Nia Gallagher
Nia Gallagher is a Client Manager with Core Sponsorship and a standout young professional shaping how sport and sponsorship connect with modern audiences.
Working at the intersection of sport, media and influence, she plays a key role in delivering culturally relevant, creator-led strategies that resonate with younger fans. Her work enables brands to show up authentically in the spaces where audiences are most engaged, driving campaigns that feel credible, inclusive and effective.
In under five years, Nia has developed a strong reputation for combining sharp strategic thinking with an instinctive understanding of digital culture. She has contributed to high-impact campaigns for major brands, helping them connect meaningfully with audiences across key sporting bodies including the LGFA, GAA and FAI.
She is also a passionate advocate for greater representation in sport, actively championing female athletes and creators to ensure they are meaningfully platformed. Her progressive approach is helping to challenge traditional sponsorship models and push the industry towards more equitable engagement.
Coming into the industry through the creator economy rather than a traditional academic pathway, Nia brings a fresh and valuable perspective on how audiences consume sport today.
Her nomination read that she was “Dynamic, authentic and forward-thinking, Nia Gallagher is already making a clear impact and is a highly deserving candidate for the Sport for Business PwC 30 Under 30 2026.”
Already Appearing on the 2026 List
Sarah Redmond, Connor Ellis, Garry Kehoe, Yvonne Hedigan Conor Keenan, Roman Uzun, Louise McCleery, Niamh O’Brien, Annie Smyth, Ger Bonner, Myles Higgins, Ava Elders Gallagher, Gemma Uprichard, Niall McCabe
Nominations for 2026
So, who do you work with that has shone over the past twelve months or more and is deserving of recognition as they rise through their career?
It could be someone you work alongside, or in another area that you have admired or been impressed by.
Now is your chance to do something special for them. Nominations wil remain open until we hit number 20 of our 30 in the listings, and will reopen again in February 2027.
Criteria
The criteria for submission is that the person should be working within the sports industry, or in a sponsorship or agency capacity that is bringing sport to life, and that they should be born in or after 1996.
You are invited to submit names and a short summary of why an individual deserves to be recognised below.
Our ambition from the start has been to create a network of people making a real difference within our industry.
Who should we be looking to for the next wave of excellence?
Over the coming weeks we will feature a run of interviews with those who have gone before, and we will continue to highlight some of those that have taken on a new role in the past year or two.
Then in June we will gather once more in the offices of PwC to meet in person, share experience and forge connections that will be of real value.
And we will also be looking at additional ways in which we can help those nominated to enhance their career and build strong friendships across the sector, particularly in this the tenth year of the list.

Image Credit: Sport for Business
ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS
Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies and public institutions through high-quality content, events and insight. Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.
Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practice and make better-informed decisions. Its work positions sport not just as entertainment, but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
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