Minister McEntee launches Ireland’s International Sports Diplomacy Strategy in the U.S.

Minister McEntee launches Ireland's International Sports Diplomacy Strategy in the U.S.

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 16 March 2026
• Last updated on: 16 March 2026

As part of her St. Patrick's Day programme, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, hosted a high-level seminar on sports diplomacy at Fenway Park, the historic home of the Boston Red Sox. The event brought together sporting leaders, athletes, club representatives and sports technology companies.

During the seminar, Minister McEntee officially launched Ireland's new International Sports Diplomacy Strategy in the United States. This is the first time the strategy has been launched internationally and reflects the strong and growing sporting relationship between Ireland and the U.S.

The strategy sets out Ireland's priorities for using sport as a tool in international relations. These include:

· strengthening Ireland's international reputation;

· engaging with the Irish diaspora abroad;

· building international partnerships;

· promoting Ireland's interests and values; and

· increasing the economic opportunities linked to sport.

Over the next five years, the strategy will be delivered through 68 actions and flagship initiatives, including the creation of a €1 million fund to support high-impact projects connected to sports diplomacy.

Speakers at the seminar also included:

· Professor Mary Murphy, ⁠Director of the Boston College Irish Institute;

· ⁠Adam Byrne, Director of Growth USA at Output Sports;

· Andy Quinn, Boston College Eagles Punter/Kicker;

· Róisín Lee, Public Relations Officer for Boston GAA; and

· Cathal Conlon, VP of Marketing and Public Relations at the New England Revolution Soccer Team.

Minister McEntee said: "The Government is committed to strengthening Ireland's position internationally, building on the Global Ireland 2025 strategy.

"The new International Sports Diplomacy Strategy is designed to use sport as a way to advance Ireland's interests and values worldwide-raising Ireland's profile, connecting with the diaspora, promoting the country abroad and strengthening international partnerships."

She highlighted that sport is an increasingly important link between Ireland and the United States, pointing to major events and collaborations such as:

· the Aer Lingus College Football Series;

· the NFL game in Ireland;

· the new flag football initiative;

· the Ryder Cup in 2027; and

· the Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics in 2028.

These developments are strengthening sporting connections between the two countries.

The Minister also noted the importance of engaging with the Irish diaspora through sport. She highlighted that GAA in Boston continues to grow, including among communities that are not traditionally Irish, and said the new strategy will strengthen engagement through sports like Gaelic Games.

She also emphasised that Ireland's sports technology sector is expanding rapidly and will remain an important focus in the U.S.

Notes:

· The new International Sports Diplomacy Strategy was launched at the Aviva Stadium on 24 February 2026 by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD.

· The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade jointly prepared the Strategy.

· As part of the launch, a new dedicated Sports Diplomacy page is now available on Ireland.ie: https://www.ireland.ie/en/sports-diplomacy/

· The Strategy is available to download at: https://assets.ireland.ie/documents/Int_Sports_Diplomacy_Strategy-web_Final.pdf

· A Q&A document on the new Strategy is available at: https://assets.ireland.ie/documents/ISDS_QA_FINAL.pdf