• New grant management system, SPRAOI, goes live on Monday 28 September

The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD and the Minister for State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD today announced that a new grant management system for the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), SPRAOI, will go live on Monday 28 September.

Clubs and organisations not previously registered with the Department can register on SPRAOI from that date.

The CSFF is the Government’s primary vehicle for providing support to sports clubs and communities to develop sports infrastructure around the country.

Details of the new scheme will be announced by both Ministers next week. In the meantime, any clubs that are not already registered on the Department’s new SPRAOI system may do so from 28 September.

Clubs already registered on the previous OSCAR system have had their registrations automatically transferred to the new system but are encouraged to check their information for accuracy. Any first-time registrations are encouraged to check their status online by visiting www.gov.ie/sportscapital and, if they require any specific guidance, to email sportscapitalprogrammes@ccs.gov.ie

The post Community Sport Facilities Fund 2026 first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

This role is responsible for the delivery of the integrated women’s provincial player identification and development programmes across Leinster for female players aged 18-23, ensuring all aspects of the associated programmes are planned and delivered to the highest standards and consistent with the stated National and Provincial objectives.

The closing date for applications is 10am on Monday, 5 October 2026.

This is a full-time position, offered on a two-year fixed-term contract.

For more information, please see the job description below.

Leinster Rugby is an equal opportunities employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

ROLE TITLE:       Provincial Pathway Coach (Women’s Pathway)

ROLE AND PURPOSE:

This role is responsible for the delivery of the integrated women’s provincial player identification and development programmes across Leinster for female players aged 18-23, ensuring all aspects of the associated programmes are planned and delivered to the highest standards and consistent with the stated National and Provincial objectives.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Operational:

Provincial Pathway Manager, Leinster Rugby

Functional:

Women’s National WNTS and Talent Identification Manager, IRFU, and Women’s Strategy Manager, IRFU

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Provincial Pathway Athletic Development Coach
• Pathway Athletic Development Coach, WNTS
• Provincial Talent Coach, WNTS
• Other Provincial/Pathway Talent Coaches
• CPDOs, Leinster Rugby
• WDOs, Leinster Rugby
• Community Rugby Staff, Leinster Rugby
• Academy Staff and Coaches
• Club and University Coaches
• Provincial and National Age Grade and Senior Representative Teams

KEY QUALITIES:

• A minimum of two years’ experience coaching at performance level with a strong background in individual player development
• Minimum Senior Coach Award (Stage3) IRFU qualification or equivalent
• Detailed understanding of women’s rugby in Leinster/Ireland and a passion for creating development environments where others can grow, develop, and succeed
• Excellent organisation, communication, and teamwork skills with the proven ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships with players/coaches and key stakeholders across the domestic and performance pathways
• An adaptable, innovative, and flexible individual who can work collaboratively across a multi-disciplinary environment and irregular and unsocial hours
• Strong administrative and IT skills and experience – Microsoft Office, VEO, Hudl, Teamworks, etc.
• A full driver’s licence

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and coordinate the delivery of the women’s provincial player identification and development programmes across Leinster as directed by the Provincial Pathway Manager, shaping high-quality training environment alongside meaningful game opportunities
• Support the integration of system development and the fluid movement of players across the domestic and pathway programmes from Tier 1 entry level through to senior representative rugby, while simultaneously retaining female players in the Club/University game
• Profile, develop, and manage key performance Individual Development Plans for identified female players within the pathway (18-23) as informed by established core benchmarks
• Work within an integrated service team to deliver key Physical, Mental, Technical, Tactical, and Lifestyle skills to identified female players where applicable, ensuring players experience a single cohesive development programme
• Assist in maintaining an accurate and up to date database of identified pathway players and players of potential (depth charts, IDP’s etc.) across all agreed platforms
• Assist in the identification, nomination, and development of Provincial Age Grade and Senior Representative female squads, as required by the Provincial Pathway Manager and the Coach and Player Development Manager
• Contribute to the Regional development pathway programmes (SRC) as required by the Area CPDOs and WDOs
• Contribute to club and/or university domestic and performance coaching programmes as directed by the Provincial Pathway Manager
• Contribute to general and targeted coach development initiatives as directed by the Provincial Pathway Manager and the Coach and Player Development Manager
• Attend school, university and club matches to identify, track and monitor identified players
• Complete all appropriate administrative duties as required by the Provincial Pathway Manager

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required from this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required.  The holder of this position is required to respond with a flexible approach when tasks arise which are not specifically covered in this job description.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

• Key focus will be the quantity and quality of players developed through the provincial pathway programme, consistent with the stated National and Provincial objectives, and as informed by established core benchmarks
• Simultaneously, the retention of quality identified players and the transition of age-grade female players into the adult game (aged 18-20) is core to success; in particular, those players who have been part of the system at different stages across Tier1 and Tier2 or those moving to new (University) environments
• Establish efficient and effective work practices that drive agreed outcomes
• Portray a competent and professional image of Leinster Rugby and the IRFU at all times
• Maintain accurate records, across agreed platforms, of female pathway players’ development, assessed against established benchmarks and/or agreed performance measures as included in IDP’s
• Ensure alignment and delivery of the winning teams and high performing people pillars of the Leinster Rugby strategic plan

Additional KPIs will be set and agreed on an annual basis.

The post Provincial Pathway Coach (Women’s Pathway). first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

The role is responsible for the design, delivery, and coordination of the individual athletic development programming for all identified women’s pathway players across Leinster. Ensuring all aspects of the integrated programmes are planned and delivered to the highest standards and consistent with the stated Provincial and National objectives.

This is a full-time position, offered on a two-year fixed-term contract.

The closing date for applications is 12pm on Friday, 2 October 2026.

For more information, please see the job description below.

Leinster Rugby is an equal opportunities employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

ROLE TITLE:       Provincial Pathway Athletic Development Coach (Women’s Pathway)

ROLE AND PURPOSE:

 The role is responsible for the design, delivery, and coordination of the individual athletic development programming for all identified women’s pathway players across Leinster. Ensuring all aspects of the integrated programmes are planned and delivered to the highest standards and consistent with the stated Provincial and National objectives.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Operational:

Provincial Pathway Manager, Leinster Rugby and Head Pathway Athletic Performance Coach, Leinster Rugby

Functional:

Women’s National WNTS and Talent Identification Manager, IRFU, Women’s Strategy Manager, IRFU, and Head of Athletic Performance, Women’s Pathway, IRFU

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Provincial Pathway Coach
• Pathway Athletic Development Coach, WNTS
• Provincial Talent Coach, WNTS
• Other Provincial/Pathway Talent Coaches
• Academy and Pre-Academy Athletic Development Coaches
• Provincial and WNTS Physiotherapists
• CPDOs, Leinster Rugby
• WDOs, Leinster Rugby
• Community Rugby Staff, Leinster Rugby
• Academy Staff and Coaches
• Club and University Coaches
• Provincial and National Age Grade and Senior Representative Teams 

KEY QUALITIES:

• Recognised degree or Higher National Diploma in Physical Education, Human Movement, or Exercise and Sports Science
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a sports science (strength and conditioning) position within a performance-focused environment
• Knowledge of the physical, psychological, technical (position specific), and tactical (style of play) demands associated with Rugby
• Knowledge of the profiling and screening of athletic qualities
• Knowledge of the application of Long-Term Athletic Development practices to young athletes
• Established coaching and programming skills around injury prevention (relative to the demands of Rugby) and return to play/perform criteria (relative to different injury types)
• Established coaching and programming skills around the development of plyometric ability, linear speed (sprinting), multidirectional speed (COD/Reactive Agility), and Rugby specific movement skill integration
• Established coaching and programming skills around the development of Rugby specific conditioning, specifically as it relates to the functional integration of conditioning within the context of practice
• Established coaching and programming skills around the development of general and specific strength and power
• Established coaching and programming skills around the development of recovery and regeneration plans
• Excellent ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team and share responsibility for player development and programme management
• Excellent organisation, communication and teamwork skills with the proven ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships with players/coaches and key stakeholders across the performance pathway
• An adaptable, innovative, and flexible individual who can work collaboratively across a multi-disciplinary environment and irregular and unsocial hours
• Strong administrative and IT skills and experience – Microsoft Office, VEO, Hudl, Teamworks, etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, deliver, and coordinate all individual athletic development programmes for identified women’s pathway players across Leinster

• Lead the planning and implementation of regular athletic performance testing according to Provincial and National standards and established testing schedules
• Capture, store, and manage all athletic performance testing and training data and ensure that it is reviewed and informs the athletic development programmes for all women’s pathway players
• Design and deliver all athletic development, recovery, and game preparation elements for the pathway players as part of an integrated service team and alongside appointed pathway physiotherapists
• Profile, develop, and manage the key athletic development elements of Individual Development Plans for identified female players within the pathway (18-23) as informed by established core benchmarks
• Work within an integrated service team to deliver key Physical, Mental, Technical, Tactical, and Lifestyle skills to identified female players where applicable, and to drive individual performance outcomes, ensuring players experience a single cohesive development programme
• Assist in maintaining an accurate and up-to-date database of identified pathway players (depth charts, IDPs, etc.) across all agreed platforms
• Facilitate the collection and interpretation of GPS tracking of identified pathway players and track relative to individual IDP’s and established core benchmarks
• Assist in the preparation and development of Provincial Age Grade and Senior Representative female squads, as required by the Provincial Pathway Manager and the Coach and Player Development Manager
• Contribute to the Regional development pathway programmes (SRC) as required by the Area CPDOs and WDOs
• Contribute to club and/or university performance AD coaching programmes as directed by the Provincial Pathway Manager
• Contribute to general and targeted coach development initiatives as directed by the Provincial Pathway Manager and the Coach and Player Development Manager
• Liaise with school, university, and club coaches to track and monitor identified pathway players
• Complete all appropriate administrative duties as required by the Provincial Pathway Manager

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required from this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required. The holder of this position is required to respond with a flexible approach when tasks arise which are not specifically covered in this job description.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

• Key focus will be the quantity and quality of players developed through the women’s pathway programmes, consistent with the stated National and Provincial objectives, and as informed by established core benchmarks
• Deliver specific targets as agreed with the Provincial Pathway Manager and the Head of Athletic Performance, Women’s Pathway
• Establish efficient and effective work practices that drive agreed outcomes.
• Portray a competent and professional image of Leinster Rugby at all times
• Maintain accurate records, across agreed platforms, of female pathway players’ development, assessed against established benchmarks and/or agreed performance measures as included in IDP’s
• Ensure alignment and delivery of the winning teams and high performing people pillars of the Leinster Rugby strategic plan

Additional KPIs will be set and agreed on an annual basis

The post Provincial Pathway Athletic Development Coach (Women’s Pathway). first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

Role Purpose
The Competition Officer will support the planning, administration, coordination, and delivery of athletics competitions and events. The role involves working closely with athletes, clubs, officials, event organisers, and other stakeholders to ensure competitions are delivered efficiently and to a high standard.
The successful candidate will provide administrative support across a range of competition activities, including competition entries, event management systems, results administration, communications, and event operations.

Main Duties:
Competition Administration
 Assist in the planning and delivery of athletics competitions and championships.
 Coordinate competition entries and athlete registrations.
 Prepare event documentation, start lists, technical information, and reports.
 Support competition scheduling and event logistics.
 Maintain accurate competition records and databases.
 Provide administrative support to competition committees and working groups.

Event Delivery
 Assist with the operational delivery of competitions before, during, and after events.
 Liaise with clubs, officials, athletes, volunteers, and service providers.
 Support accreditation, declarations, check-in procedures, and event administration.
 Ensure competition procedures are implemented in accordance with governing body regulations.
 Assist in resolving operational issues during competitions.

Systems and Data Management
 Utilise competition management, entry, and results systems.
 Maintain accurate athlete, club, and competition data.
 Support the publication of competition information and results.
 Produce reports, statistics, and other data as required.
 Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of competition processes and systems.

Communications
 Respond to enquiries from clubs, athletes, officials, and event organisers.
 Prepare and distribute competition-related communications and updates.
 Assist in maintaining competition information on websites and digital platforms.
 Support stakeholder engagement and information sharing.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
 Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
 Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
 High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
 Strong written and verbal communication skills.
 Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
 Experience working with databases, online systems, or administrative platforms.
 Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable
 Experience in sports administration or event management.
 Knowledge of athletics competitions and competition structures.
 Experience using competition entry, event management, or results systems.
 Experience analysing and reporting data.
 Understanding of GDPR and data management requirements.
Personal Attributes
 Strong attention to detail.
 Proactive Proactive and solution-focused approach.
 Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
 Ability to work effectively under pressure.
 Flexible and adaptable, particularly during competition periods.
 Passion for sport and delivering high-quality events.

Hours of Work:
37.5 hours per week including on occasion unsocial hours, both weekends and evenings. A time off in lieu system operates for overtime worked.
Remuneration and Location
• The package will include a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Position Tenure: 2 year fixed-term full-time contract, six month probation period applies.
Location: Athletics Ireland Head Office at 19 Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9.
• Appointment will be made subject to satisfactory Garda Vetting and suitable reference checks.

Hours of work
Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, 9am to 5.30pm.
Salary band: Band 1 (29,931 to 41,718 per annum).
Our benefits include:
Paid Maternity, Paternity leave
Family friendly policies
Sick pay scheme
Education assistance
Employee Assistance Programme
Bike to work scheme

How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit by email a CV and cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to the Athletics Ireland Human Resources Manager kieronstout@athleticsireland.ie

Please include “Competitions Officer” in the subject line.

The closing date for applications will be Friday 9th of October at 5pm.

Note this job description is not meant to be exhaustive in nature and there may be additional items required of the role not specified above.

The post Competitions Officer first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

Role and Reporting Structure

Swim Ireland has expanded its pool operations with an additional Pop-Up Pool in Ballinrobe, County Mayo, and is seeking a Pool Co-ordinator. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the successful candidate will oversee daily operations, staff and teaching activities while ensuring patron safety and satisfaction. The role requires strong organisational and multitasking skills.

If selected for interview, you will be provided with a candidate support pack giving you information and guidance on the selection process.

Key Areas of Responsibility

 Safety and Compliance:

• Enforce Swim Ireland rules and regulations to ensure the safety of all users.

Staff Management:

• Supervise and schedule pool staff, including teachers and lifeguards.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and organise relevant training sessions when necessary, in conjunction with administration staff.

Maintenance and Operations:

• Maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the pool, pool area, and related facilities.
• Conduct regular inspections of pool equipment and facilities to identify and fix any problems or hazards.
• Liaise with the Swim Ireland Office Manager on the coordination of the pool timetable and required supplies and equipment.
• Pool chemical management and water quality testing.

Record Keeping:

• Maintain records of pool usage, chemical levels, maintenance activities, and any incidents or accidents.

 Education and Experience

• Level 2 Teaching Qualification.
• Pool Lifeguard Qualification desired but not essential.
• First Aid Qualification desired but not essential.

Key Qualities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong work ethic, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Team player, with ability to work on their own initiative or under pressure.

 Essential Requirements

• Be eligible to work in Ireland on a full-time basis.
• Level 2 Teaching qualification.

 Applicants should note that this list is not exhaustive and is subject to change as required as appropriate.

 Remuneration and Location

• The package will include a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience to commence at circa €34,000 – €40,000 per annum based on 39 hours per week.
• Position Tenure: 12 month fixed-term full-time contract.
• Position Location: Swim Ireland Pop Up Pool, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo.

Appointment will be made subject to satisfactory:

Safeguarding and vetting requirements and reference checks.

Please click on the following link to submit your application: Pop Up Pool Coordinator

Closing date for applications close of business Friday 2^nd October 2026.

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: Pop-Up-Pool Coordinator (Ballinrobe), 1 year full-time fixed term contract. first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

By Mary O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer Federation of Irish Sport

Every single euro invested in core sports participation in Ireland functions as an incredibly efficient form of frontline health.

By keeping people active, sport directly reduces future State spending on chronic illness, mental health services, and cardiovascular care. Treating overweight and obesity in 2025 cost the HSE an estimated €1 billion.

The 2026 OECD report, The Health and Economic Benefits of Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases: Ireland, highlights that non-communicable diseases cause 51 per cent of premature deaths in our country. The OECD explicitly identifies sports funding as a premier preventive tool. Scaling up our physical activity infrastructure has the potential to save €405m annually in healthcare costs while boosting national GDP by 1.4 per cent.

When an Irish athlete stands on the podium with a European or World gold medal, the success is celebrated by the entire nation. The athlete’s journey began long before the lights and cameras. Every elite competitor is built in a local community supported by a grassroots army. This massive network of activities, games, competitions, training, social connection, volunteerism and facility development is quietly powered by National Governing Bodies (NGBs), Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) and their members across Ireland.

To futureproof the sector and deliver immense returns for public health, local economies, and communities, the State must deliver three key pillars of support in Budget 2027.

First, it must provide funding certainty through a 10 per cent annual increase in core grants for NGBs and LSPs. Second, it must support grassroots sport delivery by introducing a €5,000 PAYE threshold exemption for ad hoc and seasonal roles. Finally, by looking into a one per cent increase in the betting levy to directly fund community participation.

By ensuring the delivery of these three actions, the Government can ensure Irish sport thrives for generations to come.

The latest Sport Ireland Irish Sports Monitor (ISM) Report confirms a powerful truth: when the government invests in sport and physical activity, the whole country wins. Since 2018, targeted State funding has driven an incredible surge in sports participation across nearly every age group. Thanks to a growing population, more people are actively engaging in sport every week than ever before.

NGBs provide the vital structure for this success, managing club memberships, driving volunteerism, cultivating elite international talent, and organising national competitions. Simultaneously, LSPs act as community champions, bringing physical activity directly to underrepresented groups, disabled communities, and areas that need dedicated outreach.

We believe the 10 per cent annual funding increase should be implemented over the next three budgets, using the 2026 allocations as the baseline — €19.5m for the 57 NGBs, and €12.66m for the 29 LSPs, a total of €32.16m.

The recommended pathway introduces additional increases of €3.216m in 2027, €3.537m in 2028, and €3.891m in 2029.

This is a highly strategic deployment of resources that gives spending certainty to the Department of Sport and the Department of Public Expenditure, that will directly strengthen our capacity, enhance grassroots opportunities, and align perfectly with the current programme for government’s commitments to integrate sport into national health and wellbeing strategies.

The brilliance of Irish sport relies entirely on the people who show up every week to make it happen. Grassroots sport runs on the dedication of coaches, coach developers, referees, officials, and tutors. These individuals usually have full-time jobs elsewhere and offer their services across multiple clubs and community groups.

To cover their basic travel and sessional expenses, they often receive modest honoraria. However, a recent legal development has had an unintended consequence on the sector and poses an administrative challenge to this network of individuals.

The Supreme Court’s decision, in Revenue Commissioners v Karshan (Midlands) Ltd t/a Domino’s Pizza, redefined employment status and forced many organisations to treat independent contractors as employees.

Ireland’s grassroots sporting system is quietly buckling under the weight of a major bureaucratic headache. NGBs, LSPs and amateur clubs have faced severe compliance pressures and are expected to operate complex PAYE payroll systems just to pay a tutor, an ad hoc summer camp coach, or a local official.

The Federation of Irish Sport has offered a common-sense solution: a practical €5,000 PAYE threshold exemption for individuals engaged in casual, seasonal, or ancillary sports roles. This targeted proposal is balanced, practical and aligned with the State’s existing tax frameworks.

It works because:

1. It insulates not-for-profit, community-driven sports organisations from disproportionate administrative burdens.
2. It is not a tax loophole or an open invitation to evade duties. Crucially, the measure does not exempt the actual income from personal income tax for the recipient. The individuals receiving these ad hoc payments remain responsible for making their proper annual tax declarations to Revenue.
3. The State does not have to sacrifice financial visibility. The €5,000 threshold can easily be paired with a simple annual reporting requirement for sports bodies, maintaining transparency for the Department of Finance and Revenue.
4. It targets casual, specific skill-set requirements, not permanent careers. Any regular, full-time, or high-value contracts exceeding the €5,000 mark will continue to operate under standard PAYE requirements, preventing commercial sports entities from exploiting the exemption.

This minor legislative update ensures that the legal spirit of the Karshan decision is maintained. More importantly, it achieves this without placing a destructive, unintended burden on the sustainability of amateur not-for-profit (but for public good) sport.

If the Government wants an active nation, it must protect the volunteer structures that run it. Implementing this threshold in the Budget is an administrative tweak that will yield massive dividends for the health and vitality of Irish communities.

The most transformative tool at the government’s disposal, however, remains the long-overdue reform of the betting levy.

Currently, the State collects a two per cent levy on sports betting, yielding around €103m annually. Historically this has been directed exclusively to the horse and greyhound racing industries.

By commissioning rigorous research to increase the betting levy by just one percent and dedicating that additional revenue for participation and community sport, the government can secure an estimated €40–€50m in dedicated annual funding.

Predictably, the gambling industry warns of economic doom, claiming higher taxes will threaten retail jobs or drive punters to unregulated offshore black markets. These are well-worn scare tactics designed to protect profit margins. A measured, phased increase — backed by the thorough interdepartmental research the sports sector is asking for — can safely mitigate market risks while ensuring that those who profit from sport contribute directly to its survival.

The State’s current over-reliance on the Dormant Accounts Fund to prop up community sport is unsustainable. The obvious mechanism to secure this future is increasing the betting levy. By capturing a fraction of the immense profits generated by multinational digital gambling conglomerates, the government can establish a permanent funding stream for grassroots sports without placing any additional burden on the exchequer or the taxpayer.

Sport and physical activity investment in Ireland should not be seen as a cost to the Exchequer but a viable, tangible asset; it actively generates economic value, creates jobs, and drives tax revenue. At a time of profound political, financial, and societal unrest across the world, sport, recreation and physical activity in Ireland serve as our most powerful, cost-effective vehicles for social inclusion and national integration.

Through our nationwide network of LSPs and NGBs, and their clubs and their members, we operate directly on the frontlines of every parish in Ireland. We break down barriers to participation by directly reaching underserved, rural, low-income, and multi-ethnic communities.

Community-led sport actively builds social capital, fosters deep community pride, and drives civic engagement. Nationally, the success of our elite international athletes inspires future generations to strive toward Olympic, Paralympic, and elite-level performance.

The true value of Irish sport lives in our clubs, volunteers, and the everyday health of an active nation. Every euro invested here echoes across our communities, fostering connection, health, wellbeing, and a shared sense of pride.

To maintain this lifeline, the government must protect the sector from rising pressures and embrace the transformative opportunity in Budget 2027. Committing to strategic legislative change and financial investment is not just funding sports, it is vital, direct investment in the physical, mental, and social resilience of every community in Ireland.

The post Sunday Independent OpEd: Health is wealth: State must dig even deeper first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

The Commercial & Marketing Executive will provide hands-on support for Boxing Ireland’s commercial, marketing and digital activity. Working closely with the Communications & Public Affairs Manager and relevant colleagues, the postholder will support sponsorship activation, retail operations, digital content, live event coverage, fundraising initiatives and live-stream production.

This is a varied role suited to an energetic and creative professional who can manage competing priorities in a fast-paced sporting environment. The role offers broad experience across sports marketing, commercial partnerships, event delivery, media production and fan engagement.

Role description is available here

Person specification is available here

Application process: Submission of CV to hr@boxingireland.ie by 5pm on Monday, 21st September.

The post VACANCY: Commercial & Marketing Executive first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

With a number of important tax compliance deadlines falling between now and early 2027, it is worth taking the time to review upcoming obligations and ensure you are prepared well in advance. Below, we outline some of the key filing and payment deadlines and points to consider before submitting returns.

Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT)

The valuation date is a critical factor for CAT purposes, as it determines when the CAT return must be filed and when any tax liability becomes payable.

The pay and file deadlines are as follows:

• Valuation dates between 1 January and 31 August: filing and payment are due by 31 October of the same year.
• Valuation dates between 1 September and 31 December: filing and payment are due by 31 October of the following year.

It is important to note that where the IT38 return is filed online and payment is made online, the deadline for gifts or inheritances with valuation dates in the year ending 31 August 2026 is extended to Wednesday, 18 November 2026.

Determining the Valuation Date

Establishing the correct valuation date is essential, as it determines the CAT compliance timeline.

For a gift, the valuation date is generally the date on which the gift is transferred.

For an inheritance, determining the valuation date can be more difficult. In most cases, it is the earliest of:

• The date on which the executor or administrator is entitled to retain the asset for the beneficiary;
• The date on which the asset is actually retained; or
• The date on which the executor or administrator transfers the asset to the beneficiary.

CAT Return Requirements

The requirement to file a CAT return should be considered when a gift or inheritance is received.

A return may be required even where no tax liability arises. For example:

• Where the beneficiary has used more than 80% of the relevant tax-free threshold; or
• Where reliefs such as Agricultural Relief or Business Relief are being claimed.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

The payment deadlines for CGT liabilities arising in 2026 are:

• Disposals made between 1 January 2026 and 30 November 2026: CGT is payable by 15 December 2026.
• Disposals made between 1 December 2026 and 31 December 2026: CGT is payable by 31 January 2027.

For companies, tax on chargeable gains generally falls due under the normal corporation tax payment and filing rules. However, where a company disposes of development land and a CGT liability arises, the standard CGT payment deadlines above apply.

Reporting CGT Disposals

The method of reporting a CGT disposal depends on the taxpayer’s circumstances.

Individuals who are chargeable for income tax and file a Form 11 should report disposals on their annual income tax return.

In certain cases, particularly where an individual has only PAYE income or non-PAYE income of less than €5,000, a Form 12 (paper or online) may be used. Where neither option is appropriate, a Form CG1 can be filed to report the disposal.

Corporation Tax

Corporation tax filing deadlines depend on a company’s accounting period. For companies with a 31 December 2025 year-end, the CT1 return will be due by 23 September 2026.

In addition to annual filing obligations, companies should also ensure they remain compliant with their preliminary tax requirements.

Preliminary Tax Deadlines

For large companies with an accounting period running from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026:

• The first preliminary tax instalment was due on 23 June 2026.
• A second instalment will be due on 23 November 2026.

If the June deadline was missed, any outstanding preliminary tax should be paid as soon as possible to minimise potential interest charges.

For small companies with the same accounting period, preliminary tax is payable in a single instalment by 23 November 2026.

Don’t Forget the Other Compliance Obligations

While the deadlines above represent some of the most significant tax obligations over the coming months, businesses and individuals should also keep on top of ongoing obligations such as:

• VAT returns
• Payroll taxes
• Stamp duty filings
• Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT)
• Other periodic Revenue compliance requirements

Contact OSK Tax today for more information on key tax compliance deadlines.

The post OSK Guide To Key Tax Compliance Deadlines first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

Swim Ireland is the National Governing Body for swimming, water polo, diving and associated aquatic disciplines across the island of Ireland. It is committed to inspiring people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to enjoy and excel in aquatic sport – from first experiences in the water through to European, World and Olympic/Paralympic success. Working closely with Sport Ireland, government, local authorities, clubs and communities, it delivers programmes that promote participation, performance, health and wellbeing. The Board of Swim Ireland now wishes to appoint a dynamic and visionary Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) to lead the organisation and further strengthen its impact, profile and influence in the years ahead.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Board Chair and accountable to the Board of Directors, the CEO will provide strategic leadership and overall direction to Swim Ireland. The CEO will shape and implement Swim Ireland’s vision, mission and long[1]term strategy, while overseeing day-to-day operations so that effective systems, pathways and structures support participation and performance. A key focus of the role is strategic financial leadership, including responsibility for budgeting, risk management, compliance and diversifying income through sponsorships, grants, partnerships and commercial activity.

The CEO will lead and develop a high-performing executive team, foster a positive and inclusive organisational culture, and ensure best-practice governance, safeguarding and compliance with the Governance Code for Sport and all statutory requirements. As the public face of Swim Ireland, the CEO will represent the organisation at national and international level and build strong relationships with Sport Ireland, government departments, local authorities, sponsors, clubs and volunteers.

THE PERSON

You will be an inspirational and visionary leader with a proven track record in a senior executive role, ideally within sport, the not-for-profit sector or a comparable commercial organisation. You will bring strong strategic, operational and financial acumen, experience of leading teams, shaping organisational culture and delivering measurable results in addition to a deep understanding of governance, compliance, risk management and stakeholder engagement in complex environments.

You will be an effective communicator and advocate, possessing significant networking and stakeholder management abilities. Experience working with or within a national governing body, in a volunteer-led environment and engaging with the media is highly desirable. Personally, you will be collaborative, approachable, resilient and adaptable, with a genuine passion for aquatic sport and community engagement.

To Apply:

Lansdowne Executive Search has been retained by Swim Ireland to manage this recruitment process.

Further information, including details on how to apply are available on www.swimireland.ie

If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact:

Seán McDonagh, Partner, Lansdowne Executive Search.

Email: sean.mcdonagh@lansdownesearch.ie

For a confidential discussion, please contact Seán at +353 (0)87 796 1062.

Closing date for applications is Friday 9th October 2026.

Candidates for this role will be sourced through both advertising and executive search processes.

Swim Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

Candidate Briefing Document of the Position of Swim Ireland CEO

Lansdowne_Swim_Ireland_CEO AdvertLansdowne_Swim_Ireland_CEO Advert

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