Ken M SweeneyApr 19
Ireland: A small island, a sporting powerhouse.
With just over 5 million people, Ireland consistently produces elite athletes in rugby, soccer, Gaelic football, hurling, field hockey, boxing, athletics, and more. Here's how we do it🧵
#IrishSport #Rugby #cricket #Football #WomenInSports #Ireland #GAA
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Top 5 Field Sports by Participation (est.):

1. Gaelic Games (GAA): ~500,000

2. Soccer (FAI): ~400,000

3. Rugby (IRFU): ~200,000

4. Field Hockey: ~30,000

5. Cricket Ireland: ~20,000
Source: National Governing Bodies & Sport Ireland
#GrassrootsToGlory
2)

Apr 19 at 2:57pmMastodon for Android
Show threadKen M SweeneyApr 19
History Built on Community
Ireland’s deep sporting culture stems from community clubs. The GAA, founded in 1884, embedded sport in every parish. Rugby and soccer followed with strong urban and school-based systems.
#GAA #IrishRugby #IrishFootball 3)
Show threadKen M SweeneyApr 19
Elite But Amateur
Gaelic football and hurling are amateur—but played at elite levels.
The GAA All-Ireland finals regularly draw Croke Park crowds of 82,000 and TV audiences in the millions.
Pride, not pay, fuels success.
#GAA #AmateurSpirit 4)
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Facilities: Modest but Evolving
Croke Park is world-class, but many grassroots clubs operate on modest budgets.
Recent years have seen major investment:

National Indoor Arena

High Performance Centres (Abbotstown, UL, Sport Ireland Campus)
#IrishSport 5)

Show threadKen M SweeneyApr 19

International Pedigree

Rugby: World #2 in 2024, Grand Slam winners.

Boxing: Olympic medals galore, incl. Kellie Harrington & Katie Taylor.

Athletics: Rhasidat Adeleke leads a new golden generation.

Hockey: Women’s team – World Cup finalists 2018.
#TeamIreland 6)

Show threadKen M SweeneyApr 19

Small Pool, Big Impact
Despite a small population:

1 in 4 children play multiple sports

Emphasis on multi-sport participation until teens

Schools & clubs focus on skill development over early specialization
#YouthSport #IrishAthletes 7)

Show threadKen M SweeneyApr 19

What Makes It Work?

Community-based clubs

Volunteerism at every level

School competitions (e.g. Leinster Schools Rugby, GAA Colleges)

National pride and diaspora links driving performance and identity
#PrideOfIreland 8)

Show threadKen M SweeneyApr 19
The Road Ahead
With more investment, increased diversity, and an evolving understanding of sports science and inclusivity, Ireland is poised to continue its tradition of punching above its weight on the world stage.
#FutureOfIrishSport 9)
Show threadKen M SweeneyApr 19
Final Thought
We’re not just lucky—we’re built on passion, pride, and community.
From the parish pitch to the Olympic podium, Irish sport is proof that small nations can dream—and deliver—big. 🔚
#ÉireAbú #SportIreland #IrishExcellence 10)