Women in Sport Funding 2026 – Irish Judo Association

‘Ministers announce €4 million for Women in Sport’

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, and Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, have announced a €4 million investment under the Women in Sport (WIS) Programme for 2026. The funding allocation matches the record amount invested in the last two years and represents a doubling of the amount allocated in 2022. The WIS Programme funds projects and initiatives for women and girls across a wide range of sports which support the National Sports Policy’s vision of removing barriers to participation and facilitating equal opportunity. The Programme was established in 2005 and since then over €30 million has been invested in women’s sports through the ringfenced funding. Through the National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships, the additional investment for 2026 will promote women’s involvement in sport across the four WIS Programme target areas, including active participation, coaching and officiating, visibility, and leadership and governance.

The Irish Judo Association received an allocation of €30,000 from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport via Sport Ireland. Ellie Dennis Irish Judo Association Chair of our Women in Sport Commission is delighted with the continued investment in girls and women in Judo and attended the funding announcement alongside Liz and Bonnie & Poppi who demonstated Judo for all present.

Sport Ireland Director and Women in Sport Lead, Nora Stapleton, said:

“I’ve seen first-hand how this targeted investment can change lives. With this continued support, NGBs are able to build on that momentum and ensure that every woman and girl has a place in sport. National Governing Bodies are realistic on the areas where work still needs to be done – this funding is crucial in empowering NGBs in capitalising on the opportunities that exist. The funding also enables us to continue to support long term strategic projects such as Her Moves, ensuring ongoing supports for women in leadership as well as looking at how we might increase the visibility of women in sport.”

More Photos of the day will be in our Gallery shortly – see Sport Ireland link for more photos.