Tánaiste and Ministers launch Ireland’s first ever International Sports Diplomacy Framework

The government has launched Ireland’s first ever International Sports Diplomacy Framework following the 2025 Global Ireland Summit.

The new Framework is designed to establish Ireland a sporting hub and help build our reputation as a premier sporting nation. The International Sports Diplomacy Framework is available online.

Through the unifying power of sport, the Framework will serve to foster opportunities for international partnerships, cultural exchange and diaspora engagement.

It is also designed to advance foreign policy priorities, increasing domestic participation and promoting Ireland.

The Framework was launched by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport, Charlie McConalogue, and Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond.

Speaking following the Global Ireland Summit, Tánaiste Simon Harris said:

"I am delighted to launch this International Sports Diplomacy Framework, 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.

"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.

"This Framework will initiate the development of a new International Sports Diplomacy Strategy and action plan over the coming year, which my colleagues and l will take forward, working in close collaboration with all of our key stakeholders."

The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, said:

“This Sports Diplomacy Framework builds upon the hundreds of millions of euros that Government has invested into sport and sport infrastructure over recent years. This investment has enabled us to pursue our Major International Sports Events Strategy and I am happy to say that we are 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. 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.”

The Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, said:

“Ireland has an amazing sporting heritage, particularly demonstrated by our traditional Gaelic Games. I am happy to see the growth in Gaelic Games abroad, both within our diaspora and other communities. It is truly a great demonstration of the power of Irish culture and of sport as part of our culture.

"Ireland will hold the EU Presidency during the second half of 2026 and we will 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.”

The Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond, said:

“I welcome the focus in this Framework on the role sport plays in deepening the ties between Irish communities overseas and at home.

"Having myself experienced the positive benefits of playing sport abroad, I will continue to work closely with our partners in the GAA and other Irish-connected sporting groups to support their work and enhance the connections between communities abroad and at home.”