Friday morning brought the 2026 Sport for Business PwC 30 Under 30 together in the impressive surroundings of PwC’s offices overlooking the River Liffey, and it proved to be every bit as inspiring, energetic and enjoyable as we had hoped.
Drawn from more than 100 nominations received this year, the 30 young leaders selected represent a rich spread of talent from across the business of sport.
They work in national governing bodies, clubs, agencies, brands, media, events, sponsorship, inclusion, data, performance, communications and more. What united them in the room was a sense of purpose, ambition and curiosity about where sport is going next.
The Sport for Business PwC 30 Under 30 has always been about shining a light on those already making a difference, while also giving them a space to connect with others who will help shape the sector in the years ahead.
Friday’s gathering captured that perfectly.
There was a real buzz from the moment the group arrived, with conversations flowing easily between those meeting for the first time, those reconnecting from different parts of the industry, and those who had travelled in from across the country and beyond to be part of the celebration.
It was a pleasure and a privilege to recognise the 2026 group and to hear more about the work they are doing, the paths they have taken, and the ambitions they hold for the future.
A special part of the morning came through the contribution of two alumni from previous years, Rian Wogan of Drogheda United and Sarah Judge of Irish Life.
Both spoke openly about their journeys since being named among earlier Sport for Business 30 Under 30 cohorts, reflecting on the opportunities that had come their way, the value of building relationships, and the importance of backing yourself when stepping into new roles or new sectors.
Rian Wogan shared insight from his work with Drogheda United, a club that has been one of the most interesting stories in Irish football in recent years, both on and off the pitch. His career path offered a strong reminder that sport needs people who are prepared to be adaptable, entrepreneurial and resilient.
Sarah Judge, now with Irish Life, brought a different but equally valuable perspective, speaking about the transition through different stages of a career and the importance of learning from those around you while also bringing your own voice to the table.
Their reflections added real depth to the morning, giving the 2026 group a chance to see how being part of the 30 Under 30 can act not just as a moment of recognition, but as part of a broader professional journey.
The morning was also great fun. There was laughter, lively discussion, and a genuine sense that this was a group comfortable with sharing ideas, challenging assumptions and enjoying each other’s company.
At the close of the event, we brought the group together to add their voices to four of the major challenges facing sport today.
Across the room, small groups discussed artificial intelligence, volunteering, philanthropy and ethics, exploring how each of these areas is already shaping the sporting sector and how they might evolve in the years ahead.
It was important to us that the youthful thinking in the room was captured and shared. These are not just the leaders of tomorrow; many of them are already influencing how sport is delivered, funded, promoted and experienced today.
Over the next four days on Sport for Business, we will bring you their thoughts on each of those themes, beginning with artificial intelligence and continuing through volunteering, philanthropy and ethics.
The conversations were thoughtful, practical and at times provocative, exactly what we hoped they would be.
They touched on the opportunities of new technology, the challenge of keeping community sport alive through volunteer support, the role of philanthropy in widening access and impact, and the need for strong ethical decision-making in a world where sport is increasingly complex.
The 2026 Sport for Business PwC 30 Under 30 are:
Ger Bonner — Active Carlow
John Byrne — Celtic FC
Claire Cashman — Football Association of Ireland
Suzanne Casey — Olympic Federation of Ireland
Ruth Crehan — ForeFront Sports
Connor Ellis — Stats Perform
Nia Gallagher — Core Sponsorship
David Higgins — Teneo Sports Advisory
Myles Higgins — Torpey
Sarah Hughes — Horse Sport Ireland
Tom Hyland — Boardroom Ball
Conor Keenan — GAA
Niall McCabe — Allianz Ireland
Matthew McGovern — Tottenham Hotspur
Eimante Mikneviciute — Active Disability Ireland
Carrie O’Keeffe — Sport Ireland
Niamh O’Brien — Paralympics Ireland
Matt O’Rourke — LOI Talk
Christian Phillips — GAA
Sarah Redmond — Energia
Daragh Searing — TicketCo
Annie Smyth — GAA+
Gemma Uprichard — Northern Ireland Football League
Roman Uzun — Sport Narrative
And those who could not join us for this but will do so at future events.
Ava Elders Gallagher — IRFU
Cian Feerick — Her Sport
Yvonne Hedigan — Sport Ireland Campus
Garry Kehoe — Badminton Ireland
Louise McCleery — Wilson Hartnell
Hannah McLoughlin — 2into3
Each of them has already made an impression. Friday morning suggested strongly that there is a great deal more to come.
Our thanks go to PwC for once again supporting the 30 Under 30 and for hosting the morning in such style.
Most of all, congratulations to the 2026 group. It was inspiring to spend time in their company, and it was a lot of fun as well. That combination is always a good sign for the future of sport.
PwC is one of our core partners at Sport for Business.
If you 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.
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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 insights.
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