Athletics Ireland has reached a record membership of 76,507 registered athletes in 2026.
The latest figure is up from 75,078 in 2025 and 70,320 in 2024, meaning more than 6,000 additional members have joined the Athletics Ireland club system in two years.
The rate of increase has moderated from the exceptional growth recorded following the European Championships and Olympic Games in 2024, but the continued upward movement is arguably just as important.
It suggests athletics has retained much of the momentum created by Ireland’s increasingly visible international performances and translated it into sustained involvement at club and community level.
Juvenile athletics remains an especially important part of the picture, with strong demand from young athletes and their families placing clubs at the centre of that growth.
More members require more coaches, volunteers, administrators, competition opportunities and, crucially, greater access to appropriate facilities.
Athletics Ireland has previously highlighted the pressure created by rising membership, particularly around volunteer recruitment and retention. Its current strategic plan identifies clubs and people as central to future development while acknowledging that growth in the number of clubs has not necessarily kept pace with growth in participation.
Dermot McGranaghan, National Club Development Manager at Athletics Ireland, said the latest figures endorsed the work taking place throughout the club network.
“Reaching 76,507 registered members is a fantastic achievement for Athletics Ireland and a tremendous endorsement of the work being carried out by our clubs across the country.
“Our clubs are the foundation of athletics in Ireland. Every week, thousands of dedicated coaches, volunteers and club administrators give their time to create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy our sport.
“It is particularly encouraging to see the continued strength of juvenile athletics, which demonstrates the enthusiasm among young people and families to get involved.”
“With this growth comes a responsibility to ensure our clubs have the support, facilities and resources they need to continue to flourish.”
“Our ambition is to build on this momentum and ensure athletics remains accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.”
Athletics Ireland says it will continue to support clubs through coach education, volunteer development, governance support and facility development.
Sport for Business Perspective
Going from 64,727 members in 2023 to 76,507 in 2026 represents growth of more than 18 per cent in three years, and is an impressive measure of athletics’ current health.
The challenge now is to ensure the surrounding infrastructure can grow at the same speed.
Demand creates a compelling case for investment in tracks, indoor facilities and club development, but it also increases pressure on the volunteer base that makes organised athletics possible.
There is also a commercial dimension. A membership community of more than 76,000, heavily weighted towards young people, families and active adults, gives Athletics Ireland and its partners an increasingly valuable direct connection into communities throughout the country.
International success may provide the inspiration, but local clubs’ ability to welcome and retain the next athlete through the gate will determine whether this period of growth becomes permanent.
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