Expert Panel to Discuss the Future of Sport in Ireland at Ashdown Park Hotel

This evening, Tuesday 27th January, 2026 at 7pm, Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow-Wexford, Malcolm Byrne, will host an expert panel discussion on the future of sport in Ireland at the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey. The event promises to bring together some of the leading voices in Irish sport to explore how the sector can continue to evolve, support communities, promote health and well-being and strengthen pathways for both grassroots participation and elite athletes.

The panel will include a diverse group of high-profile figures from across various sporting organizations, providing a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the Irish sporting landscape.

The Expert Panel Includes:

• Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Sport

• Hamish Adams, Chief Executive of Athletics Ireland

• Jarlath Burns, President of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA)

• David Courell, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI)

• Sarah Keane, Chief Executive of Swim Ireland

• Dr. Una May, Chief Executive of Sport Ireland

• Mary O’Connor, Chief Executive of the Federation of Irish Sport

The discussion will center around three main themes: how sport can continue to thrive in Ireland, the importance of community engagement and how pathways can be strengthened for both budding athletes and professionals. Topics will range from how to improve grassroots participation and ensure inclusivity across all levels to maintaining Ireland’s strong record of sporting success at the international stage.

Speaking ahead of the event, Deputy Malcolm Byrne emphasized the importance of sport not only as a source of national pride but also as a vital community tool.

“Sport is an integral part of life for so many people. It brings communities together, gives people a place to connect and socialise, and provides an important outlet that supports both physical and mental wellbeing,” said Deputy Byrne. “While we’ve seen tremendous success from Irish teams and athletes in recent years, this discussion will look at what we in government can do to sustain that success and ensure sport continues to thrive at every level.”

Deputy Byrne also highlighted the need for balance in sport policy, stressing that government focus should not be limited to elite achievements but also on promoting lifelong engagement with sport. “While elite sporting achievement is important, it should not be the sole focus of government policy. We need to ensure that we’re also fostering a lasting love of sport that spans across all age groups and skill levels,” he explained.

The panel will explore how to improve participation from an early age, as well as how to re-engage individuals who may have drifted away from sport. Deputy Byrne emphasized that fostering a lifelong relationship with physical activity is essential for both individual health and the continued success of Irish sport.

“This panel brings together leaders from across Irish sport to provide a range of perspectives on what more can be done to improve participation, strengthen communities and continue achieving sporting success that inspires the next generation,” Deputy Byrne said.

The event is open to the public, with Deputy Byrne encouraging local residents, sports enthusiasts, and members of the community to attend, participate, and contribute to the conversation. In addition, officials from the Department of Sport will be present on the night to provide insights and answer questions on upcoming sports capital and equipment funding schemes. This is a great opportunity for those involved in sports clubs or organizations to learn more about funding opportunities.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, 27th January 2026

• Time: 7:00 pm

• Location: Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, Co. Wexford