Sport Ireland has reported a record-breaking level of sports engagement in the country. The Irish Sport Monitor’s findings reveal that nearly two million Irish adults are playing sports on a weekly basis. Following a low in the pandemic where the proportion was 40%, regular sports involvement has surged to 47%.
The gap in participation rates between genders is at its smallest ever, at under 3%, mainly because of a 6% increase in women’s participation from 2022 to 2023. The rate now stands at 46% for women and 49% for men.
Sporting activity has seen a rise among all age groups in 2023, with 64% (up from 60% in 2022) of under 35s and 40% (up from 35% in 2022) of people aged 35 and above taking part regularly.
Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, expressed the organisation’s commitment to research, which guides their decisions at each stage. The ISM report for 2023 presented critical understanding of physical activity levels and sports participation in the nation.
Dr. May acknowledged and appreciated the Government, National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships, clubs, officials, volunteers, and participants for their dedication to advancing all forms of sport.
With data compilation on sports engagement and physical activity from over 8,500 Irish individuals aged 16 and above, the Irish Sport Monitor (ISM) report is one of the world’s longest-running national surveys. It offers the freshest information on sporting attitudes, behaviours and beliefs.