Irish sport has secured three of the 12 awards presented at the 2026 Sport Positive Awards, with Golf Ireland, Croke Park and Ulster GAA recognised for their work in sustainability, environmental management and community engagement.
The winners were announced at the Sport Positive Summit this week.
Golf Ireland received the Transformation Award for Drive the Green, its national sustainability strategy covering 2024 to 2027.
Croke Park won Report of the Year for its sustainability report, “Winning the Breaking Ball”.
Ulster GAA received the Community Initiative Award for its Sporting Nature project.
The Golf Ireland award recognises an approach that has moved sustainability from individual club initiatives into a coordinated national programme.
Its Sustainability Leaders Programme has grown from an initial pilot involving 18 clubs to more than 125 participating clubs in less than two years.
The programme provides expert support covering ecology, energy, waste management and the development of practical sustainability plans.
Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly said the strategy had changed how the organisation operates, from governance through to the support provided to clubs. We are proud to have hosted last year’s Golf Sustainability Conference at the K Club and will be doing so again in November, looking back on another great year, one which got even better overnight.
Croke Park’s recognition reflects the development of a comprehensive sustainability reporting framework.
Its programme includes transitioning heavy infrastructure away from conventional diesel, introducing electric pitch-maintenance equipment, and investing in rainwater harvesting and renewable energy projects.
The stadium has also committed to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50.4 per cent by 2032, supported by recognised environmental reporting standards.
Ulster GAA’s Sporting Nature project demonstrates a different approach.
Delivered with environmental partners including RSPB NI and NI Water, the initiative has involved 32 clubs in practical biodiversity work.
Projects have included wildflower meadows, native tree planting, habitat improvements and changes in land-management practices.
The programme has also engaged volunteers, players, coaches and schools in environmental education and practical conservation.
Sport for Business Perspective
Sport for Business hosted “Playing for the Planet” with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport last November, so we are acutely aware of how Irish sport is stepping up in this crucial area. It is great to see the work being recognised globally. Among the other winners last night were major projects from the UK, Germany, New Zealand, Japan and Australia, but nobody else landed a hat trick!
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