- ClubSpot
- Quiz Wizards
To be announced on the 20th May 2025 at the awards ceremony:
- Jimmy Magee FIS/Association of Sports Journalist Ireland Sports Coverage of the Year Award
- KPMG Women in Business in Sport Award
- Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award
Behind the Judging: Meet the Experts
- Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship & Sustainability Officer, Core
- Rob Hartnett, Founder, CEO Sport for Business
- Elma Beirne, Associate Director, Talent & Marketing Representation, Wasserman Ireland
- Shane Califf, Head of the Organisational Development & Change Unit, Sport Ireland
- Maeve Buckley, Director, Leading Sport
- Ronan McCormack, Group Marketing Manager, Dalata Group Hotel
- Brenda O’Donnell, CEO, Active Disability Ireland
- Tom Fox, Co-Founder of 53Six
- Catherine Tiernan, Commercial Director, Olympic Federation of Ireland
- Stephen Bradshaw, Head of Marketing, Close Brothers Motor Finance
- Ger McTavish, Disability in Sport Lead, Sport Ireland
- Ronan Donagher, Former Head of Games Systems
