Athletics Ireland is proud to celebrate a strong presence among the finalists announced for the 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards, with nominations recognising the organisation’s continued commitment to participation, innovation, inclusion, and excellence across Irish athletics.
Hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport, the awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 19th May 2026 at the College Green Hotel in Dublin, bringing together leaders from sport, business, media, and government to celebrate the positive impact of sport across Ireland.
Athletics Ireland has been shortlisted across several categories, reflecting the organisation’s ongoing efforts to grow participation and strengthen communities through athletics.
National Governing Body of the Year
- Football Association of Ireland
- Golf Ireland
- Athletics Ireland
- Special Olympics Ireland
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 Commercial Partnership in Sport
- 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
Speaking following the announcement of the finalists, Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor said:
“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.
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.”
Athletics Ireland congratulates all finalists shortlisted across this year’s awards and looks forward to celebrating the achievements of Irish sport on May 19th.
ENDS
