Boxing Ireland has been named as a finalist in the Federation of Irish Sport’s 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards.
Boxing Ireland is a finalist in the Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity category, alongside alongside Canoeing Ireland, Athletics Ireland, Tennis Ireland and Longford Sports Partnership.
Boxing Ireland has been recognised for L.E.A.P, the Leadership, Empowerment, Advancement Programme through which 29 women from across boxing undertook a Professional Diploma in Leadership and Strategic Management in partnership with Longford College of Further Education. This is the first partnership of it’s kind between Boxing Ireland and an institute of further learning.
The professional diploma course modules included an exploration of strategic management frameworks and leadership styles, identification of gender-related challenges in leadership, navigating organizational structures, active mentorship, networking and promotional strategies. Learnings from the course will assist graduates in their sporting, volunteering and professional lives.
The participants, from 24 clubs in counties Antrim, Cork, Down, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo, Tyrone & Wicklow, formally graduated in February.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport 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.”
Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship & Sustainability Officer, Core and Chair of the Judging Panel reflected: “My fellow judges and I were hugely impressed by the continued progression across Irish sport over the past year. The standard of entries reflected an industry embracing innovation, inclusivity, and long-term impact at every level. I’d like to sincerely thank the judging panel for their dedication throughout the process, as competition across many categories was exceptionally strong. It’s an exciting time for Irish sport, with real momentum and ambition driving the industry forward.”
The category winners of all ten awards will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin on May 23rd.