The second annual Her Sport Foundation Gala took place last night at the Castleknock Hotel, where over 250 guests came together to celebrate the Foundation’s impact since its launch in November 2024 and to push forward the national conversation on women and girls in sport.
For images from the night click HERE!
By the end of the evening, over €12,200 was raised to support programmes designed to break down barriers preventing girls and women from thriving in sport.
Track Our Progress Toward the Goal!
With a target of €15,000, the Foundation has added even more fantastic raffle prizes and is encouraging continued support through ticket sales, with exciting updates on additional prizes still to come.
In Ireland, 50% of girls leave sport by the age of 20 – the equivalent of over 330,000 girls, enough to fill Croke Park four times over. This dropout crisis affects health, confidence, leadership, and community. The Gala programme spotlighted both the scale of the problem and the solutions emerging through the Foundation’s work.
The Gala featured powerful conversations across generations. Former Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain opened the night with a call to support girls in schools, clubs and communities. Marathon runner Mary Nolan Hickey and multi-sport international Lindsay Peat shared the barriers they faced, while 17-year-old youth coach Sorcha spoke about helping her peers to stay active. Later, swimmer and workshop facilitator India McGlynn, broadcaster Áine Kerr and co-founder Niamh Tallon explored how visibility, education and culture can transform opportunities for girls in sport.
Our Impact
The Foundation’s impact over the past year was also in focus. Since November 2024, it has delivered 38 school workshops, reaching 1,986 students including 283 in DEIS schools. Eight in ten girls not previously active said the workshops encouraged them to try sport, while nine in ten already involved said they are more likely to stay for life. Research conducted with athletes revealed that 40% face financial strain and 60% have no clear post-sport career plan, insights that are shaping new supports and advocacy work.
Driving Impact
All funds raised from the Gala will directly support the Her Sport Foundation’s mission to remove barriers to participation, champion inclusion, and empower women and girls to succeed both on and off the field of play.
About the Her Sport Foundation
The Her Sport Foundation was established in November 2024 to close the gender gap in Irish sport. Its mission is equal opportunity in sport, regardless of gender, delivered through five pillars: Education, Grants, Advocacy, Visibility, and Research. In its first year, the Foundation has engaged nearly 2,000 girls in schools, influenced national policy, and reached millions through visibility and research campaigns.
Get Involved
To learn more about the Her Sport Foundation, upcoming initiatives, or ways to support contact foundation@hersport.ie.