Athletics Ireland has announced a new partnership with Dundrum South Dublin Athletic Club (DSD AC) that will direct funding towards the development of elite female coaches in Irish athletics.
DSD AC are the parent organisation of DSD Events, which organises the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon and Sandyford 5k. This new partnership reflects ongoing collaboration between DSD AC and Athletics Ireland, reinforcing a shared commitment to working together as part of the broader club and national athletics structure.
The partnership aligns two of Ireland’s leading organisations in women’s sport around a shared objective: strengthening high-performance pathways for women and supporting the next generation of leaders within athletics.
Through this collaboration, funding will be focused specifically on the progression of female coaches operating at an elite level and creating more opportunities for women to lead at the highest levels.
The announcement follows a landmark year for DSD AC, which was recently named Performance Club of the Year at the National Athletics Awards. The awards celebrate the best of Irish athletics and the accolade reflects the club’s exceptional record in athlete development and competitive achievement.
Gerry McGrath, Chairperson, DSD AC, said: “DSD AC has long been committed to cultivating elite talent and creating meaningful impact for women. We’re proud to be working with Athletics Ireland on an initiative that aligns with our values and delivers long-term benefits for women in sport.”
Athletics Ireland welcomed the partnership, highlighting the importance of investment in the education and development of coaches as an essential support for athletes.
Speaking at today’s announcement, Athletics Ireland CEO, Hamish Adams, said:
“Partnerships like this are vital to the continued growth and success of Irish athletics. By investing in the development of elite female coaches, we are strengthening the foundation that supports our athletes at every level. This collaboration with DSD AC reflects a shared commitment to creating more opportunities for women to lead, excel, and shape the future of our sport. It’s an important step towards building a more inclusive and high-performing athletics community in Ireland.”
Following the recent launch of Athletics Ireland’s Women in Sport Strategic Plan, Anna Grealish, Women in Sport Lead, said: “Supporting female high-performance coaches is a key priority within Athletics Ireland’s Women in Sport Strategic Plan. We are committed to creating greater opportunities for women to gain experience and visibility within high-performance environments. The ring-fenced funding provided through this partnership with DSD AC represents a significant step forward, enabling us to accelerate progress in this area. I’m excited about the opportunities this will create and the long-term impact it will have on women’s leadership within Irish athletics.”
Further updates on the initiative will be shared over the coming months.
