The Federation of Irish Sport has announced the shortlist of finalists for the much-anticipated 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards.
Now in its 9th year, the Irish Sport Industry Awards continue to recognise excellence across the sector, with 13 award categories shining a spotlight on innovation, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability.
This year sees the introduction of two new categories: Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport, sponsored by MyWaste.ie, and Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport, sponsored by Sport Ireland, reflecting the growing importance of environmental responsibility and accessibility within Irish sport.
2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards – Finalists
Best Commercial Partnership in Sport sponsored by Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership
GAA and Irish Life Healthy Clubs Programme
LGFA and Lidl Ireland #SeriousSupport
FAI and Sky Bound by Belief
Athletics Ireland McCabes Pharmacy Fit For Life
Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport & Physical Activity sponsored by MWX Media Ltd.
Tennis Ireland Davis Cup & Irish Open
Badminton Ireland & Sport Narrative AIG VICTOR Irish Open
Basketball Ireland Spotlight Her
FAI League of Ireland “It’s a Way of Life”
Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport sponsored by MyWaste.ie
Golf Ireland Drive The Green
GAA Green Club Programme
Munster Rugby A Different Approach to Impact
Clare Local Development Company LEADER, SICAP and rural recreation
Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport & Physical Activity sponsored by Sport Ireland
Special Olympics: Transforming Lives Through Sport
Kildare Local Sports Partnership The Kildare Inclusivity Festival
Swim Ireland Swim Access Project
Golf Ireland Golf4All
Liquid Therapy: Making Waves Project
Best Initiative to Promote Diversity, Equality & Inclusion in Sport & Physical Activity
Laois Sports Partnership Outdoor Survivalist Camps
Irish Sailing Watersports Inclusion Games
Virgin Media, PHD M& Diageo Ireland Audio Description (AD), Irish Sign Language (ISL), and inclusive production
Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership &Trail Criú Building Inclusive Communities Through Trail Running
Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity
Boxing Ireland LEAP Programme
Canoeing Ireland: Bridging the Gap
Athletics Ireland Girls Squad Programme
Tennis Ireland Women in Tennis Programme
Longford Sports Partnership Roma Women CVICINES & SASTO – Sport & Health Inclusion Pilot
Best New Sports Business of the Year
Grow Sport
Anyscor
Colata
Sports Impact Technologies
Best Sports Business of the Year
ForeFront group
FAI LOITV
Torpey
DB Sports
Local Sport Partnership of the Year
Meath Sports Partnership
Laois Sports Partnership
Longford Sports Partnership
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership
National Governing Body of the Year sponsored by Marsh
Football Association of Ireland
Golf Ireland
Athletics Ireland
Special Olympics Ireland
Individual Award Winners Announced on the Night:
Outstanding Achievement and Contribution to Sport Award, presented by the Federation of Irish Sport
KPMG Women in Sport Award, sponsored by KPMG Ireland
Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award, in partnership with the Association of Sports Journalists in Ireland
“The Federation is delighted to host the 9th annual Irish Sport Industry Awards, recognising and rewarding excellence in the business of sport and entrepreneurship and the immeasurable work being done by our National Governing Bodies in Sport and the National Network of Local Sports Partnerships,” said Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation.
“The continued growth of these awards, including the addition of new categories focused on sustainability and disability inclusion, reflects the evolving and positive impact of sport on Irish society. From health and education to social inclusion, tourism, and economic development, sport plays a vital role. These awards provide an important opportunity to celebrate the sector’s contribution, including the more than 64,000 people employed across Irish sport.”
My fellow judges and I were hugely impressed by the continued progression across Irish sport over the past year,” added Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship and Sustainability Officer, Core and Chair of the Judging Panel.
“The standard of entries reflected an industry embracing innovation, inclusivity, and long-term impact at every level. I’d like to sincerely thank the judging panel for their dedication throughout the process, as competition across many categories was exceptionally strong. It’s an exciting time for Irish sport, with real momentum and ambition driving the industry forward.”
Behind the Judging: Meet the Experts
- Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship & Sustainability Officer, Core
- Rob Hartnett, Founder, CEO Sport for Business
- Shane Califf, Head of the Organisational Development & Change Unit, Sport Ireland
- Maeve Buckley, Director, Leading Sport
- Ronan McCormack, Group Marketing Manager, Dalata Group Hotel
- Brenda O’Donnell, CEO, Active Disability Ireland
- Tom Fox, Co-Founder of 53Six
- Catherine Tiernan, Commercial Director, Olympic Federation of Ireland
- Stephen Bradshaw, Head of Marketing, Close Brothers Motor Finance
- Ger McTavish, Disability in Sport Lead, Sport Ireland
- Ronan Donagher, Former Head of Games Systems
- Anne McCormack, General Manager Edmondstown GC, former CEO Hockey Ireland
Set to take place on Tuesday, 19th May at the College Green Hotel in Dublin, this event promises to be an exciting evening celebrating the power and impact of sport across Ireland.
Adding to the anticipation on the night will be the unveiling of three prestigious individual honours: the Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award, the KPMG Women in Sport Award, and the Jimmy Magee (ASJI) Sports Coverage of the Year Award.
The Irish Sport Industry Awards 2026 will be a national platform where sport, diplomacy, and business converge — showcasing how Ireland can turn global sporting connections into real economic growth. Special guest speakers on the night include Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, and Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD.
The Federation of Irish Sport members of Sport for Business.
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Image Credit: Sport for Business
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