Tomorrow, Saturday, November 8th, leaders, advocates, and changemakers from across Irish sport will gather at the Crowne Plaza, Blanchardstown for the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Summit 2025, taking place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Under the theme “From Progress to Impact: Leading the Next Chapter for Women in Sport,” the Summit promises a day of energy, inspiration, and practical ideas, all aimed at ensuring that the gains made for women and girls in sport are sustained and accelerated.
In a welcome step toward greater inclusion, childcare services will also be available at the event —a simple change in terms of organisation but essential in making a genuine step toward inclusion for a weekend event.
While recent years have brought significant progress, women remain underrepresented in key areas of leadership, coaching, officiating, teenage participation, and visibility in the sports media.
The Summit will bring together those driving real change at every level —from national policymakers to grassroots deliverers —to share insights, exchange best practices, and identify actionable next steps.
“This is a day to share ideas, challenge assumptions and refuel the ambition that drives change,” said Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland. “Progress has been strong, but the next chapter must be about impact — where policies translate into participation, and leadership becomes truly inclusive.”
Tomorrow’s programme blends high-impact storytelling with strategic discussion.
Keynote Speakers:
Marie Gleeson – Former Naval Officer & Captain, Leadership Consultant & Coach, Non-Executive Director at Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
Founder of NavMar Leadership, Gleeson brings deep expertise in resilience, leadership and performance in high-pressure environments. One of the first women in the Irish Navy, her story is one of courage, pathfinding and influence.
Professor Fiona Chambers – Professor of Education at UCC, President of AIESEP, Vice President of CEREPS and UNESCO Expert Advisor.
Recognised globally for her leadership in sport and education, Professor Chambers uses human-centred design to inspire innovation and change. Named among the 50 Most Influential Women in Sport in both 2023 and 2024, she will guide delegates through creative, collaborative exercises focused on leading the next chapter for women in sport.
Leadership and Allyship in Conversation
The Summit will also feature a Q&A between Sport for Business CEO Rob Hartnett and Golf Ireland Chairperson Paul Haran, exploring the role of leadership and allyship in creating inclusive sporting cultures.
A former Secretary General at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and current board member of organisations including Tirlán, National Broadband Ireland and Edward Dillon, Haran has been a vocal advocate for equality in sport since overseeing the unification of men’s and women’s golf in Ireland.
“The evolution of Golf Ireland showed what can be achieved through true partnership,” said Haran. “The next step is ensuring that every sport in Ireland benefits from that same spirit of equality and collaboration.”
Panel Discussions: Participation and Progress
Two panels will anchor the day’s discussions:
Panel 1 – Female Participation in Sport
Exploring how to support women across all stages of life in sport, from organised teams to personal fitness. With the gender gap narrowing to just 3% in 2024, panellists will discuss how targeted programmes can bridge the final divide — and how to move women and girls from gym membership to club membership.
Panellists:
Lyn Savage, LGFA National Development Manager
Anna Grealish, Athletics Ireland Women in Sport Lead
Representative from Local Sports Partnership
Moderator: Benny Cullen, Sport Ireland Director of Research & Innovation
Panel 2 – What’s Next in Women’s Sport
A forward-looking discussion on inclusive leadership, high-performance environments, and how collaboration can unlock the next movement in women’s sport.
Panellists:
Mary O’Connor, CEO, Federation of Irish Sport
Lynne Cantwell, Head of Women’s Strategy, Irish Rugby Football Union
Neasa Russell, COO, Paralympics Ireland*
Moderator: Nora Stapleton, Sport Ireland Director of Strategic NGB Programmes
Looking Ahead
The Summit will close with a keynote from Professor Fiona Chambers and a networking lunch — giving attendees the opportunity to build connections and carry new ideas back into their organisations and communities.
“This Summit isn’t about celebrating progress for its own sake,” said Bethany Carson, Sport Ireland Women in Sport Manager. “It’s about translating that progress into everyday impact — in clubs, in classrooms, and in boardrooms.”
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Read our Sport for Business Coverage of Women in Sport
SPORT FOR BUSINESS Upcoming Events
November 20th – Playing for the Planet – A new event focused on Sustainability in Sport with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport
December 9th – Our 12th Annual Women in Sport Conference in partnership with Lidl.
January – The Sporting Year Ahead 2026 in partnership with Teneo.
Sport for Business Podcasts
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
Sport Ireland, as well as all the leading sporting and business organisations in and around the world of sport, are among the 300+ members of the Sport for Business community.
This 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.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
