Ireland’s first international sports diplomacy framework to establish the country as a sporting hub and build its reputation as a “premier sporting nation” has been unveiled by the Government.
The framework will serve to “foster opportunities” for international partnerships, cultural exchange and diaspora engagement.
It is also designed to advance foreign policy priorities, increase domestic participation and promote Ireland, a Government statement said on Wednesday.
The framework was unveiled following the 2025 Global Ireland Summit by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris; Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan; and Ministers of State Charlie McConalogue and Neale Richmond.
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Mr Harris said the framework was the “first of its kind for Ireland”.
“Sport is a powerful tool that brings people together. It is a key part of the Irish DNA,” he said. “I firmly believe that developing this framework is timely and will make sports diplomacy a valuable communications tool for how we engage internationally.
“We need to use every opportunity to raise awareness of Ireland and sport can be a big part of that.”
Mr Harris added that the framework would initiate the development of a new international sports diplomacy strategy and action plan over the coming year, which the Government would work on in close collaboration with stakeholders.
Mr O’Donovan said the Government was committed to a “significant major events programme” over the coming years.
“This programme will see the Ryder Cup coming to Limerick in 2027 in what is likely to be the biggest global sports event that year,” he said.
“In addition, I am pleased that we are supporting two major events with strong all-island and East-West components, namely the Uefa 2028 Euro championships and the 2030 T20 Cricket World Cup.
“These events provide a wide realm of opportunities for Ireland across business, trade, tourism, sport and diplomacy. It is clearly time to build upon our continued investments in infrastructure and sports events through a cohesive and joined up framework so that sport can continue to deliver for Ireland into the future.”
Mr McConalogue said Ireland will hold the EU presidency during the second half of 2026 and would focus on “the value and opportunities of traditional and indigenous sports as a core theme during our presidency”.
“We will also focus on the capacity of sport to promote and achieve inclusion, equality, diversity and mutual respect, which drive and motivate the Government’s efforts in this area,” he said.
