Government Sets Out Global Vision at International Sports Diplomacy Conference
Ireland’s ambition to use sport as a strategic tool for global engagement took a step forward today as the Government hosted a landmark International Sports Diplomacy Conference at the Sport Ireland Campus.
The event — led by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue, and Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora Neale Richmond — brought together leaders from across Irish sport, academia, business, and the NGO sector to examine how Ireland can harness sport to strengthen international relationships, promote national values, and bolster the country’s soft power abroad.
The conference forms a central part of an extensive consultation process informing Ireland’s first International Sports Diplomacy Strategy, set for publication before year-end. It builds on the International Sports Diplomacy Framework launched earlier this year at the 2025 Global Ireland Summit and aims to set out concrete actions for government and stakeholders nationwide.
Speaking after the event, Minister O’Donovan said the discussions highlighted sport’s growing role in Ireland’s international profile.
“It was a privilege to address such a diverse group on a topic which has so much promise for our place in the world, and for Irish sport generally. Ireland is stepping into a larger role in international sport,” he said, pointing to major events including the 2027 Ryder Cup, UEFA EURO 2028, and the 2030 T20 Cricket World Cup.
“We have seen the power that sport plays to bring the country together behind our national teams and international athletes. These have been in turn supported by the hundreds of millions of euros Government has invested in sport and sport infrastructure over recent years.”
Minister McConalogue said sport remains “a core part of Irish identity and culture” and confirmed that Ireland’s EU Presidency in late 2026 will place traditional and indigenous sports at its heart.
Minister Richmond emphasised sport’s value in strengthening Ireland’s relationship with its global diaspora, highlighting events such as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic and the recent NFL game at Croke Park as examples of international sporting engagement that deliver diplomatic and economic benefits.
The conference also featured a fireside chat with Ministers McConalogue and Richmond, moderated by RTÉ’s Marie Crowe, who steered discussions on how Ireland can integrate sports diplomacy more formally into its global strategy.
This was followed by a panel discussion exploring “International Sports Diplomacy – A New Approach for Ireland.” Contributions came from Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, who outlined how the national sports system is evolving to support international collaboration; Dr Brian Moore, CEO of sports science firm Orreco, who spoke about innovation and Ireland’s growing global footprint in sports technology; Graham Clifford, Head of International Development at Sanctuary Runners, who shared insights on sport’s power in integration and community-building; and Cora Staunton, All-Ireland Ladies Football champion and AFL player, who reflected on her experiences representing Ireland abroad and the diplomatic reach of athletes.
Their combined perspectives underscored the opportunity available to Ireland — from elite performance and research to community impact and diaspora engagement — as the State advances its first national sports diplomacy strategy.
