Cork Sport 2040 will bring sporting organisations, business leaders and community representatives together on Tuesday, 1 December for a networking event examining how sport can contribute to Cork’s long-term economic and social development.
The event, announced on Monday under the theme Advancing Cork’s Future Through Sport, will feature contributions from Cody Damon, Sports Diplomacy Envoy at WorldBoston, and Gavin Price, co-founder of Sports Diplomacy Unwrapped.
Both international speakers will join by video link, sharing their experience of how sport can strengthen relationships between cities, regions and countries.
Cork County Council is hosting the event, an important partner in the Cork Sport 2040 initiative.
Cork Sport 2040 is a voluntary alliance bringing together organisations including Cork Local Sports Partnership, Cork GAA, University College Cork, Munster Technological University, Sanctuary Runners, Leading Sport, alongside a widening network of governing bodies, clubs, community organisations and businesses. Sport for Business has been involved as a partner from the outset.
Its ambition is to position Cork as a leading sporting centre nationally and internationally.
The December gathering will operate under the banner Gather – Exchange – Impact, creating an opportunity to develop relationships and examine how sport can contribute to the region’s future.
Sport for Business Perspective
Cork has substantial sporting assets across education, participation, facilities, clubs and major events.
The opportunity for Cork Sport 2040 is to connect those assets through a shared regional strategy, creating benefits that individual organisations would struggle to deliver independently.
Sports tourism, event hosting, international relationships, infrastructure investment and community participation all offer potential areas for collaboration.
The inclusion of international sports diplomacy perspectives is particularly interesting. It introduces a wider discussion about how Cork can use sporting relationships to strengthen its international reputation and economic connections.
Success will be measured by how well the alliance turns networking into practical partnerships, investment opportunities, and shared initiatives.

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 insights.
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 practices, and make better-informed decisions. It 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.
Or sign up for our Daily Sport for Business Snapshot email bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.













