• 10 open category shortlisted finalists announced
• 3 individual awards to be revealed on the night
• Special Guest Speakers Minister McConalogue and Minister Richmond

The Irish Sport Industry Awards 2026 will be a national platform where sport, diplomacy, and business converge — showcasing how Ireland can turn global sporting connections into real economic growth. Special guest speakers on the night include Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD and Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Minister Neale Richmond TD.

Now in its 9^th year, the Irish Sport Industry Awards continue to recognise excellence across the sector, with 13 award categories shining a spotlight on innovation, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability. This year sees the introduction of two new categories: Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport, sponsored by MyWaste.ie, and Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport, sponsored by Sport Ireland, reflecting the growing importance of environmental responsibility and accessibility within Irish sport.

Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said:
“The Federation is delighted to host the 9^th 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. The continued growth of these awards, including the addition of new categories focused on sustainability and disability inclusion, reflects the evolving and positive impact of sport on Irish society. From health and education to social inclusion, tourism, and economic development, sport plays a vital role. These awards provide an important opportunity to celebrate the sector’s contribution, including the more than 64,000 people employed across Irish sport.”

Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship & Sustainability Officer, Core and Chair of the Judging Panel reflected: “My fellow judges and I were hugely impressed by the continued progression across Irish sport over the past year. The standard of entries reflected an industry embracing innovation, inclusivity, and long-term impact at every level. I’d like to sincerely thank the judging panel for their dedication throughout the process, as competition across many categories was exceptionally strong. It’s an exciting time for Irish sport, with real momentum and ambition driving the industry forward.”

2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards – Finalists

Best Commercial Partnership in Sport sponsored by Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership

• GAA and Irish Life Healthy Clubs Programme
• LGFA and Lidl Ireland #SeriousSupport
• FAI and Sky Ireland Bound by Belief
• Athletics Ireland McCabes Pharmacy Fit For Life

Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport & Physical Activity sponsored by MWX Media Ltd.

• Tennis Ireland Davis Cup & Irish Open
• Badminton Ireland & Sport Narrative AIG VICTOR Irish Open
• Basketball Ireland & Sideline Live SpotLight Her
• FAI League of Ireland “It’s a Way of Life”

Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport sponsored by MyWaste.ie

• Golf Ireland Drive The Green
• GAA Green Club Programme
• Munster Rugby A Different Approach to Impact
• Clare Local Development Company LEADER, SICAP and rural recreation

Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport & Physical Activity sponsored by Sport Ireland

• Special Olympics Transforming Lives Through Sport
• Kildare Local Sports Partnership The Kildare Inclusivity Festival
• Swim Ireland Swim Access Project
• Golf Ireland Golf4All
• Liquid therapy Making Waves Project

Best Initiative to Promote Diversity, Equality & Inclusion in Sport & Physical Activity

• Laois Sports PartnershipOutdoor Survivalist Camps
• Irish SailingWatersports Inclusion Games 
• Virgin Media, PHD M& Diageo Ireland Audio Description (AD), Irish Sign Language (ISL), and inclusive production
• Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership &Trail Criú Building Inclusive Communities Through Trail Running

Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity

• Boxing Ireland LEAP Programme
• Canoeing Ireland Bridging the Gap
• Athletics Ireland Girls Squad Programme
• Tennis Ireland Women in Tennis Programme
• Longford Sports Partnership Roma Women CVICINES & SASTO – Sport & Health Inclusion Pilot

Best New Sports Business of the Year

• Grow Sport
• Anyscor
• Colata
• Sports Impact Technologies

Best Sports Business of the Year

• ForeFront group
• FAI LOITV
• Torpey
• DB Sports

Local Sport Partnership of the Year

• Meath Sports Partnership
• Laois Sports Partnership
• Longford Sports Partnership
• Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership

National Governing Body of the Year sponsored by MarshE

• Football Association of Ireland
• Golf Ireland
• Athletics Ireland
• Special Olympics Ireland

Individual Award Winners Announced on the Night:

• Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award, presented by the Federation of Irish Sport
• KPMG Women in Sport Award, sponsored by KPMG Ireland
• Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award, in partnership with the Association of Sports Journalists in Ireland

Behind the Judging: Meet the Experts

• Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship & Sustainability Officer, Core
• Rob Hartnett, Founder, CEO Sport for Business
• 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
• Anne McCormack, General Manager Edmondstown GC, former CEO Hockey Ireland

The post Celebrating Excellence in Irish Sport: Finalists Unveiled for the 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

Overview

Reporting to the Sponsorship & Events Manager, this role supports the delivery of Team Ireland events, sponsor activations, and the Dare to Believe programme. You’ll work with internal teams, sponsors, athletes, and partners to ensure high-quality execution across multiple projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional to gain experience in sponsorship, events, and sports marketing.

Key Responsibilities

Events & Sponsorship

• Support planning and delivery of key events (e.g. Olympic Sports Awards, sponsor launches, Golf Day, Olympic Day)
• Assist with sponsor activations and partnership delivery
• Coordinate event logistics: venues, branding, accreditation, invitations, and setup
• Support event design and collateral (e.g. Canva)

Administration & Operations

• Coordinate meetings, bookings, catering, and schedules
• Manage suppliers, orders, invoicing, and payments
• Support budget tracking and maintain accurate records/documentation

Dare to Believe Programme

• Support programme delivery, including school visits and events nationwide
• Assist with Olympian Live events and ambassador activity
• Manage reporting, sponsor fulfilment, and newsletters (Mailchimp)

Skills & Experience

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Experience in events, sponsorship, marketing, or administration (sport/events sector an advantage)
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams, and digital tools
• Proactive, flexible, and solutions-focused
• Full driving licence desirable

Reporting To

Sponsorship & Events Manager

How to Apply

Send your CV to joanna@olympicsport.ie by 11 May 2026.

For more information go to Vacancy: Sponsorship & Events Executive – Team Ireland

The post Vacancy: Sponsorship & Events Executive Olympic Federation of Ireland first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

The Swim Ireland Operations Department plays a key role in the effective and compliant running of Swim Ireland. The department is responsible for organisational governance and compliance, oversight of pool operations, regional governance support, and the coordination of AGMs and Annual Reports. It supports strong governance practices, operational efficiency, and consistency across the organisation.

We are seeking an experienced Office Manager to play a central role in ensuring the smooth, efficient, and compliant operation of the department. This senior administrative role combines responsibility for the day to day running of the department, liaising with our Facility Managers,  with leadership of operational improvement projects and high-level organisational support.

The successful candidate will act as a key support to the Operations Department, oversee day-to-day office operations, and lead or contribute to projects that enhance systems, processes, and compliance across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Operations, Projects & Compliance

• Lead and support operational improvement projects, including IT hardware tracking, GDPR & IT security  compliance (overseen by our IT partners)
• Identify Operations inefficiencies and implement solutions to streamline Operations workflows and procedures.
• Maintain and improve administrative systems, workflows, and compliance monitoring processes.
• Track project progress and support timely delivery of department initiatives.
• Ensure familiarity with departmental software systems and support staff usage as required.

Office Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the department to ensure an effective, well-organised working environment.
• Act as the first point of contact for employees on office-related matters.
• Manage office supplies, equipment, and relationships with external service providers on behalf of the department.
• Act as the first point of contact for general queries and incoming correspondence.

Administrative & Management Support

• Provide high-quality administrative support to management and teams across the department.
• Plan all in-house and off-site staff events.
• Prepare and distribute reports, correspondence, presentations, and internal communications.
• Maintain accurate departmental records and documentation.
• Key stakeholder and committee administrative support as required

Finance & People Support

• Process invoices, purchase orders, and staff expense claims, and liaise with the finance team as required.
• Support onboarding of new employees, including desk setup and induction coordination.
• Provide support in coordinate staff meetings, training sessions, events, and internal communications.

Education & Experience

• Relevant qualification and significant experience in senior administration, office management, or operations roles.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience using scheduling and project management tools.
• Knowledge of the Governance Code for Sport is an advantage.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organisational, and scheduling skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail, discretion, and ability to manage confidential information.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• Flexible, proactive, and solutions-focused approach to work.

Essential Requirements

• Eligibility to work full-time in Ireland.

Remuneration and Location

• Salary commensurate of qualifications and experience
• Hours per week: 30 hours per week
• Position Tenure: 3 year fixed-term full-time contract.
• Position Location: Swim Ireland, Irish Sport HQ, Blanchardstown. Dublin 15, D15DY62 with hybrid working included in this role.

Appointment will be made subject to satisfactory:

Safeguarding and vetting requirements; and reference checks.

Applications should be made through the link below by Tuesday 12th May 2026:

Swim Ireland Office Manager

At Swim Ireland, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every element in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.  You may be just the right candidate to for this or other roles.  Swim Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

The post VACANCY: Office Manager first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

Location:
Hybrid Role to suit the other commitments for the right candidate. Office attendance
is at Irish Sport HQ, Sport Ireland Campus, D15 DY62.
Process
Closing date for applications will be 5pm on the 8th of May 2026.
Cover letter and CV should be sent by email to elynch@badmintonireland.com with the title Coach
Education and Development Officer.
First round of interviews will be conducted online. Second round of interviews will be in person.

Closing date for applications will be 5pm on the 8th of May 2026.

Cover letter and CV should be sent by email to elynch@badmintonireland.com with the title Coach Education and Development Officer.

Applications not labelled correctly may fail to be shortlisted.

The post VACANCY: Coach Education and Development Officer first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

The post VACANCY: Finance Department – Accounts Assistant first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, and Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, today announced €28.5m annual investment in the High Performance programme for 2026 that will be distributed through Sport Ireland.

This record investment will continue to support high performance athletes and the National Sports Policy’s aim of increasing Ireland’s target medal haul.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said: “Last year was a record-breaking one for Irish athletes, with a total of 127 major medals won. These results were achieved across a great number of sports and backed up by significant Government investment. Once again, we are happy to support Irish athletes by investing more funds than ever before.

“This year is a pivotal mid-way point in the LA Cycle and the delivery of the High Performance Strategy 2021-2032. Irish athletes are continuing to win medals on the world stage, and I am confident that this continued financial support will lead to further achievement at the highest levels.”

The 2026 investment of €28.5m in high performance sport is an increase on the €27m invested in 2025, and the highest-ever annual investment in high performance sport. Over €55m will be invested by the mid-way point of the Olympic/Paralympic cycle.

Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport & Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue said: “Public investment in High Performance Sport gives our athletes the best possible chance of performing strongly at the highest level, which is why we are investing €28.5m through Sport Ireland over 2026.

 “The significant increase in High Performance Sport funding over many years demonstrates the government’s continued commitment, in collaboration with Sport Ireland, to support our athletes as they continue to strive for success.” 

Funding to athletes in 2026 has increased by €600,000 from last year. In 2026, Sport Ireland will invest €4.75m in the International Carding scheme and Player Funding Scheme. This funding allocation will cover all elements of the Scheme, including 139 individually funded athletes, nine pool funding and relay allocations, the Athlete Career Transition Programme, Player Funding Scheme, and reserves.

Sport Ireland will reintroduce two-year Carding awards in 2027 and 2028, which means 2026 will be a key year for athletes to achieve criteria and secure this multi-annual funding award.

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “I’d like to thank the Government for their generous backing of the High Performance system. This year is a pivotal mid-way point in the LA Cycle and the delivery of the High Performance Strategy 2021-2032. Strong foundations have already been laid down and now the high performance system is entering a critical moment to build on this progress.

 “As the High Performance Strategy enters its sixth year of implementation, Sport Ireland is going to deepen our commitment to the National Governing Body model, this is crucial in ensuring athletes are guided by sport-specific expertise with a clear focus on global success.”

Sport Ireland continues to evolve and develop its High Performance strategy. The Strategy is based on the philosophy that athletes and the people who support them are at the heart of everything.  In 2025 former international high-jumper and Olympian Deirdre Ryan was appointed as chairperson of the Sport Ireland High Performance Committee. This committee is fully committed to overseeing the implementation of this strategy and continually reviews its progress.

Investment in the Sport Ireland Institute and Campus has strengthened the support available to Irish athletes and enhanced Ireland’s capacity to prepare, perform, and compete at the highest level. The Campus continues to develop as the home of high performance sport in Ireland, and we are actively exploring opportunities to host major international events.

Deirdre Ryan, Chairperson of the Sport Ireland High Performance Committee, said: “At Sport Ireland we would like to thank the government for their investment in high performance sport. This backing will allow us to accelerate system improvements across coaching, innovation, and pathway development. The 2026 investment reflects this commitment, with €2.5m planned to be spent in these areas.

 “Sport Ireland is working with colleagues across the high performance system to support the additional costs that the LA Olympic Games will bring. We’re committed to protecting and enabling performance whilst maintaining cost efficiencies.”

Both Team Ireland (Olympic Federation of Ireland) and the Irish Paralympic Team (Paralympics Ireland) are key partners and delivery agents for Sport Ireland.

The post Record investment of €28.5m in high performance sport announced for 2026  first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

Table Tennis Ireland (TTI), the National Governing Body for table tennis on the island of Ireland, is currently seeking to appoint a number of new volunteer Directors to its Board.

• Finance / Financial Management
• Marketing, Commercial or Sponsorship
• Governance and Risk Management
• HR / People Development

The post VACANCY: Table Tennis Ireland Board of Directors first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

Click here to register.

The post Sport Industry Webinar: Managing Data Subject Access Requests and Minimising Risk first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

The post VACANCY: Development Officer (Schools & Community Development) first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

The post VACANCY: Office Receptionist, Registrations & Garda Vetting Administrator first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.