The winners of the 2023 Irish Sport Industry Awards, hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport in association with Financial Broker, were announced at an awards ceremony at Dublin’s Westin Hotel on Thursday, 25th May. Deputy Niamh Smyth TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Arts, Sport and Media delivered the keynote address to an audience of representatives from across the sports sector.
The 11 award categories recognise the value that sport adds to the Irish economy from the sports industry perspective, in addition to celebrating the ongoing work done by national governing bodies and local sports partnerships to promote sport and physical activity nationwide. The Sport industry in Ireland supports 64,000 jobs and stimulates €3.3 billion in household spending. For the full list of winners see below.
The coveted award for National Governing Body of the Year went to Swim Ireland. Swim Ireland has had a transformational year by taking a new approach to achieve their goal of having an ‘An Island of Swimmers’. They have made great strides in the area of inclusion and prioritised the life skill of swimming with particular focus on increasing opportunities for people regardless of their age, ability, background, or location.
The winner for the Outstanding Contribution to Irish Sport for 2023 is Frances Kavanagh. Over the years, Frances has continued to help create opportunities for athletes with disabilities by pursuing a programme of participation and performance. Frances has worked tirelessly across many organisations and her commitment to Special Olympics Ireland has been second to none.
The Jimmy Magee FIS/ASJI Sports Coverage of the Year Award, was presented to Rónán Ó Coisdealbha. Rónán is head of sport at TG4, a position that he has held for 25 years. Under Ronan’s guidance, TG4 has continued to spearhead the TV station’s outstanding coverage of a wide range of sports – local, national and international.
This year saw the introduction of the inaugural Women in Business in Sport Award, in partnership with KPMG. This award is to. It recognise sustained excellence by a female professional working in business related to sport on the island of Ireland that has delivered innovation, growth, leadership, impactful campaigns or standout services in the industry. The inaugural winner was Dr. Fiona Chambers.Fiona Chambers has been a senior leader in higher education for more than 30 years with a real focus on sport and innovation. Over that time Fiona has developed expertise across many areas of business including in strategic design in multinational educational environments and human-centred innovation.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said, “Congratulations to all the award winners this evening. The awards are a celebration of the ongoing work done by national governing bodies and local sports partnerships to promote sport and physical activity nationwide. They also serve to recognise the invaluable relationship between business and sport in Ireland and the value that sport adds to the Irish economy. It is important to the Federation to highlight this and give prominence to the business of sport.”
Liam Carberry, President Brokers Ireland said, “In a time of digital dependency and excessive screen time, the immense physical and psychological value of sports and active participation in community-based teams and associations is more important now than ever to society. The Irish Sports Awards celebrate and recognise a diverse section of organisations, individuals, and capabilities that influence the structures and development of sport in this country, and I congratulate all award winners on the pivotal role that they play in this process, from the grassroots up.”
Full List of Award Winners
Best Sports Sponsorship
Electric Ireland, GAA Minor Championship ‘This is Major’
Best use of Communications Platform in Sport
Basketball Ireland, basketballireland.tv/In Game Digital Scoresheet-Swish All Hoops App
Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity
Golf Ireland – LevelPar
Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity
Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown Sports Partnership, Inclusive Cycling For All
Local Sports Partnership of the Year
Laois Sports Partnership
National Governing Body of the Year
Swim Ireland
Best New Sports Business of the year
Output Sports
Best Sports Business of the year
Irish American Events Ltd., Aer Lingus College Football Classic
Women in Business in Sport Award, in partnership with KPMG
Dr. Fiona Chambers
The Jimmy Magee Award for Sports Coverage of the year
Rónán Ó Coisdealbha, Head of Sport TG4
Outstanding Achievement for Contribution to Irish Sport Award
Frances Kavanagh
About Swim Ireland
Swim Ireland has had a transformational year by taking a new approach to achieve their goal of having an ‘An Island of Swimmers’. They have made great strides in the area of inclusion and prioritised the life skill of swimming with particular focus on increasing opportunities for people regardless of their age, ability, background, or location. The first ever National Swimming Strategy was launched this year and Swim Ireland has played a pivotal role in its activation. There has been a whole host of initiatives headed by Swim Ireland including the first ever Pop-Up Pool as well Swimmin’ Women Menopause Programme, Swim for a Milestone, Sanctuary Swimmers, LGBTQ+ specific programmes and a programme specifically for Gaelgeoirs. As well as this, there has been success on the International stage as athletes at the Commonwealth Games won three medals which were our first medals in history.
About Frances Kavanagh
Over the years, Frances has continued to help create opportunities for athletes with disabilities by pursuing a programme of participation and performance. Frances has worked tirelessly across many organisations and her commitment to Special Olympics Ireland has been second to none. Frances has been a Senior Director with Special Olympics Ireland and also held roles at Federation of Irish Sport and CARA Steering Committee, now Active Disability Ireland. Frances was also named among the Sport for Business Most Influential Women in Irish Sport. Frances has continued to help develop resources to create a more welcoming and inclusive society for all.
About Rónán Ó Coisdealbha
Rónán is head of sport at TG4, a position that he has held for 25 years. Under Rónán’s guidance, TG4 has continued to spearhead the TV station’s outstanding coverage of a wide range of sports – local, national and international. TG4 has gone from strength to strength with the help of Rónán’s leadership and he has been able to continue to help the Irish language to develop through sport.
About Dr. Fiona Chambers
Fiona has been a senior leader in higher education for more than 30 years with a real focus on education, sport and innovation. Over that time Fiona has developed expertise across many areas of business including in strategic design in multinational educational environments and human-centred innovation. For some time now, Fiona has worked in the area of strategic design and has brought this together with sport, physical activity and physical education. Fiona’s interest for both business and sport have complimented each other very well and her work is something that should be recognised.
2020 Sports Capital and Equipment Programme Review published by Ministers Martin and Byrne
Recommendations include:
greater focus on Climate Action, Disability and Gender Balance
continued focus on projects sharing facilities with other sports
further investment in areas of disadvantage
ongoing investment in projects targeting female participation
prioritisation of projects targeting disability
rewarding future applications with environmental focus
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’s Review of the 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (‘SCEP’) was published on the department’s website today.
The SCEP is the primary vehicle for government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities, and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. It aims to increase sporting participation across all sectors of the population.
After each round of the Programme, a review is undertaken to identify any changes required to further improve the scheme. The Review published today provides a comprehensive look at all aspects of the 2020 round including statistical data on how the funding was allocated. The 2020 round itself was a record one with over €166 million allocated to sports clubs and organisations throughout the country.
Among the recommendations contained in the Review published today is a continued prioritisation of projects that share facilities with other sports and further enhanced investment in areas of disadvantage. The Review also identified new areas for focus, including:
rewarding projects which incorporate climate action measures
rewarding projects which include adaptations for persons with disabilities through ring-fenced scores at assessment stage
expanding the SCEP remit to include applications for upgrades to swimming pools
an increase in thresholds for capital grants at both local and regional level
prioritising applications from areas witnessing significant population growth
Commenting on the publication of the Review, Minister Martin said:
“It is exciting that the Review has a specific section on Climate Action and I look forward to seeing a greater emphasis in this regard when a new round of the Programme opens. The Review also shows that the measures introduced to target female participation have worked well and I want to see this focus continue in future rounds. The record level of funding we secured for the last round is making a real difference in communities right across Ireland and I am committed to see this investment continue in the years ahead.”
Minister Byrne stated:
“Actively participating in sport is key to our physical and mental wellbeing. To ensure as many people as possible engage, it is essential to have appropriate sports facilities and equipment available in line with population demands. I urge all eligible sports organisations, clubs and schools to start their preparations so that they are ready when the 2023 round of the Programme opens for applications.
“I am determined to see the Programme continuing to target female participation in sport and in this regard, I welcome the Review’s recognition of the need for the National Governing Bodies of Sport to achieve a minimum of 40% representation of each gender in the membership of their Boards by the end of 2023. The adherence or otherwise of the relevant NGB to the gender balance requirement will be a consideration in approving future grant allocations.”
Both Ministers stressed the need for organisations that have not applied for funding previously to register on the department’s online SCEP application system (OSCAR). This can be done on the department’s website.
A new “Guide to Making an Application” for the 2023 round of the SCEP will now be prepared to factor in the recommendations contained in the Review. The exact dates from which new applications will be accepted will be announced by Ministers in the coming weeks.
The Judging Panel had almost 100 entries to review and deliberate on. There were so many fantastic submissions, but the shortlist is in! The Federation of Irish Sport has today announced the shortlist of nominees for 8 categories of the Irish Sport Industry Awards, in association with Financial Broker. The remaining 3 categories will be revealed at the awards ceremony at Dublin’s Westin Hotel on Thursday 25th May.
The Sport industry in Ireland supports 64,000 jobs, stimulates €3.3 billion in household spending, and generates €3.7 billion gross value added (GVA) to the Irish economy. This year’s event will be the sixth staging of the Awards which recognise and celebrate that value of sport to society and reward excellence in the business of sport.
The 11 award categories celebrate a cross section of organisations, people and capabilities that fuel and drive the management, funding, and sustainability of sport in Ireland. For the full list of nominees see below.
The awards ceremony will be attended by an audience of invited guests from across the sports sector with Deputy Niamh Smyth TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media delivering the keynote address.
A highlight of the evening will include the announcement of the award winners for the Outstanding Achievement and Contribution to Sport Award, the Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award as determined by the Association of Sports Journalists Ireland, to be presented by The Magee Family and the inaugural Women in Business in Sport Award, in partnership with KPMG.
The Judging Panel for the 2023 awards chaired by Rob Hartnett, Founder and CEO of Sport for Business comprises members of the sports sector from media, business, PR, and local and national representative bodies.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said, “We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the Irish Sport Industry Award categories, in association with Financial Broker. Sport is an integral part of Irish society, and we are really looking forward to celebrating and recognising the immense value of sport to the Irish economy.”
“I would like to say a big thank you to the national governing bodies, local sports partnerships and those in the sports sector that submitted entries this year. The standard and number of entries for 2023 has been phenomenal.”
Rob Hartnett, Chair Judging Panel, CEO and Founder Sport for Business said: “It is always a pleasure to judge great work and that is what we have seen this year. The judges pored over nearly 100 submissions and we emerged with the best of the best.”
“Sometimes we fail to stop and recognise our achievements. That is why these awards are so important, and why chairing the judging panel is such an Honour.”
Shortlist of Open Category Nominees
Best Sports Sponsorship
Fyffes Fit Squad – Titan Experience
Athletics Ireland, 123.i.e., National Cross-Country Championship
Electric Ireland, GAA Minor Championship ‘This is Major’
AIG Ireland, ‘Effort Is Equal’ – Futureproof Media
VHI, ‘More Than Running’ – Teneo
Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport
Fifty-Three Six – FAI ‘Give a Little, Get a Lot’
Basketball Ireland, basketballireland.tv/Swish All Hoops App
Congratulations to Clubforce who today releases their biggest-ever update: Clubforce NextGen
Today marks a new era for sports tech company, Clubforce, with the roll-out of the biggest update to their sports club management system: Clubforce NextGen.
The platform combines Clubforce’s extensive experience working with thousands of sports clubs globally, alongside the very latest in technology, design and security. The net result is Ireland’s most advanced and secure sports club management platform.
Clubforce NextGen is designed to significantly reduce the growing administrative burden on club volunteers whilst also helping them grow their fundraising.
We’ve helped thousands of clubs reach their strategic goals and fundraising targets. The NextGen platform builds on this by adding a whole new level of innovation on top.
Ensuring volunteers are able to fulfil their legal obligations around their club data is also at the forefront of the new platform. Clubforce is the only sports club management platform in Ireland certified to international standards for data security (ISO27001).
The legal responsibilities and liability around securing club member’s data are very onerous for volunteer-led clubs. We have completed this strict certification so that clubs can have peace of mind that when they choose Clubforce, they will have fully met their responsibilities.
Clubforce CEO, Noel Murray
The club product is just one part of a significant investment in innovation for the business. The club platform is designed to form part of a wider digital ecosystem connecting clubs through to regional, national and international sports associations.
To celebrate the launch, on top of its competitive annual charges, Clubforce is offering additional reductions to new clubs moving to the platform including zero setup fees and a free website builder worth over €300.
The Clubforce NextGen platform is available immediately – find out more on our product pages and book your demo today.
The Federation of Irish Sport is delighted to announce a brand-new category for Women in Business in Sport in partnership with KPMG is now open for nomination for the Irish Sport Industry Awards, in association with Financial Broker. This new award is to recognise and reward sustained excellence by a female professional working in business related to sport on the island of Ireland that has delivered innovation, growth, leadership or standout services in the industry.
We are inviting nominations to celebrate women who are a standout performer and has shown significant achievement in the advancement and/or promotion of Sport, be it through creation of or implementation of a new innovation, use of technology, campaign conceptualisation/execution resulting in a step change in sport. KPMG have long been champions of women in business and sport, it has a rich history of not only supporting women in sport through their various sponsorship properties, but also in supporting women to excel in business through their ‘Going for Growth’ initiative. They have also recently published a research report on the Impact of Sport on Women in Business, linking the important skills learned through sport and how this can have a positive impact to women succeeding in the boardroom.
Through this award we want to champion women who are advocates for the development of sport in business through their professional contribution, standout services, either as a leader or emerging talent.
The Federation of Irish Sport today launched the 2023 Irish Sport Industry Awards in association with Financial Broker. The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday 25th May in The Westin Hotel’s historic Banking Hall.
The Federation is very pleased to welcome Financial Broker – the consumer financial brand of Brokers Ireland as the official sponsor of the 2023 Irish Sport Industry Awards. The awards celebrate and reward excellence in the business of sport, while simultaneously highlighting the contribution of sport to the Irish economy. This will be the sixth 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.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said: “I’m delighted to launch the call for entries from next Monday and to announce Financial Broker as the official sponsor of these prestigious awards. I would like to thank them for their support in recognising the valuable link sport plays to the economy. Through these awards and variety of categories we recognise the value that sport adds to the Irish economy across the sporting landscape. According to Sport Ireland research the sport economy has grown faster than the economy as a whole over the past 10 years. We are looking forward to building on the success of the 2022 awards and celebrating the return to sporting activity post-pandemic and looking towards the future of the sports sector.”
Brokers Ireland is delighted to announce the new partnership collaboration between Financial Broker, and the 2023 Irish Sport Industry Awards.
Commenting on the partnership with Financial Broker, Liam Carberry, President of Brokers Ireland, said: “We are proud to collaborate with the Federation of Irish Sport on their prestigious annual Irish Sport Industry Awards which recognises the value that the sports sector contributes to Irish society, in addition to the work being done by National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships within communities across the country” stated Liam.
‘’There are synergies between the Federation of Irish Sport which is the voice for Irish sport and endorses the value, well-being, and positive attributes that sports participation offers, and the Financial Broker brand which provides consumers with a more confident and holistic approach to financial guidance. Studies have shown that proactive financial planning can help to build a more secure financial foundation which can lead to a happier, healthier life’’ said Liam.
Entries are now open for submission, for a full list of categories, event updates and to enter the awards go to: www.irishsportindustryawards.ie. Closing date for entries is Thursday 4th May.
Pictured above in attendance at the launch of the awards: from left are, Liam Carberry, President of Financial Broker, Rachel McGovern Director Financial Services at Financial Broker, Mary O’Connor, CEO Federation of Irish Sport and Rob Hartnett, CEO Sport for Business and Chair of the Judging Panel for the Irish Sport Industry Awards.
About the Irish Sport Industry Awards
The award categories celebrate Best Sports Businesses (new and existing) the Jimmy Magee Award for Best Sports Coverage of the Year, leading governing body and local sports partnership initiatives, Best Sports Sponsorship, Best Inclusivity initiative, Best promotion of Women in Sport, Best Use of Communications platforms, and the Outstanding Achievement Award.
The entries will be judged by an esteemed judging panel comprising of media, PR, and independent sports industry experts and Chaired by Sport for Business founder and CEO Rob Hartnett. The Jimmy Magee FIS/ASJI Award for Sports Coverage of the Year will be independently adjudicated by the Association of Sports’ Journalists Ireland (ASJI), ASJI President Paul Lennon and include Kelli O’Keeffe MD Teneo, Sport and Sponsorship and Sarah O’Connor Deputy CEO of Wilson Hartnell as panellists.
About the Federation of Irish Sport
Established in 2002, the Federation of Irish Sport is the representative organisation for the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) in Ireland. The Federation’s membership consists of over 110 members comprising of 81 NGBs and 29 LSPs, representing over 12,000 sports clubs nationwide. The role of the Federation is to speak on behalf of its members and represent their views to the public, while also providing them with a range of services.
About Brokers Ireland /Financial Broker
Brokers Ireland is the leading representative body for Brokers with a combined strength of over 1,250 firms representing both general insurance and financial brokers throughout Ireland. Financial Broker firms advise consumers on financial service products and services including pensions; protection; savings; investment and mortgage products. Financial Brokers are experts on financial planning matters and provide a wide choice of products and providers from across the market. See www.financialbroker.ie for further information on the Financial Broker brand offering.
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