On Thursday May 23rd, the Federation of Irish Sport hosted its Annual General Meeting at Irish Sport HQ. The Federation is the voice of sport in Ireland and represents 110 National Governing Bodies (NGB) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSP) across the island of Ireland. The Federation places an emphasis on maintaining a transparent relationship with our members, and the AGM, is a crucial opportunity to engage and inform our members about the work the Federation is doing on their behalf.
The AGM was attended by senior leaders from across the sports sector, including NGB Chief Executive Officers, LSP Administrators and members of our board. Attendees were warmly welcomed by the Federation’s Chairperson, Clare McGrath.
Mary O’Connor, Federation of Irish Sport CEO, delivered an extensive update to attendees on the activities of the Federation. Attendees attention was drawn to the development of a new member focused strategic plan, founded on three strategic pillars; Effective and Impactful Member Supports, Purposeful Advocacy and Leadership, A Resilient and Sustainable FIS.
This strategic plan was the result of extensive consultation and engagement with members, Sport Ireland and the Department of Sport. Mary welcomed continued feedback and input from members.
It was stressed that the essential purpose of the Federation was to support its member stakeholders in the areas of Advocacy and Public Affairs, and in this area, the Federation has been exceptionally effective and dynamic. 
In 2022, Minister Thomas Byrne, was appointed to the role of Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport and Physical Activity. The Federation has developed a positive and open relationship with Minister Byrne, and Mary has consulted with him and expressed the views of the Federation’s member stakeholders on a diverse range of issues.
Mary stated that among the topics which the Federation have made representation to the government on are; core funding for NGB’s and LSP’s and resources for appropriate levels of staffing, multi annual funding, continued commitment to the National Sports Policy and action plans, taxation reform, the Gambling Regulation Bill, and insurance reform. The Federation have also campaigned on; the future of sports broadcasting, inclusion in sport, and the Draft National Philanthropy Policy.
It was noted that the Federation’s keynote annual events are not only an opportunity for the Federation to engage with its members, but also provide a platform for the Federation to be a Voice for Sport in Ireland across the national, media and local media landscape.
The Keynote events from 2023 were; the launch of the Federation’s 2024 pre-budget submission. The Volunteer in Sport Awards which celebrates the achievements and contribution of over 450,000 people who volunteer each week to make sport happen and their efforts which are worth over €1.5 billion to the Irish economy. The Irish Sport Industry Awards, which recognises the value of the sports sector to the Irish economy, in terms of the employment it provides which stands at 64,000 and a total value to the Irish economy of €3.7 billion and the Annual Leaders Forum, which provided an opportunity for Minister Byrne to meet with key industry stakeholders.
It was announced that with respect to increased external costs, outside of the control of the Federation, that it was the intention of the Federation to increase rates of membership subscription by 5% in 2025 and 2026, the CEO informed members, “saying it will allow FIS to fund a 3% increase in annual costs and strategies appropriately for the next 2 years of our strategic plan”. KPMG Ireland partner and the Federation’s treasurer, Darina Barrett, delivered a positive update on the Federation’s 2023 audited accounts.
Pictured above Board Members: Peter O’Brien, FIS Chair Clare McGrath, FIS CEO Mary O’Connor and newly appointed Board Member Moira Aston.
One highly important order of business, before the AGM was closed by Chairperson McGrath, was the election of Moira Aston, CEO of Canoeing Ireland to the Federation board representing Category D membership. We extend our best wishes to Moira in her new role and look forward to welcoming her. Following the closing of the meeting, attendees enjoyed refreshments and the opportunity to network with other industry stakeholders.