Membership reaches an all-time high of 76,507 as athletics continues to thrive across Ireland
Athletics Ireland is delighted to announce another record-breaking year for membership, with 76,507 registered members in 2026, marking a new milestone for the sport and highlighting the continued growth of athletics in communities across the country.
The record figures reflect the increasing popularity of athletics at all levels, from juvenile participation and recreational running to masters athletics and high-performance competition.
Central to this continued success is the dedication of Athletics Ireland’s nationwide network of affiliated clubs, coaches, volunteers and administrators, whose commitment ensures that people of all ages and abilities have opportunities to participate in the sport.
The continued strength of juvenile athletics is particularly encouraging, highlighting the growing appetite among young people and families to become involved in athletics and the important role clubs play in developing the next generation of athletes.
Dermot Mc Granaghan, National Club Development Manager at Athletics Ireland, welcomed the record figures and paid tribute to the thousands of volunteers driving the sport’s growth.
“Reaching 76,507 registered members is a fantastic achievement for Athletics Ireland and a tremendous endorsement of the work being carried out by our clubs across the country.
“Our clubs are the foundation of athletics in Ireland. Every week, thousands of dedicated coaches, volunteers and club administrators give their time to create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy our sport.
“It is particularly encouraging to see the continued strength of juvenile athletics, which demonstrates the enthusiasm among young people and families to get involved. While we rightly celebrate the achievements of our international athletes, it is equally important that we recognise the tremendous contribution of those working tirelessly at grassroots level.
“With this growth comes a responsibility to ensure our clubs have the support, facilities and resources they need to continue to flourish. Our ambition is to build on this momentum and ensure athletics remains accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.”
The latest membership milestone also underlines the importance of continued investment in the development of athletics across Ireland. As participation increases, Athletics Ireland remains committed to supporting its affiliated clubs through coach education, volunteer development, improved governance and the ongoing development of facilities.
Athletics Ireland also recognises the vital contribution of parents, club officers and volunteers, many of whom work behind the scenes to provide safe, inclusive and rewarding sporting experiences within their communities.
With membership now at an all-time high, Athletics Ireland looks forward to building on this momentum, strengthening its club network and encouraging even more people to discover the benefits of athletics in the years ahead.
