The winners of the Irish Sport Industry awards 2016 have been announced by the Federation of Irish Sport, at a ceremony in Dublin's Mansion House.
The Sport Industry Awards were established in 2015 by the Federation of Irish Sport to highlight the economic contribution made by sport to Ireland and reward excellence in the sport’s business.
A valuable part of the economy, the sports industry in Ireland supports 40,000 jobs, contributing approximately €2.8 billion to GDP each year. Ever year, the awards recognise those who achieve in the industry at the awards.
This year, the lifetime achievement and outstanding contribution award went to veteran sports broadcaster Jimmy Magee, Ireland’s longest serving commentator. Magee is renowned for his insight and knowledge of Irish Sport, and has been involved in sports broadcasting for more than 50 years. He haspresented radio and television coverage of the Olympic Games since 1968, whilst he first worked on the FIFA World Cup in 1966.
The winners on the night were drawn from every sector of the sports industry, and include production company Nemeton TV, which has been producing compelling sports programming for RTÉ, TG4 and BBC for over 20 years.
Lidl Ireland won best sponsorship of a team or event for their partnership with the Ladies Gaelic Football Associationin the form of the “Serious Support” campaign. Allianz's sponsorship of Paralympics Ireland won best sponsorship of a team or individual, while AIB were also recognised for the creative social media content generated in support of their GAA Club and Senior Football Championships sponsorship.
The SSE Airtricty Dublin Marathon & Race Series won best mass participation after the 2016 marathon was sold out for the first time in the event’s 37-year history. The 2016 Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Boston College Eagles and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets was recognised as the Best International Sports Event.
The Irish Life GAA Healthy Club project in which more than 60 clubs nationwide are involved was the best CSR initiative in sport. Golfgraffix which creates apps for golf clubs producing real life graphic of golf course so as to engage both members and visitors received the innovation in sport award.
Paralympics Ireland were also recognised for their achievements in raising awareness of the Paralympics athletes ahead of the 2016 Paralympics Games, from which Irish athletes brought home an amazing medal haul.
Bernard Brogan, President of the Federation of Irish Sport and four time All-Ireland winner said:
“The significance of the sports industry in Ireland is often underestimated. It is fantastic to see such a range of companies and world class work being carried out within Irish sport. [It helps] you realise that is not just our athletes who can compete on the world stage, there are huge opportunities there for Irish businesses also.”
James Galvin, CEO of the Irish Federation of Sport, said: “Sport in Ireland, as well as being a significant source of both pride and passion, makes a significant contribution to Irish industry and business life.
"We know that there are opportunities for Ireland to benefit be it around job creation, the positive impact on a community from a club or facility reaching out beyond its traditional audience or indeed, the hosting of an international event and the knock on benefits to small businesses, restaurants and shops."
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