Annie Smyth

Annie Smyth has made an outstanding impact in a short space of time through her work with the GAA. As part of the GAA Graduate Programme in 2024–25, she worked across marketing, sponsorship and communications, quickly showing a strong understanding of both the commercial and editorial sides of the organisation.

Alongside the graduate programme, Annie also stepped into the fast-paced role of Assistant Producer with GAA+, where she adapted immediately to the demands of live and studio broadcasting.

She produced analysis for pundits on live match coverage and midweek programming, contributed editorial ideas, created montages, and worked closely with producers, directors and on-air talent to help shape the output of the channel.

Her ability to combine creativity, organisation and editorial judgement made her a valued part of the team from the outset. That strong performance was recognised with the offer of a full-time role as Assistant Producer with GAA+, where she is now working across live programming from the new studio in Croke Park and will continue to contribute to upcoming GAA+ projects.

She is a business graduate of DCU where she also served as a PRO with the Sports teams, and as an analyst with the Ashbourne Cup Camogie team.

Her nomination read: “Annie has already shown that she can thrive in high-pressure environments and add real value across multiple parts of the sports media landscape. She is a worthy nominee for 30 Under 30.”

 

Already Appearing on the 2026 List

Sarah Redmond, Connor Ellis, Garry Kehoe, Yvonne Hedigan Conor Keenan Roman Uzun, Louise McCleery, Niamh O’Brien

 

Nominations for 2026

So, who do you work with that has shone over the past twelve months or more and is deserving of recognition as they rise through their career?

It could be someone you work alongside, or in another area that you have admired or been impressed by.

Now is your chance to do something special for them. Nominations wil remain open until we hit number 20 of our 30 in the listings, and will reopen again in February 2027.

Criteria

The criteria for submission is that the person should be working within the sports industry, or in a sponsorship or agency capacity that is bringing sport to life, and that they should be born in or after 1996.

You are invited to submit names and a short summary of why an individual deserves to be recognised below.

Our ambition from the start has been to create a network of people making a real difference within our industry.

Who should we be looking to for the next wave of excellence?

Over the coming weeks we will feature a run of interviews with those who have gone before, and we will continue to highlight some of those that have taken on a new role in the past year or two.

Then in June we will gather once more in the offices of PwC to meet in person, share experience and forge connections that will be of real value.

And we will also be looking at additional ways in which we can help those nominated to enhance their career and build strong friendships across the sector, particularly in this the tenth year of the list.

 

If you, like PwC, would like to be part of the Sport for Business community and see your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the conversation happening every day around the commercial world of Irish Sport, email us today and let’s see what is possible.

 

Image Credit: Sport for Business

 

ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS

Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies and public institutions through high-quality content, events and insight. Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.

Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practice and make better-informed decisions. Its work positions sport not just as entertainment, but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.

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