Athletics Ireland to receive €610K over four years to support high-performance coaching

The news comes amid a backdrop of growing disgruntlement among top coaches over a delay in receiving financial supports this year, while many Irish athletes have long been calling for better supports for their coaches.

Kate O'Connor of Ireland celebrates with her father and coach Michael after winning silver in the women's heptathlon during day eight of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

The issue of coach funding has long been a thorny one in Irish athletics, which still lags far behind its international rivals in this area – even while its athletes make up significant ground on the track.

Historically, the sport has relied heavily on the work of unpaid, volunteer coaches to produce world-class performances, but a new support package valued at €610,000 across four years has recently been approved by Sport Ireland to help bridge the gap.