Olympic Sports Ireland: 6 New Additions
- Dublin-The Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) welcomed six new members during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held this week at the Alex Hotel.
- The six sporting bodies unanimously approved for full membership are Ireland Lacrosse, American Football Ireland, Cricket Ireland, Squash Ireland, Softball Ireland, and Baseball Ireland.
- Minister of State Charlie McConalogue opened the AGM, congratulating Team Ireland on their historic performance at the Paris 2024 Games, calling it Ireland's most successful Olympics.
The Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) expands! Discover the six new sporting bodies-Ireland Lacrosse,American Football Ireland,Cricket Ireland,squash Ireland,Softball Ireland,and Baseball Ireland-welcomed as full members. This marks a pivotal moment for Irish sport, celebrated at the recent AGM, where governance improvements were also approved, emphasizing athlete voting rights. Minister McConalogue lauded Team Ireland’s Paris 2024 success,setting the stage for Milano Cortina 2026 and the LA 2028 Olympic Games. The OFI is focused on strategic growth and supporting its new members. For more news on Irish sports,stay tuned to News Directory 3. What exciting developments await Irish athletes next?
OFI Adds Six Members,eyes LA 2028 Olympic Games
Updated June 29,2025
Dublin-The Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) welcomed six new members during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held this week at the Alex Hotel. Representatives from across Irish sport convened to celebrate the success of Paris 2024 and strategize for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The six sporting bodies unanimously approved for full membership are Ireland Lacrosse, American Football Ireland, Cricket Ireland, Squash Ireland, Softball Ireland, and Baseball Ireland. Their inclusion marks a significant expansion for the OFI.
Minister of State Charlie McConalogue opened the AGM, congratulating Team Ireland on their historic performance at the Paris 2024 Games, calling it Ireland’s most successful Olympics. McConalogue’s address set an optimistic tone as the Irish sporting community looks toward future competitions. The role of the OFI is to support these athletes.
OFI President Lochlann Walsh updated members on Ireland’s participation in a European Olympic Committees (EOC) Erasmus-supported initiative, designed to unlock new EU sports funding opportunities. This international agreement aims to bolster resources for Irish athletes.
The AGM also saw the approval of governance improvements. These included new procedures for mid-term board election vacancies, confirmed voting rights for the Athletes’ Commission at agms and EGMs, and general updates to modernize the OFI Constitution. The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) received conditional approval for full membership, pending fulfillment of specific criteria.
CEO Peter Sherrard presented a positive financial and strategic outlook,highlighting growth in commercial ventures,philanthropy,and collaboration with the Federation of Irish Sport. Sherrard emphasized the need for stronger connections with the education and health sectors to maximize long-term sporting opportunities.
Chef de Missions Gavin Noble and Nancy Chillingworth provided detailed reports on preparations for LA 2028 and Milano Cortina 2026. Athletes’ Commission Chair Aifric Keogh urged all National Federations to establish athlete representative bodies, ensuring athlete voices are heard.
“We are vrey excited to welcome the six new full members, as we look forward to their journey towards LA 2028,” said OFI President Lochlann Walsh. “Thank you to all members for supporting the continued strengthening of our governance.”
What’s next
The OFI’s focus now shifts to supporting its new members and preparing for the challenges and opportunities presented by Milano Cortina 2026 and the LA 2028 olympic Games. The organization aims to build on the momentum from Paris 2024 and foster a thriving sporting habitat in Ireland.