Federation of Irish Sport Annual Conference

Representatives of the IAFA were among the delegates attending the FIS Annual Conference which took place at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin on Thursday 29th May.

The Conference is the largest NGB event on the calendar and the attendance included over 160 people representing 50 National Governing Bodies, 9 Local Sports Partnerships, Government bodies and the sports industry.

FIS CEO, Sarah O’Connor opened the Conference by highlighting the contribution that sport makes to Irish society and the economy. Minister Leo Varadkar gave the keynote speech and took part in a panel discussion on the funding of sport alongside Bernard Allen of the Irish Sports Council (ex-Minister for Sport), Hugo McNeil, MD of Goldman Sachs and Chair of the Ireland funds and Patrick Kelleher of the Shelbourne Development Group, who also owns St. Patricks Athletic. During the discussion, the Minister mentioned that consideration was being given to introducing legislation to help regulate sporting activity companies and that he is seeking views on the introduction of municipal sports centres similar to those in operation in many European cities and towns.

Andy Reed OBE, Chair of the UK Sport and Recreation Alliance (the FIS’s equivalent in the UK) gave a speech on the role of sport in society which was followed by a panel discussion featuring Kate O’Flaherty of the Department of Health, Fiona Coughlan – PE teacher and rugby player, Brendan Kenny of Dublin City Council and Keith McCormack of Failte Ireland.

The Conference also featured an open mic session with Keith Barry of Newstalk and exhibitors stands.