The winners of the Sport Industry Awards 2016 were announced by the Federation of Irish Sport at a ceremony held at the Round Room in the Mansion House last night.

The 12 categories and their winners were:

  • Established Sport Business: Nemeton TV
  • Emerging Sport Business: Sport for Business
  • Best Mass Participation Programme: SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon & Race Series
  • Best International Sports Event: 2016 Aer Lingus College Football Classic
  • Best Sponsorship of a Team or Individual: Allianz Ireland’s Sponsorship of Paralympics Ireland 2016
  • Best Sponsorship of a Sporting Event or Competition: Lidl Ireland’s Sponsorship of Ladies Gaelic Football
  • Best Use of Social Media: AIB Backing Club & County #TheToughest
  • Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative in Sport: The GAA Healthy Club Project in Partnership with Irish Life
  • Best Innovation in Sport: GolfGraffix
  • Best LSP Initiative: West Cork Community Sport & Physical Activity Hub
  • NGB of the Year: Paralympics Ireland
  • Lifetime Achievement & Outstanding Contribution Award: Jimmy Magee

Bernard Brogan, President of the Federation of Irish Sport and four time All-Ireland winner said;

“The significance of the sports industry in Ireland is often underestimated. It is fantastic to see such a range of companies and world class work being carried out within Irish sport. When you see companies such as Golfgraffix who specialise in interactive marketing and 3D visualisation products for golf clubs, course designers and developers, having significant success not in Ireland but also overseas you realise that is not just our athletes who can compete on the world stage, there are huge opportunities there for Irish businesses also.”

James Galvin, CEO of the Irish Federation of Sport, said;

“Sport in Ireland as well as being a significant source of both pride and passion makes a significant contribution to Irish industry and business life. There are opportunities for Ireland in taking advantage of the on-going growth in the global sports industry. Companies such as 2015 STAT Sports with a client list that includes Manchester United, Carolina Panthers and Barcelona shows the potential. We know that there are opportunities for Ireland to benefit be it around job creation, the positive impact on a community from a club or facility reaching out beyond its traditional audience or indeed, the hosting of an international event and the knock on benefits to small businesses, restaurants and shops. There is some way to go to obtain the necessary recognition and supports from Government for the Irish sports industry but I believe that these awards have a role to play in showcasing the significant and varied contribution of sport to Ireland’s economy.”

Congratulations to all winners and a huge thank you to all who attended!