• Nineth hosting of the Irish Sport Industry Awards
• Economic value of Sport €3.7bn GVA to the economy
• Over 64,000 employed in sport 
• Entries are now live: www.irishsportindustryawards.ie

The Federation of Irish Sport today proudly launched the 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards. The awards will take place in Dublin on Tuesday 19th May and be hosted by broadcaster and journalist Sean O’Rourke. This will be the nineth staging of the awards which recognise the invaluable relationship between business and sport in Ireland. The Sport industry in Ireland supports 64,000 jobs, stimulates €3.3 billion in household spending, and generates €3.7 billion (GVA) gross value added to the Irish economy.

Entries are now open for submission, for a full list of categories, event updates and to enter the awards go to: https://irishsportindustryawards.ie/. Closing date for entries is: 2nd April 2026. This year sees the addition of two new categories: 

1. Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport and Physical Activity - This award is to recognise the support of lifelong participation for all in sport and physical activity. It is open to any organisation or enterprise either within the sport industry, or is using sport as a vehicle, which promotes increased inclusion, engagement and participation in sport and physical activity for those with a disability. 
2. Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport and Physical Activity - This award shall recognise sporting bodies or businesses in the sport or physical activity sector who display a comprehensive strategy to promote sustainability in sport or physical activities to mitigate against environmental impact of their operations or participation of their members. 

Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said:

“The Irish Sport Industry Awards are an important platform for recognising our member National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships valuable contribution to sport through their initiatives, collaborations and commercial activations. While also spotlighting new and emerging sports tech enterprise innovations, many of whom have gone on to excel in international markets.”

For more information contact: 

Clare Louise O’Donoghue, Head of Commercial and Marketing on 086 0437887 or by email