Claire Cashman

Claire Cashman is a Solicitor with the Football Association of Ireland, where she has established herself as a highly capable and trusted legal advisor.

Since joining the FAI in 2024, she has worked across a broad range of sports law matters, including complex commercial contracts, high-value broadcasting and sponsorship agreements, and intellectual property issues.

Claire has developed a strong ability to navigate the evolving landscape of the sports industry, consistently delivering clear, commercially focused legal advice to key stakeholders. Her work underpins both the governance and integrity of the Association, while also supporting its commercial ambitions by ensuring that key partnerships and rights agreements are structured to deliver long-term value.

Prior to joining the FAI she worked with William Fry after qualifying with her Law and Business degree from UCD.

She plays the Cello and is also a volunteer on the Track team at Mondello Park.

 

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, Nia Gallagher, Eimante Mikneviciute, Matthew McGovern, Tom Hyland

 

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.

 

If you, like PwC, would like to be part of the Sport for Business community and see your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the conversation happening every day around the commercial world of Irish Sport, email us today and let’s see what is possible.

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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