The Irish Government has signaled its intent to harness the power of sport as a diplomatic instrument, hosting the International Sports Diplomacy Conference at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin. The event, led by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan, alongside Ministers of State Charlie McConalogue and Neale Richmond, brought together stakeholders from sport, academia, industry, and civil society to shape Ireland’s emerging role as an international sporting hub.
Building on the Sports Diplomacy Framework
The conference builds on the International Sports Diplomacy Framework, launched earlier this year at the 2025 Global Ireland Summit, and will inform a forthcoming National Strategy on Sports Diplomacy. The strategy aims to strengthen Ireland’s global influence, promote cultural values, and deepen ties with international partners through sport.
Strategic Timing
Ireland is preparing to host several major global events, including the UEFA EURO 2028 Championship, the Ryder Cup in 2027, and the T20 Cricket World Cup in 2030. Minister O’Donovan emphasized that these milestones highlight Ireland’s growing stature in international sport, supported by hundreds of millions of euros in government investment in infrastructure and athlete development.
“Sport has the power to unite our country behind our teams and athletes, while also projecting Ireland’s values abroad,” O’Donovan said.
Cultural and Diplomatic Reach
Minister McConalogue highlighted sport as a core element of Irish identity, noting that Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency in late 2026 will spotlight traditional and indigenous sports as part of its cultural diplomacy agenda.
Minister Richmond stressed the importance of engaging Ireland’s global sporting diaspora, citing events such as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic and the NFL game at Croke Park as examples of sport strengthening international relationships.
Outlook
The consultation process will culminate in a comprehensive International Sports Diplomacy Strategy, designed to leverage Ireland’s sporting legacy, expand global partnerships, and enhance political “soft power.” By positioning sport as a bridge between nations, Ireland aims to secure its place as a leading international sporting hub in the years ahead.
