Sport Ireland has officially launched Women in Sport Week 2026 with the theme ‘Same Energy’, calling on the public to actively support, celebrate and amplify women and girls in sport across Ireland.
Running from March 2nd to 8th, ahead of International Women’s Day, the campaign challenges individuals, organisations and communities to bring the #SameEnergy to women’s sport as they would to men’s sport — whether by attending events, tuning in, streaming matches or celebrating female athletes at every level.
The initiative is designed to prompt reflection across the sporting ecosystem, asking whether the same excitement, visibility, commitment and investment are being directed towards women’s sport. From fixture planning and sponsorship to budget allocation and media coverage, the message is clear: equality requires consistent energy.
Women in Sport Week is supported by ambassadors including Irish rugby captain Erin King and Paralympian Orla Comerford, who will help drive awareness and encourage participation nationwide.
We will have interviews with both on the Sport for Business Podcast next week.
Minister for Communications, Culture and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said the theme sends a strong signal about fairness and opportunity.
“The ‘Same Energy’ theme sends a powerful message about fairness, opportunity and ambition in Irish sport,” he said. “Women and girls deserve equal access, equal encouragement and equal recognition. By encouraging people to actively support women’s sport during Women in Sport Week and beyond, this initiative helps build a stronger, more inclusive sporting culture for the future.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Sport & Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue added that the week provides an important opportunity to acknowledge women’s contribution across all roles in sport.
“Women in Sport Week is an important opportunity to recognise the breadth of contribution women make to Irish sport, as athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and leaders,” he said. “The Same Energy theme encourages all of us to actively support that contribution.”
Aligning with Policy and Long-Term Strategy
Women in Sport Week aligns with all pillars of Sport Ireland’s Policy on Women in Sport, spanning grassroots participation, coaching, leadership, officiating, volunteering and high performance.
The campaign recognises that progress in women’s sport depends not only on participation rates, but also on visibility, recognition and investment across the entire system.
Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said the week is both a celebration and a call to action.
“Women in Sport Week celebrates the achievements and contributions of women across sport, while shining a spotlight on the programmes and initiatives that advance gender equality and encourage greater female participation at every level,” she said. “I encourage everyone to bring the #SameEnergy to women’s sport as they would to men’s sport beyond the week.”
Nora Stapleton, Director of Strategic National Governing Body Programmes and Women in Sport Lead, said the theme captures what women in sport have consistently sought.
“The Same Energy theme encapsulates what women in sport have been calling for — consistent visibility, support and respect,” she said. “While we celebrate progress, it also reminds us of the barriers that still exist.”
Schools and Community Activation
As part of the campaign, Sport Ireland has launched a dedicated schools engagement programme, providing primary and secondary schools with themed classroom resources aimed at sparking discussion and inspiring participation among students.
National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and funded organisations will deliver a calendar of events throughout the week, with fixtures and initiatives promoted across Sport Ireland’s digital channels to drive attendance and engagement.
Ambassador Erin King said the campaign is about shifting belief as much as behaviour.
“When girls see women being backed, celebrated and taken seriously in sport, it changes what they believe is possible for themselves,” she said. “This campaign is about creating momentum and making equality the norm, not the exception.”
With a nationwide programme of events this is an opportunity to get involved, build connections to sport and create the right base yaer for 52 weeks of Women in Sport.
Image Credit: Sport Ireland and Inpho.ie
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