Ministers launch new International Sports Diplomacy Strategy
- Published on: 24 February 2026
- Last updated on: 24 February 2026
The Government will today launch its new International Sports Diplomacy Strategy in the Aviva Stadium. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, and The Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, will be joined by Irish professional golfer and three-time major championship winner, Pádraig Harrington, at the launch.
Building on the International Sports Diplomacy Framework, this strategy details 68 actions and flagship initiatives that will be implemented to deliver on the goals of the Framework.
Through the unifying power of sport, the strategy will serve to foster opportunities for international partnerships, cultural exchange and diaspora engagement.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Minister McEntee said: “This Government is committed to strengthening Ireland’s place in the world, building on the strong foundation of Global Ireland 2025.
“The new International Sports Diplomacy Strategy is an ambitious initiative focused on maximising the opportunities afforded by sport to advance Ireland’s interests and values in the world – raising our international profile, connecting with our diaspora, promoting Ireland and more strategically utilising sport in our international partnerships.
“The Team Ireland approach used to develop the strategy will be instrumental in ensuring effective implementation and realising our shared sports diplomacy ambitions.”
Minister O’Donovan said: “This new International Sports Diplomacy strategy gives an opportunity to our sporting sector to enhance their existing reputation as ambassadors for Ireland abroad, promoting our country, culture and values.
“Over the past few years we have had the privilege of successfully hosting a number of events, and we have more coming such as the Ryder Cup next year. It is my desire and the policy of my department that these events deliver benefits above and beyond the entertainment value, that they deliver a positive legacy and enhance the position of Ireland abroad.”
Minister McConalogue said: “Today we announce a new and important collaboration for Irish sport, helping to cement our positive reputation abroad.
“The International Sports Diplomacy Strategy comes hot on the heels, or rather skis, of our Winter Olympians’ proud performances in Milan, and builds on the work started in the International Sports Diplomacy Framework that we released last year. It is through this strategy that we hope to further promote the positive image of Ireland through sport.”
More information on the strategy can be found here: Ireland's International Sports Diplomacy Strategy