The Federation of Irish Sport hosted the 2025 Irish Sport Industry Awards last night for the 8th annual gathering, recognising outstanding achievements across the Irish sport sector.
Attended by industry leaders, sponsors, and government representatives, the ceremony celebrated innovation, leadership, and excellence in sport on and off the field.
Among the night’s special moments was the presentation of the Outstanding Achievement for Contribution to Irish Sport Award to Matt English, who recently stepped down after 17 transformative years as CEO of Special Olympics Ireland.
His leadership has impacted thousands of athletes and families across the country, helping to create a more inclusive sporting landscape.
As we heard last nigh “When he walks into a club, onto a stage or into a room, he makes it a better place. He has always lifted others to lift themselves and to make their place in the world a little better.”
The coveted title of National Governing Body of the Year went to Badminton Ireland.
Emerging from the challenges of the pandemic, Badminton Ireland’s 2022-2028 strategic plan has driven remarkable growth and inclusivity, with membership rising to over 17,300—including 23% from ethnic minorities or first-generation Irish and affiliated clubs increasing to 420.
Mayo Sports Partnership was awarded the Local Sports Partnership of the Year, who have delivered measurable health outcomes, fostered community engagement, and strengthened links between sport and healthcare through a shift toward preventative, community-based physical activity.
Other individuals honoured included Neasa Russell, who received the KPMG Women in Sport Award for her visionary leadership within Paralympics Ireland and wider advocacy for gender equity in sport.
Meanwhile, Hazel Nolan, Senior News & Sports Broadcaster at FM104, was honoured with the Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award, recognising her decades-long dedication to spotlighting Irish sport across multiple platforms.
Clubspot and Hexis won the awards for Best Sports Business of the Year and Best New Sports Business of the Year and we will be hearing more from them in the coming weeks.
Athletics Ireland and 123.ie won the award for Commercial Partnership of the Year.
The IRFU in partnership with Wiistream for Irish Rugby + won the award for Best Use of a Communications Platform.
The two awards for Best Initiatives to promote Women in Sport and Physical Activity, and Diversity and Inclusivity in Sport and Physical Activity went to Basketball Ireland for the former, and Donegal Sports Partnership and Canoeing Ireland for the latter.
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, who said “The Irish Sport Industry Awards are an important means of showcasing and celebrating the consistent excellence on display in the sports industry in the country. They are a recognition of the close collaborative relationship between sport and business.”
“I would like to extend my congratulations to the Federation of Irish Sport for the hosting of these awards for what is the 8th time. Looking across all of the finalists for these awards it is easy to see the incredible range of talent and expertise at play, and it gives an insight into the quality of programmes currently on offer throughout the country, and the drive to improve and innovate.”
The evening also featured two engaging conversations highlighting the power and potential of Irish sport beyond the field of play.
Senator Evanne Nà Chuilinn sat down with MC Sean O’Rourke for a fireside conversation to reflect on her journey from RTÉ to the Seanad, sharing insights on sport, advocacy, and public life.
This was followed by an insightful panel discussion where Minister Alan Dillon TD, Jill Downey, and Peter McKenna explored sport’s growing economic impact and Ireland’s global opportunity as a host nation for major international events.
“This year’s winners reflect the diversity, strength, and heart of Irish sport,” said Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport.
“From innovation in business to community-driven inclusion, each honouree is helping build a stronger and more impactful sporting ecosystem. We’re especially proud to recognise leaders like Matt English, whose legacy reminds us why we do this work.”
“The Federation thanks all sponsors, partners, and guests for making the 2025 Awards a memorable celebration of Irish sporting excellence.”
The sponsors on the night included Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet, Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership, KPMG, Future Ticketing, A&L Goodbody, Sport Ireland, Clann Credo, Marsh, Opel Ireland and the Association of Irish Sports Journalists.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Check out Sport for Business coverage of Awards
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Congratulations to all those who won and to all those shortlisted in a very strong year. This is a measure of just how strong this industry is in Ireland.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
We will be interviewing the winners of the two Business Awards on the Sport for Business Podcast in the coming weeks.
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
The Federation of Irish Sport, Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet, Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership, KPMG, Future Ticketing and Sport Ireland from among the sponsors and Special olympics Ireland, Badminton Ireland, Irish Rugby, Athletics Ireland, Canoeing Ireland, Paralympics Ireland and Clubspot from the winners are among the 300+ members of the Sport for Business community, which includes all of the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, individuals interested in our world, and an increasing number from beyond these shores taking a keen interest in Ireland. Â
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