Nearly two million adults in Ireland participating in sport every week

A Sport Ireland report has recorded an increase in participation rates.

ON YOUR MARKS: Runners during the Dublin Marathon. Pic:  David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

More Irish adults than ever before are participating in sport every week, a new report states. 

The Irish Sport Monitor 2023 -- compiled by Sport Ireland -- shows nearly two million adults here participate in sport every week.

Regular participation rates have grown from a low of 40% at the peak of the pandemic in 2021 to 47%. 

The difference in sports participation rates between men and women is at just under 3%, the narrowest margin on record. 

Swimming (8%), running (7%), and golf (3%) increased in participation.

Soccer has the highest rate of participation amongst team sports while Gaelic football (3%) also recorded an increase.  

“It is terrific to see record levels in sports participation recorded in Ireland which are underpinned by record levels in state funding for sport," 

Minister of State for Sport, Thomas Byrne, said.

“I welcome the confirmation that nearly two million adults are participating in sport every week in Ireland, and I am determined to see these numbers continue to grow over the coming years.

“As Sport Minister, I am particularly heartened to note the progress being made in female sports participation and I know that the additional funding provided under the Women in Sport funding initiative has been crucial in this regard."

The difference in sports participation between socio-economic groups is 19% while sports participation levels increased in 2023 among both younger and older age groups.

“Sport Ireland’s commitment to research underpins our decisions at every step," said Sport Ireland CEO, Dr Úna May. The 2023 ISM report provides invaluable insights to Ireland’s sports participation and physical activity levels.

“I would like to acknowledge the Government, our National Governing Bodies, and Local Sports Partnerships, local clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers and participants for their commitment to promoting sport in all its forms.”