Examine individual changes

'{{short description|Survey of sporting participation and attendance in Ireland}} {{Use Irish English|date=July 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}} {{Culture of Ireland}} [[File:Inter Bde Football final 2011 (6106312922).jpg|thumb|[[Gaelic football]] is one of the most popular sports in Ireland]] '''Sport in Ireland''' plays an important role in Irish society. The many sports played and followed in [[Ireland]] include [[Gaelic games]] (including [[Gaelic football]], [[hurling]] and [[camogie]]), [[association football]], [[horse racing]], [[show jumping]], [[greyhound racing]], [[basketball]], [[fishing]], [[Gaelic handball|handball]], [[motorsport]], [[boxing]], [[tennis]], [[field hockey|hockey]], [[golf]], [[Rowing (sport)|rowing]], [[cricket]], and [[rugby union]].<ref name=esri22/><ref name="TSSI2020">{{cite web|url = https://www.rte.ie/sport/other-sport/2021/0126/1192163-gaelic-games-remains-irelands-most-popular-sport/ | publisher = RTÉ | website = rte.ie | title = Gaelic games remains Ireland's most popular sport | date = 27 January 2021 | access-date = 1 February 2021 }}</ref> In terms of participation, association football (soccer) is the most popular team pursuit for males at 8.8% with Gaelic football attracting 3.4%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportireland.ie/Media/Latest_News/2016/October/_Minister_O%E2%80%99Donovan_Launches_Irish_Sports_Monitor_Report.html|title=Minister O'Donovan Launches Irish Sports Monitor Report|last=Anne|first=McCarthy|website=www.sportireland.ie|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170820082615/https://www.sportireland.ie/Media/Latest_News/2016/October/_Minister_O%E2%80%99Donovan_Launches_Irish_Sports_Monitor_Report.html | archive-date = 20 August 2017 }}</ref> Personal exercise (at 13.4%) and running (8.9%) are the most popular individual male activities. Traditionally, team sports do not figure highly amongst females, with a greater percentage of post-school-age women choosing individual sports and fitness activities.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/women-and-sport-new-thinking-needed-for-more-female-involvement-1.2907735 | work = The Irish Times | title = Women and sport: New thinking needed for more female involvement | date = 16 December 2016 | access-date = 25 November 2018 | quote = ''[Irish] Women are more likely to exercise to keep fit and healthy (56 per cent) than men (43 per cent). They just chose to devote their time to [..] individual pursuits [..] instead of organised team sports. Participation in team sports tends to fall off for women when they leave school''}}</ref> As of 2018, additional funding and focus was afforded to females in sport, with a number of successes in women's international sporting competitions.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/creating-a-brighter-future-for-female-sports-876039.html | publisher = Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com | title = Creating a brighter future for female sports | date = 16 October 2018 | access-date = 25 November 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/specialreports/irelands-women-take-centre-stage-and-medals-across-sporting-world-869376.html | publisher = Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com | title = Ireland's women take centre stage – and medals – across sporting world | date = 17 September 2018 | access-date = 25 November 2018 }}</ref> Association football (soccer) is the most played team sport in Ireland.<ref name="esri22">{{cite report|url=http://www.esri.ie/UserFiles/publications/20070223162340/BKMNINT178_Main%20Text%20Chapters%201-4.pdf |title=Sports Participation and Health Among Adults in Ireland |publisher=The Economic and Social Research Institute |access-date=2012-05-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904125738/http://www.esri.ie/UserFiles/publications/20070223162340/BKMNINT178_Main%20Text%20Chapters%201-4.pdf |archive-date= 4 September 2015 |date = 2004 |page = 22}}</ref> Gaelic football, hurling, golf, aerobics, cycling, swimming and billiards/snooker are the other sporting activities with the highest levels of playing participation in the Republic of Ireland.<ref name="esri22"/> In terms of support and attenance, [[Gaelic football]] accounted for 34% of total sports attendances at events in the Republic of Ireland in 2003, followed by [[hurling]] at 23%, association football (soccer) at 16% and rugby at 8%.<ref name="esri">{{cite web|url=http://www.esri.ie/pdf/BKMNINT180_Main%20Text_Social%20and%20Economic%20Value%20of%20Sport.pdf |publisher=The Economic and Social Research Institute |title=The Social Significance of Sport |access-date=2008-10-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028204341/http://www.esri.ie/pdf/BKMNINT180_Main%20Text_Social%20and%20Economic%20Value%20of%20Sport.pdf |archive-date=28 October 2008 }}</ref> In 2005, Initiative's ViewerTrack study measuring sports audiences showed that Gaelic football's highest-profile match, the [[2005 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final|All-Ireland Football Championship Final]], was the most watched event of the nation's sporting year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.finfacts.com/irelandbusinessnews/publish/article_10004396.shtml |title=Initiative's latest ViewerTrack™ study shows that in Ireland GAA and soccer still dominate the sporting arena, while globally the Super Bowl was the most watched sporting event of 2005 |publisher=Finfacts.com |access-date=17 October 2011}}</ref> In terms of funding, of the €62 million allocated in the [[Irish government]]'s 2017 Capital Sports Programme, approximately €25 million was allocated to hurling, football and other games overseen by the [[Gaelic Athletic Association]], €7.7 million to soccer, €3.3 million to rugby, €2.8 million to tennis, golf €2.4 million, sailing and rowing €1.3 million each, boxing and athletics over €1 million each, swimming €0.5 million, with the remainder allocated among other sports and sporting groups.<ref>{{cite report |url = http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/sport/english/sports-capital-programme-2017-review/review-2017-sports-capital-programme.pdf | publisher = Department of Transport, Tourism And Sport | website = dttas.ie | title = Sports Capital Programme 2017 Review | pages = 26–27 | date = April 2018 | access-date = 23 November 2018 }}</ref> As [[Northern Ireland]] is a [[Home Nations|constituent nation]] of the [[United Kingdom]], it also sends a [[Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games|Northern Ireland Team]] to the [[Commonwealth Games]]. At the [[Olympic Games]], a person from [[Northern Ireland]] can choose to represent either [[Ireland at the Olympics|Ireland]] or [[Great Britain at the Olympics|Great Britain]].<ref name="sullivan">{{cite journal |last=O'Sullivan |first=Patrick T. |date=Spring 1998 |title=Ireland & the Olympic Games |journal=History Ireland |location=Dublin |volume=6 |issue=1 |url=http://www.historyireland.com/volumes/volume6/issue1/features/?id=180 }}</ref> {{toclimit|2}} ==Gaelic games== {{Main|Gaelic Athletic Association|Gaelic games}} In a survey released in January 2021, [[Gaelic games]] were collectively identified as "Ireland's favourite sport(s)".<ref name="TSSI2020"/> ===Gaelic football=== {{Further|Gaelic football}} [[File:Croke Park - Dublin vs Tyrone 125.jpg|right|thumb|[[Croke Park]] in Dublin is the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association.]] The sport may be referred to as ''Gaelic football'' or ''Gaelic'', if confusion might otherwise arise with association football. Though it has existed for centuries in Ireland as [[Caid (sport)|Caid]], Gaelic football was formally arranged into an organised playing code by the [[Gaelic Athletic Association]] (GAA) in the late nineteenth century. It is the most popular sport in Ireland The game is played at underage, minor (under 18), under 21 and adult levels. All players are amateur, although players at a high level may receive income from sources such as sponsorship and grants. Gaelic footballers play for a local club or parish team, with the best chosen for the inter-county sides. County players may be chosen to play in inter-provincial [[Railway Cup]] games or for the [[International Rules Football|'International Rules']] team to face Australia. The main national competitions are the inter-county [[All-Ireland Senior Football Championship]] and [[National Football League (Ireland)|National Football League]], also known as the NFL. A Gaelic football year starts with pre-season competitions and the NFL. In early summer, the Championship begins. Each of the four provinces has its own tournament, and teams which are knocked out must do well in the 'qualifiers' if they are to gain a spot along with the four Provincial Champions in the All-Ireland quarter-finals. The [[All-Ireland Senior Football Championship|All-Ireland Senior Football final]] is traditionally held on the third Sunday in September. [[Kerry GAA|Kerry]] are football's most successful team, with 37 All-Ireland senior titles. There are a number of rivalries within the game – an example is that between [[Dublin GAA|Dublin]] and [[Meath GAA|Meath]]. Other notable derbies or rivalries include [[Cork GAA|Cork]] v [[Kerry GAA|Kerry]], [[Mayo GAA|Mayo]] v [[Galway GAA|Galway]] and Kerry v Dublin. === Hurling === [[Hurling]] is a sport native to Ireland for several thousand years, organized by the [[Gaelic Athletic Association]]. In terms of attendance figures, hurling is second only to Gaelic football.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://www.esri.ie/pdf/BKMNINT180_Main%20Text_Social%20and%20Economic%20Value%20of%20Sport.pdf |title=The Social Significance of Sport |access-date=2006-11-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028204341/http://www.esri.ie/pdf/BKMNINT180_Main%20Text_Social%20and%20Economic%20Value%20of%20Sport.pdf |archive-date=28 October 2008 }}</ref> Hurling is the fastest field sport in the world. The game has similarities to [[shinty]] and [[field hockey|hockey]]. However the ball (or ''[[sliotar]]'') is rarely played along the ground. Hurling is played on a large grass pitch. Many aspects of the organisation of hurling are similar to football, as both sports are organised by the [[Gaelic Athletic Association|GAA]]. Amateurism and the club/county/province structure are similar. Gaelic football has a larger footprint in terms of top-level competition, but in several counties where both sports are played, hurling sometimes holds precedence, and in certain parts of the country, it is the dominant game (Kilkenny, rural Antrim, Ards peninsula in County Down, and Clare, for example). Hurling is well-attended at elite level and the highest-level games fill [[Croke Park]] to its capacity of over 82,000. The main competitions are the [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship]], the Leinster and Munster provincial championships and the [[National Hurling League]] (NHL). Hurling and camogie are both included on [[UNESCO]]'s [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists|Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/hurling-01263|title=Hurling - intangible heritage - Culture Sector - UNESCO|publisher=UNESCO|website=ich.unesco.org|language=en|access-date=29 November 2018}}</ref> === Camogie === [[File:Garda V Defence Forces (8119777732).jpg|alt=Garda vs. Defence Forces camogie match in 2012.|thumb|Garda vs. Defence Forces camogie match in 2012.]] [[Camogie]] is similar to [[Hurling]]. The key differences are that it is played exclusively by women. Other differences with Hurling include using a smaller [[Sliotar]], the ability to hand-pass into the goal, and a dress code that requires players to wear a [[skort]]. The first game of Camogie occurred in 1904 in [[County Meath]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=A dictionary of sports studies|last=Alan.|first=Tomlinson|date=2010|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780199213818|location=Oxford|oclc=503004160}}</ref> === Gaelic handball === [[Gaelic handball]], or simply 'handball', like the related sport of [[American handball]], somewhat resembles [[Squash (sport)|squash]] or [[racquetball]], but with the ball played or struck with the hand or fist instead of a racquet. It has no connection with the Olympic sport of handball which has limited following in Ireland, where it is generally known as [[Olympic handball]]. In Ireland, there are four main types of handball. These are 40x20 (small court), the traditional 60x30 Softball and Hardball (big alley) and One-wall handball. Handball is played with a variety of balls. Gloves and eyeguards are compulsory for some competitions. The sport is managed and promoted by [[GAA Handball]], a subsidiary body of the [[Gaelic Athletic Association|GAA]]. === Rounders === [[Rounders]] ({{lang-ga|cluiche corr}}) is regulated by the [[Gaelic Athletic Association]] (GAA) in Ireland, and is similar to baseball. Game-play centers around [[innings]] where teams alternate at turns being batters and fielders. Points ("rounders") are scored by the batting team by completing a circuit around the field through four bases ==Association football== {{Further|Association football in Northern Ireland|Association football in the Republic of Ireland}} [[File:Martin O'Neill Aston Villa vs FH.jpg|thumb|[[Martin O'Neill]] played for Northern Ireland national team as a soccer player and subsequently managed the Republic of Ireland national team]] Association football is a popular sport in the [[Republic of Ireland]] and [[Northern Ireland]] but while international matches play before large crowds, and are passionately followed, domestic league games typically attract smaller attendances.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/if-rosenborg-can-attract-20000-fans-why-cant-league-of-ireland-teams-30442620.html|title=If Rosenborg can attract 20,000 fans, why can't League of Ireland teams? | website = independent.ie|publisher = Independent News & Media | access-date=30 June 2016}}</ref> English football leagues are also popular in Ireland, with a survey in February 2020 indicating that up to 40,000 Irish fans travel to games in England on a "regular basis".<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/english-soccer/football-fan-survey-almost-half-of-irish-adults-say-they-support-a-club-1.4185757 | website = irishtimes.com | publisher = Irish Times | title = Football fan survey: Almost half of Irish adults say they support a club |date = 29 February 2020 | access-date = 26 May 2021 | quote = Some 40,000 Irish people travel on a “regular” basis to see football in England }}</ref> The national body in the Republic of Ireland is the [[Football Association of Ireland]] (FAI) while the national body in Northern Ireland is the [[Irish Football Association]] (IFA). The domestic leagues are the [[League of Ireland]] (in the Republic) and the [[NIFL Premiership]] (or Irish League) (Northern Ireland). Some of the major teams in Ireland include [[Shamrock Rovers F.C.|Shamrock Rovers]], [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk FC]] and [[Shelbourne F.C.|Shelbourne FC]] in the Republic, [[Glentoran FC|Glentoran]] and [[Linfield FC|Linfield]] in Northern Ireland, and [[Derry City F.C.|Derry City]], a team from the North who play in the League of Ireland. Due to the financial incentives abroad, most of Ireland's top players, such as [[Damien Duff]], [[John O'Shea]], [[Aiden McGeady]] and [[Jonny Evans]], play in the leagues of larger European countries, particularly in England and [[Scotland]]. This, along with the Irish media's huge coverage of the English league, is one of the reasons why Irish people tend to support leading British clubs such as [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]], [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] and [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]. Only occasionally does a League of Ireland or Irish League player make either of the national teams, despite the fact that the leagues sometimes produce some of Ireland's top players including internationals [[Kevin Doyle]], [[Shane Long]] and [[Gareth McAuley]] and players like [[Roy Keane]] in the past. On the international stage, the [[Republic of Ireland national football team|Republic of Ireland]] and [[Northern Ireland national football team|Northern Ireland]] teams have both competed in three [[FIFA World Cup]]s, with the Republic also appearing in three [[UEFA European Football Championship|European Championships]], most recently in [[UEFA Euro 2016|2016]]. The [[Milk Cup]] is an international youth tournament held annually in Northern Ireland, in which clubs and national teams from elsewhere in the world may compete. Northern Ireland also played host to the 2005 [[UEFA]] Under-19 European Championships. ==Rugby union== {{Further|Rugby union in Ireland}} [[File:Munster rugby 2006.jpg|thumb|[[Munster Rugby|Munster]] fans watching the [[2005–06 Heineken Cup]] final on the streets of [[Limerick]].]] [[Rugby union]] is played and supported throughout Ireland, and is especially popular in urban areas such as [[Dublin]], [[Limerick]] and [[Cork (city)|Cork]]. Rugby union is played at club, province and national levels. The [[Ireland national rugby union team|Ireland national team]] is composed of players from both Northern Ireland and the Republic, and the [[Irish Rugby Football Union]] governs the sport throughout the island. Success at international level and the establishment of four professional teams has increased interest in rugby union as a sport in Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/story/102547.html |title=The most progressive team in Ireland |first=Hugh |last=Farrelly |work=Scrum.com |date=2009-09-15 |access-date=2009-11-17 |quote="[R]ugby's explosion in popularity means there is talent coming through in greater numbers that at any time in living memory . . . These are heady days for Irish rugby. The [[Republic of Ireland national football team|Republic of Ireland]] are pushing hard for [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|qualification for the World Cup]] but could barely draw 10,000 to [[Thomond Park]] for a recent international with South Africa. A few days later, [[Munster Rugby|Munster]] had almost twice that for an early season [[Pro14|Celtic League]] match."}}</ref> As of September 2019, prior to the commencement of the [[2019 Rugby World Cup]], the [[Ireland national rugby union team]] was ranked 1st in the [[World Rugby Rankings]].<ref name="rugbyrankings">{{cite web|url = https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/explainer-how-ireland-are-world-rugby-s-number-one-team-1.4012455 | work = The Irish Times| title = Explainer: How Ireland are World Rugby's number one team | date = 9 September 2019 | access-date = 12 September 2019 }}</ref> At the 2018 [[World Rugby Awards]], Ireland had been presented with a 'hat-trick' of awards, with [[Jonathan Sexton]] winning the [[World Rugby Player of the Year|Player of the Year]], [[Joe Schmidt (rugby union)|Joe Schmidt]] the [[World Rugby Coach of the Year|Coach of the Year]], and the national squad the [[World Rugby Team of the Year|Team of the Year]] awards.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/43005.php | publisher = IRFU | website = irishrugby.ie | title = 'Speechless' Sexton Seals World Rugby Awards Hat-Trick For Ireland | date = 26 November 2018 | access-date = 26 November 2018 }}</ref> School rugby union is also played at primary and secondary level, and traditional rugby playing schools include: [[St Michael's College, Dublin|St Michael's College]], [[Blackrock College]], [[Belvedere College]], [[Castleknock College]], [[Clongowes Wood College]], [[St Mary's College, Dublin|St Mary's College]], and [[Terenure College]] in Dublin, [[Crescent College]], [[Castletroy College]], [[St Munchin's College]], [[Glenstal Abbey]] and [[Ardscoil Rís, Limerick|Ardscoil Rís]] in Limerick, [[Rockwell College]] in Tipperary, [[Presentation Brothers College, Cork|Presentation Brothers College]], [[Bandon Grammar School]] and [[Christian Brothers College, Cork|Christian Brothers College]] in Cork, and [[Campbell College]], [[Royal Belfast Academical Institution]] and [[Methodist College Belfast]] in the north. == Boxing == {{Further|Irish Athletic Boxing Association|Boxing Union of Ireland}} [[Boxing]] is overseen by the [[Boxing Union of Ireland]] and [[Irish Athletic Boxing Association]]. Amateur boxers account for sixteen of [[Ireland at the Olympics|Ireland's 31 Olympic medals]], including [[Ireland at the Olympics#Medals by summer sport|two Olympic gold medals]]. Ireland's amateur boxers have also won medals at numerous top level competitions worldwide including World Senior Championships, European Senior Championships, World Junior Championships, World Youth Championships, European Junior Championships and European Youth Championships. The country's most successful boxers include [[Bernard Dunne]], [[Michael Carruth]], [[Ryan Burnett]], [[Andy Lee (boxer)|Andy Lee]], [[John Duddy]], [[Kellie Harrington]] and [[Katie Taylor]]. The latter is among the world's most successful female boxers, and Taylor has won five European Championships and four World Championships, as well as the inaugural women's lightweight gold at the [[Boxing at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Women's lightweight|2012 Olympics]]. == Athletics == {{see also|Tailteann Games (ancient)|Tailteann Games (Irish Free State)}} [[sport of athletics|Athletics]] in Ireland is governed by [[Athletics Ireland]], and in Northern Ireland by Athletics Northern Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.niathletics.org/ |title=Northern Ireland Athletics &#124; Athletics Northern Ireland |publisher=Niathletics.org |access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref> Athletics has seen some of the Ireland's highest performers at the Olympics, with several Irish athletes performing well for both the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain & Northern Ireland at the games over the years. [[Denis Horgan]] won the shot putt 13 times at the [[Amateur Athletic Association|AAAs]], (still holding a title for greatest number of individual titles won), before emigrating to the United States where he won a number of American titles. Horgan also broke the world record on several occasions and silver at the 1908 Olympics. [[Pat O'Callaghan|Dr. Pat O'Callaghan]] (also from North Cork) won the hammer throw in 1928 and again in 1932 at the Olympic Games. [[Bob Tisdall]] also won gold for Ireland in 1932, competing in the 400m hurdles. In the late 20th and early 21st century, notable athletes have included [[Ron Delany]], [[Mary Peters (athlete)|Mary Peters]], [[John Treacy]], [[Eamonn Coghlan]], [[Sonia O'Sullivan]] and [[Robert Heffernan]]. The [[Dublin Marathon]] and [[Belfast Marathon]] are run annually and are two of the most popular athletics events in the country. The [[Dublin Women's Mini Marathon|Women's Mini Marathon]] in Dublin consistently gets upwards of 40000 competitors.<ref name="Huge numbers again for Mini Marathon">{{cite news|url=http://www.herald.ie/lifestyle/mini-marathon/huge-numbers-again-for-mini-marathon-1758512.html|title=Huge numbers again for Mini Marathon|date=2 June 2009|access-date=2 June 2009|newspaper=[[Evening Herald]]}}</ref> == Equestrian == [[File:Irish National Stud, Co. Kildare (506948) (29832146942).jpg|thumb|The [[Irish National Stud]] is in County Kildare]] The various [[Equestrianism|equestrian]] sports have a sizeable following in Ireland. The governing body is [[Horse Sport Ireland]] (formerly the [[Equestrian Federation of Ireland]]), which is composed of 15 Irish affiliate bodies, representing all facets of equestrian sport. These sports include [[show jumping]], [[eventing]], [[dressage]], [[endurance riding]], [[para-equestrian]], [[polo]] and [[combined driving|carriage driving]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.horsesportireland.ie/ | title=Equestrian Federation of Ireland | access-date=3 July 2014}}</ref> Overall administration of Irish horse-racing is carried out by [[Horse Racing Ireland]]. Horse Racing Ireland is responsible for racing in both the [[Republic of Ireland]], which has 24 racecourses, and in [[Northern Ireland]], which has 2 racecourses. Ireland's top tracks are [[Curragh Racecourse|the Curragh]] and [[Fairyhouse Racecourse|Fairyhouse]]. The breeding industry (including the world's largest [[thoroughbred]] breeding operation, [[Coolmore Stud]]) has produced many top race horses.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.goracing.ie/HRI/Home/ | title=Horse Racing Ireland | access-date=3 July 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703052636/http://www.goracing.ie/HRI/Home/ | archive-date=3 July 2014}}</ref> == Golf == [[File:Golf in ireland.jpg|thumb|right|Strandhill Golf Course in [[County Sligo]], one of many coastal golf courses throughout Ireland]] {{see|Golf in Ireland}} As of the early 21st century, golf is among the most-played sports in the country, with a 2008 report for the [[Irish Sports Council]] indicating that golf was then the fourth most popular sport by participation rate.<ref name="EconImpact">{{cite web |url=https://www.sportireland.ie/sites/default/files/2019-10/assessment-of-the-economic-impact-of-sport-in-ireland-2010_0.pdf |title=Assessment of Economic Impact of Sport in Ireland |publisher=Indecon International Economic Consultants |pages=10, 11, 13 |format=PDF |access-date=1 August 2021 | quote = The ten most popular sports in 2008 are: swimming, personal exercise, soccer, golf [..] participation rates for the ten most popular sports are given in Figure 2.2 }}</ref> Ireland was the first country to organise the sport on a national basis, with two "oldest governing bodies in world golf", the [[Golfing Union of Ireland]] (GUI) and the Irish Ladies Golf Union (ILGU), being formed in 1891 and 1893 respectively.<ref name="indo2018">{{cite web|url = https://www.independent.ie/sport/golf/gui-and-ilgu-agree-on-proposal-to-form-unified-body-36963943.html | publisher = Independent News & Media | website = independent.ie | title = GUI and ILGU agree on proposal to form unified body | date = 31 May 2018 | access-date = 1 August 2021 }}</ref><ref name="golfnet2021">{{cite web|url = https://www.golfnet.ie/about-us/governance/184/about-the-ilgu | website = golfnet.ie | title = About the ILGU - Governance | archiveurl = https://archive.today/UONr1 | archivedate = 1 August 2021 }}</ref> There are over 400 golf clubs throughout the island, and over 300 courses in the Republic of Ireland, and (as of 2009) Ireland reportedly had the fourth most golf courses per capita in the world,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aussiegolfer.com.au/countries-with-most-golf-courses-per-capita/|title=Countries with most golf courses per capita|publisher=Aussie Golfer|access-date=6 December 2015}}</ref> Among Ireland's most famous golf courses are [[Royal County Down Golf Club]], [[Royal Portrush Golf Club]], [[Portmarnock]], [[Ballybunion Golf Club|Ballybunion]] and [[Lahinch Golf Club|Lahinch]]. The most prestigious tournament of Ireland is the [[Irish Open (golf)|Irish Open]], which is held on courses in the four provinces. Also, the [[K Club]] in County Kildare hosted the [[European Open (golf)|European Open]] from 1995 to 2007. Golf is regularly televised in Ireland, with both domestic and international events broadcast. Ireland produced several top golfers in the late 20th and early 21st century, with players like [[Pádraig Harrington]], [[Paul McGinley]] and [[Shane Lowry (golfer)|Shane Lowry]] achieving significant success internationally. For example, Harrington and McGinley won the World Cup of Golf in 1997 and, together with Clarke, were part of the European team that successfully defended the [[2006 Ryder Cup]]. Harrington also won [[The Open Championship]] (British Open) in [[2007 Open Championship|2007]] and [[2008 Open Championship|2008]], and the [[2008 PGA Championship]]. Clarke and Lowry won the [[2011 Open Championship]] and [[2019 Open Championship]] respectively. Three other golfers from Northern Ireland have had international successes in the 21st century. [[Rory McIlroy]] has several major tournament wins, including the [[2011 U.S. Open (golf)|2011 U.S. Open]]. He was world number one in the [[Official World Golf Ranking]] for 95 weeks. [[Graeme McDowell]] won the [[2010 U.S. Open (golf)|2010 U.S. Open]], becoming the first Irish player to do so. [[Darren Clarke]] won the [[2011 Open Championship]]. == Cricket == {{Further|Cricket in Ireland|Ireland cricket team}} [[File:Ireland compete against Essex at Castle Avenue, Dublin, 13 May 2007, Friends Provident Trophy - 100 1795 (2).jpg|thumb|upright|Ireland compete against Essex at Castle Avenue]] [[Cricket]] has been played in Ireland since the early 19th century, and the game against [[Scotland national cricket team|Scotland]] (a match which has [[first-class cricket|first-class status]]) has been played annually since 1909. The sport is organised on an all-island basis and is overseen by the [[Cricket Ireland|Irish Cricket Union]], founded in its present incarnation in 1923. Ireland has entered some domestic English tournaments since the early 1980s, but becoming an Associate Member of the [[International Cricket Council]] in 1993 paved the way for participation in international competition. Ireland co-hosted the [[1999 Cricket World Cup]]. It is most popular in Northern Ireland and Dublin.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} The [[Ireland cricket team]] was among the associate nations that qualified for the [[2007 Cricket World Cup]]. It defeated [[Pakistan national cricket team|Pakistan]] and finished second in its pool, earning a place in the [[2007 Cricket World Cup Super Eight stage|Super 8 stage]] of the competition. The team also competed in the [[2009 ICC World Twenty20]], and won the [[2009 ICC World Cup Qualifier]] to secure a place in the [[2011 Cricket World Cup]]. Kevin O'Brien scored the fastest century in World Cup history (113 runs off 63 balls), as Ireland produced one of the great upsets to defeat England by 3 wickets in the 2011 tournament. In 2017, domestic cricket in Ireland was recognized as first-class cricket for the first time, and was granted [[Test status]] in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.rte.ie/sport/cricket/2017/0622/884643-irelands-await-test-status-verdict-after-10-year-quest/ | publisher = RTÉ | website = rte.ie | title = Ireland awarded Test status after 10-year quest | date = 22 June 2017 | access-date = 22 July 2019 }}</ref> Prior to the granting of Test status, a number of Irish cricketers went to England to play [[Test cricket]], including [[Eoin Morgan]] from Dublin, who captained the [[England cricket team|English cricket team]] to [[2019 Cricket World Cup]] success.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.rte.ie/sport/cricket/2019/0719/1064076-morgan-has-no-regrets-over-international-switch/ | publisher = RTÉ | website = rte.ie | title = Morgan has 'no regrets' over international switch | date = 20 July 2019 | access-date = 22 July 2019 }}</ref> == Field hockey == {{main|Hockey Ireland}} [[Field hockey]] (known in Ireland as just "hockey") is played throughout the country, particularly in secondary schools. The governing body in Ireland is the Irish Hockey Association.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hockey.ie/iha/about_us.cfm |title=Irish Hockey Association – About Us |publisher=Hockey.ie |access-date=17 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527214952/http://www.hockey.ie/iha/about_us.cfm |archive-date=27 May 2009 }}</ref> The [[Ireland women's national field hockey team]] reached the final of the [[Women's Hockey World Cup]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.the42.ie/ireland-spain-womens-hockey-world-cup-semi-final-report-4164560-Aug2018/ | publisher = The42.ie | title = Ireland in dreamland as Graham Shaw's history-makers advance to first-ever World Cup final | date = 4 August 2018 }}</ref> As of 2018, the [[Ireland men's national field hockey team]] were ranked 10th in the [[FIH World Rankings]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.fih.ch/rankings/outdoor/ | publisher = FIH.ch | title = FIH Rankings | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181123173911/http://www.fih.ch/rankings/outdoor/ | archive-date = 23 November 2018 }}</ref> ==Other sports== === Australian rules football === {{Further|Australian rules football in Ireland|Irish experiment}} [[File:Pack mark by irish player.jpg|thumb|upright|Ireland and South Africa in the 2008 AFL International Cup]] [[Australian rules football]] has gained a following in Ireland which has increased mainly due to the [[International rules]] series that takes place annually between Australia and Ireland. In October 2000, the [[Australian Rules Football League of Ireland]] was established, and a representative Irish team took part in the 2005 [[Australian Football International Cup]]. The Irish [[Ireland national Australian rules football team|Green Machine]] became inaugural International champions in 2002. They have been finalists in every AFL International Cup since and were 2011 International Cup champions. Belfast and Dublin have been hosts to the AFL Euro Cup.<ref>{{cite web|title=Euro Cup 2011|url=http://www.afleurope.org/events-media/events/euro-cup-2011/|publisher=AFL Europe|access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref> === Chess === The [[Irish Chess Union]] (ICU), formed in 1912, is the governing body for chess in Ireland and a member of FIDE since 1933 and the European Chess Union. The ICU promotes Chess in Ireland and maintains the chess rating for players in Ireland, which are published three times a year. It runs competitions such as the Irish Chess Championship and selects teams to participate in international competitions for Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icu.ie/ |title=Irish Chess Union |publisher=Icu.ie |access-date=17 October 2011}}</ref> === Croquet === Croquet was first played in Ireland in the 1830s. The governing association of the sport is the Croquet Association of Ireland. Most international matches and large tournaments are played at the Carrickmines Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, near Dublin.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.croquetireland.com | title=Croquet Association of Ireland | access-date=1 July 2014}}</ref> === Cycling === There are many regional cycling clubs throughout the country and competitions are organised regularly, the largest non-professional event being the ''[[Irish Tour - Rás|Rás]]'' (Irish for race).<ref>[http://www.lakelandcc.org/links-clubs.html Cycling clubs] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060720085951/http://www.lakelandcc.org/links-clubs.html |date=20 July 2006 }}</ref> The main governing body is [[Cycling Ireland]] which is responsible for cycling throughout the island. Ireland's most famous cyclists are [[Stephen Roche]], who won both the [[Tour de France]] and [[Giro d'Italia]] in 1987; and [[Sean Kelly (cyclist)|Sean Kelly]], who won the [[Vuelta a España]] in 1988, the sprinter's [[Points classification in the Tour de France|green jersey]] in the Tour de France four times, the Paris-Nice seven times in succession as well as four of the five 'Monuments'. Mountain biking is supported by a number of dedicated trail centers in Wicklow, Dublin, Galway and Tipperary. For competitive mountain bikers, there is a National Cross-Country series, a National Downhill series and a National Enduro series. BMX events are undertaken at the Ratoath BMX track in County Meath, and an indoor BMX track in Cherry Orchard in County Dublin. === Darts === The Irish National Darts Organisation (INDO)<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.indodarts.com/ | publisher = INDO | website = indodarts.com | title = Website of Irish National Darts Organisation|access-date = 25 March 2019 }}</ref> is a governing body for Irish darts and is recognised by the [[World Darts Federation]] and [[British Darts Organisation]].<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.dartswdf.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/WDF-Directory-Members-Websites.pdf | publisher = World Darts Federation | website = dartswdf.com | title = WDF Directory of Members Websites | access-date = 25 March 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.bdodarts.com/images/bdo-content/doc-lib/A/membership.pdf | publisher = British Darts Organisation | website = bdodarts.com | title = British Darts Organisation - Memberships | access-date = 25 March 2019 }}</ref> === Extreme sports === [[Extreme sports]] undertaken in Ireland include [[skateboarding]], [[rollerblading]], [[surfing]], [[BMX]], [[mountain biking]], [[mountain boarding]], [[kitesurfing]] and [[wakeboarding]].<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.wildatlanticway.com/things-to-do/features/beaches-and-coasts/kitesurfing-locations | publisher = wildatlanticway.com | title = Learn to Kiteboard on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way | access-date = 23 November 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://outsider.ie/ireland/mountain-biking-guide-ireland/ | publisher = outsider.ie | title = Mountain Biking in Ireland: The Ultimate Guide | access-date = 23 November 2018 | date = 14 January 2018 }}</ref> Several of these sports have national governing bodies, such as the Irish Surfing Association, and national competitions, such as mountainbiking's national series. Since 2005, skateparks (for skateboarding, rollerblading, and other sports) have been developed in several places, including in Greystones, Bushy park (Dublin) and Lucan (Dublin). Modular parks can be found in other parts of Ireland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goreyskateclub.com/skateparks.html |title=Goreyskateclub Co. Wexford Ireland, skateparks in ireland – Wreckless |publisher=Goreyskateclub.com |access-date=17 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026215601/http://www.goreyskateclub.com/skateparks.html |archive-date=26 October 2011}}</ref> === Greyhound racing === [[File:Greyhound.jpg|thumb|upright|A racing greyhound]] [[Greyhound racing]] began in Ireland in 1927; there were greyhound races in Celtic Park in Belfast on 18 April of that year and the [[Shelbourne Park]] greyhound stadium opened in [[Dublin]] four weeks later. [[Hare coursing]] was already a well established sport in the country and greyhounds were bred for racing in Ireland from the very start. [[Mick the Miller]], winner of the English Derby in 1929 and 1930, was an Irish greyhound and Ireland continues to export greyhounds. There are twenty licensed greyhound stadiums in Ireland. There are seventeen in the Republic where the licensing authority is [[Bord na gCon]], the Irish Greyhound Board. This is a semi-state body and was established by the [[Irish government]] in 1958. The three stadiums in Northern Ireland are licensed by the [[Irish Coursing Club]], which also organises hare coursing throughout the Island. === Gymnastics === [[File:Logo_for_Gymnastics_Ireland.png|thumb|Gymnastics Ireland logo]] Gymnastics is governed by Irish Gymnastics which was formed in 1999,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gymnasticsireland.com |title=Sport Starts Here |publisher=Gymnastics Ireland |access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref> following the merging of the Irish Amateur Gymnastics Association and the Irish Sports Acrobatics Federation. There are 83 registered gymnastics clubs in Ireland (including Northern Ireland). Gymnastics includes four Olympic disciplines, women's artistic gymnastics, men's artistic gymnastics, trampoline gymnastics, and rhythmic gymnastics, and four non-Olympic disciplines, acrobatic gymnastics, tumbling gymnastics, gymnastics for all, and sports aerobics. The most successful Irish gymnast ever is [[Rhys McClenaghan]]. In 2019, he became the first Irish gymnast to qualify to a world championships final and to also win a medal, taking bronze on pommel horse. In addition to his world medal, McClenaghan is the first Irish gymnast to compete in a European final and also the first to win a European medal. In 2019, he qualified for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. === Kendo === While still a minority sport in Ireland, there are a number of [[Kendo]] clubs based in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Cavan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cavankendokai.com/ |title=info@cavankendokai.com |publisher=Cavan Kendo Kai |access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref> The Irish Kendo Federation is the governing body for the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishkendofederation.org/ |title=Welcome to Kendo na hÉireann |publisher=Irish Kendo Federation |access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref> The Irish National Kendo Squad participates in the European Kendo Championships and the World Kendo Championships, as well as other international competitions. The main Kendo event in Ireland is the annual Irish National Championships (INC) which takes place in June each year. Kendo in Northern Ireland is governed by the [[British Kendo Association|British Kendo Association (BKA)]]. === Martial arts === The National Governing Body of Martial Arts in Ireland, as appointed by the Irish Sports Council, is the Irish Martial Arts Commission.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imac.ie |title=Irish Martial Arts Commission - Home |publisher=Imac.ie |date=2011-06-15 |access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref> The Irish Martial Arts Commission represents the martial arts of Aikido, Ju-Jitsu, Karate, Kendo, Kickboxing, Kung-Fu, TaeKwon-Do, Ninjutsu, Sambo and Tai Chi.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.imac.ie/2011-06-15-16-28-59/imac-structure.html | publisher = imac.ie | title = IMAC Structure | access-date = 23 November 2018 }}</ref> The Executive Committee of the Irish Martial Arts Commission is made up of 2 representative elected within the membership of each Martial Art. [[Taekwondo]] and [[Karate]] are represented by various clubs throughout the country. The All-Ireland Taekwondo Association works to promote the sport and to organise competitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.taekwondo.ie/ |title=Taekwon-Do - Irish Taekwon-Do Association |publisher=Taekwondo.ie |access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref> Kickboxing Ireland (formally known as Allstyles Kickboxing Association of Ireland) was founded in 1985 to unify and structure the sport in Ireland. It was recognised by the Irish Sports Council as a national governing body of sport in 1993 under the auspices of the Irish Martial Arts Commission.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kickboxingireland.com/ |title=Kickboxing Ireland |access-date=5 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901003705/http://kickboxingireland.com/ |archive-date=1 September 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> === Motorsport === Motorsport also has a presence in Ireland with [[Motorsport Ireland]] being the governing body throughout the country.<ref>{{cite web|author=Motorsport Ireland |url=http://www.motorsportireland.com/ |title=Rallying, Racing, Autocross, Autotest, 4x4 Trials, Hillclimbing and Sprints, Karting, Midget cars |publisher=Motorsport Ireland |access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref> [[Rallying]] is one popular form of motorsport, with three major Rally Championships taking place every year, each hosting 6-7 rally events across the country. These include the [[Donegal International Rally]], [[West Cork Rally]], [[Galway International Rally]] and others. Ireland also hosted a round of the [[World Rally Championship]] in 2007 and 2009, with stages being held in the Republic and also across the border in Northern Ireland, and was a stage candidate in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/119769/how-ireland-could-regain-wrc-slot | title=Analysis: How Ireland could regain a WRC calendar slot}}</ref> Circuit racing is also present in the country with Ireland having only one international venue, [[Mondello Park]] in County Kildare which formerly hosted rounds of several international events and still hosts national events today. The country has produced many drivers who climbed the international ladder such as [[Derek Daly]], [[Peter Dempsey]], [[Tommy Byrne (racing driver)|Tommy Byrne]], [[Eddie Jordan]] and [[David Kennedy (racing driver)|David Kennedy]]. [[Kart racing]] and [[stock car racing]] are also a popular forms of circuit racing in Ireland.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} Motorcycle racing in Ireland is governed by [[Motorcycling Ireland]]. Established in 1902, it is the oldest motorcycle sport federation in the world.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://motorcycling-ireland.com/history.htm |title = MotorCycling Ireland - History}}</ref> === Olympic Handball === [[Team handball|Olympic Handball]] is a minority sport in Ireland, with the Irish Olympic Handball Association acting as the national governing body. In 2011, Ireland hosted the European Challenge Trophy in Olympic Handball (a competition for developing nations).<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.olympichandball.org/2011/10/04/challenge-trophy-press-launch/ | title = Challenge Trophy press launch | publisher = olympichandball.org | access-date = 23 November 2018 }}</ref> === Orienteering === [[Orienteering]] in Ireland is regulated by the [[Irish Orienteering Association]]. Every two years, the Shamrock o-Ringen, Ireland's largest Orienteering event, is held in Cork or Kerry. Irish orienteers compete at all levels, sometimes reaching the finals at the World Orienteering Championships.<ref>[http://www.orienteering.org/i3/index.php?/iof2006/iof/member_federations/iof_member_federations#IRL Retrieved on 22 June 2008] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618185711/http://www.orienteering.org/i3/index.php?%2Fiof2006%2Fiof%2Fmember_federations%2Fiof_member_federations |date=18 June 2008 }}</ref> === Pitch and putt === The sport of [[pitch and putt]] originated in [[County Cork|Cork]] in the 1930s, and was developed throughout Ireland during the 1940s.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.athgarvanpandp.com/club-history.html | website = athgarvanpandp.com | title = History of Athgarvan Pitch & Putt | access-date = 29 August 2018 | quote = ''the sport of Pitch and Putt originated in Ireland [..] Around the mid 1930s the game first came to be in the seaside resort of Fountainstown, Co Cork''}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.fountainstown.com/pitch-and-putt.html | via = fountainstown.com | work = Evening Echo | date = 27 December 1969 | title = Pitch and Putt's Roots are Deep-set in Cork's History | access-date = 29 August 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.ppui.ie/Organisation/Index/428 | website = ppui.ie | publisher = Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland | title = Pitch and Putt - Cork County Board | access-date = 20 August 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://fippa.org/news/members/88/birthplace_of_pitch_and_putt_launches_website | website = fippa.org | title = Birthplace of Pitch and Putt Launches Website | publisher = Federation of International Pitch and Putt Associations | access-date = 20 August 2018 }}</ref> Since 1960 it has been overseen by the [[Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland]],<ref name="ppuihist">{{cite web|url = http://www.ppui.ie/About/History | website = ppui.ie | publisher = Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland | access-date = 29 August 2018 | title = History of the Union }}</ref> in turn a member of the [[European Pitch and Putt Association]] and [[Federation of International Pitch and Putt Associations]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://fippa.org/pages/eppa | website = fippa.org | access-date = 29 August 2018 | title = EPPA - the European Pitch and Putt Association | publisher = Federation of International Pitch and Putt Associations }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://fippa.org/pages/fippa | website = fippa.org | access-date = 29 August 2018 | title = FIPPA - the International Pitch and Putt Federation | publisher = Federation of International Pitch and Putt Associations }}</ref> The [[Ireland men's national pitch and putt team]] won the [[2008 Pitch and Putt World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://fippa.org/competitions/world_cup/2008 | website = fippa.org | access-date = 29 August 2018 | title = World Cup 2008 | publisher = Federation of International Pitch and Putt Associations }}</ref> === Racquet sports === {{see|Squash in Ireland}} Tennis, badminton, racquetball and [[squash (sport)|squash]] are common in Ireland. In Tennis, [[Tennis Ireland]] is the governing body and runs several competitions between the approximately 200 clubs throughout Ireland. Ireland competes in tennis internationally in the [[Ireland Davis Cup team|Davis Cup]] (men's) and the [[Ireland Fed Cup team|Fed Cup]] (ladies). Ireland had had a prominent tennis tournament, the [[Irish Open (tennis)|Irish Open]], in the past, which was considered an important tournament prior to the establishment of world championship events in 1913. The men's event was abolished in 1979, and the women's event was abolished in 1983 - however, it remains as a lower-tier [[International Tennis Federation#Professional circuit|ITF]] tournament.<ref name="Robertson 1974 266, 267">{{cite book|last=Robertson|first=Max|title=The Encyclopedia of Tennis|year=1974|publisher=Allen & Unwin|location=London|isbn=9780047960420|pages=266, 267}}</ref> Badminton in Ireland is run by the [[Badminton Union of Ireland|BUI]]. === Road bowling === [[Irish Road Bowling]] is an ancient sport. It is centred in Ireland (particularly Cork and Armagh) but is also played in the United States and the United Kingdom. Similar sports are played in the Netherlands, Germany and Italy and since the 1960s there have been international championships held with athletes participating from these countries.{{citation needed|date = November 2018}} === Rowing === [[Rowing (sport)|Rowing]] is an Olympic Sport which is regulated by [[Rowing Ireland]]. During the winter there are Head of the River Races (processional timed races) and during the summer there are Regattas (side by side racing). The Irish Championships are held at the National Rowing Centre in Cork. === Rugby League === {{main|Rugby league in Ireland}} [[Rugby league]] in Ireland is governed by [[Rugby League Ireland]], which runs the [[Irish Elite League]] (known as the Carnegie League for sponsorship purposes),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=36165 |title=Rugby League Ireland 2010 Launch |publisher=rleague.com |access-date=17 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609003624/http://rleague.com/db/article.php?id=36165 |archive-date=9 June 2015}}</ref> which is the top level rugby league competition in Ireland. There are approximately 20 teams across [[Ulster]], [[Munster]] and [[Leinster]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/6907954/irish-eye-super-league |title=Irish eye Super League: RLI hope to build a club capable of competing with the elite |first=Jamie |last=Casey |publisher=[[Sky Sports]] |date=1 May 2011 |access-date=2011-09-09 }}</ref> The [[Ireland national rugby league team|Irish rugby league team]] compete in the [[European Cup (rugby league)|European Cup]] and the [[Rugby League World Cup]]. It is made up predominantly of players based in Great Britain. Ireland reached the quarter-finals of the [[2000 Rugby League World Cup]] and the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rlwc08.com/matchreviews/match15.aspx |title=Archived copy |access-date=2010-04-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608045137/http://www.rlwc08.com/matchreviews/match15.aspx |archive-date=8 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueplanet.com/rlp-nations/ireland/502-rugby-league-planet-ireland |title=Ireland |publisher=Rugby League Planet |access-date=2011-08-15}}</ref> === Sailing === [[Sailing (sport)|Sailing]] in Ireland is governed and regulated by the Irish Sailing Association in Dún Laoghaire. Events are organised by the various clubs on the coasts and on the reservoirs and lakes. The first sailing club was the Cork Water Club (now the [[Royal Cork Yacht Club]]), which was founded in 1720.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.royalcork.com/club-history/ | publisher = RCYC | website = royalcork.com | title = Club History | access-date = 25 November 2018 }}</ref> === Snooker and pool === [[Snooker]] and [[Eight ball|pool]] hold some interest in Ireland,<ref name="esri22"/> with media coverage of most major international tournaments. The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have produced some of the world's most successful snooker players, including [[Ken Doherty]], [[Alex Higgins]] and [[Dennis Taylor]]. [[File:ShootingAirPistolAtIntershoot.jpg|thumb|Member of the Irish Team competing in 10m Women's Air Pistol at Intershoot 2012]] [[File:ShootingAirRifleAtIntershoot.jpg|thumb|Member of the Irish Team competing in 10m Women's Air Rifle at Intershoot 2012]] === Target shooting === Target shooting in Ireland comprises a number of disciplines. These include the [[Shooting at the Summer Olympics|Olympic rifle and pistol shooting]] disciplines (administered by the NTSA),<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.targetshootingireland.org | title=Home}}</ref> metallic silhouette shooting (administered by the NSAI),<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.shooting.ie |title = Welcome to nginx!}}</ref> precision pistol, benchrest rifle, gallery rifle and sporting rifle disciplines (administered by the NASRPC),<ref name="nasrpc.ie">{{cite web| url = http://www.nasrpc.ie| title = National Association of Sporting Rifle & Pistol Clubs}} </ref> the Tetrathlon (administered by the Pony Club) and [[Modern pentathlon|Olympic Penthathlon]] (administered by the Modern Pentathlon Association of Ireland), both Olympic and non-Olympic [[clay pigeon shooting]] (administered by the ICPSA)<ref>http://www.icpsa.ie/ {{Bare URL inline|date=May 2021}}</ref> and various long-range rifle shooting disciplines (administered by the NRAI).<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://nrai.ie/ | title=Nrai Home}}</ref> Ireland has had representation at international target shooting competitions, including the Olympic Games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympicsport.ie/sports/shooting/index.1.html |title=Olympic Council of Ireland – Shooting |publisher=Olympicsport.ie |access-date=17 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903074156/http://www.olympicsport.ie/sports/shooting/index.1.html |archive-date=3 September 2010}}</ref> The Irish Olympic clay pigeon team won the [[2002 ISSF World Shooting Championships#Men 3|World Championships team event in Olympic Trap in 2002]] and Irish shooter Philip Murphy claimed the silver medal in the [[2007 World Shotgun Championships]]; he has also placed in the top ten in two World Championships and two World Cups.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.issf-sports.org/shooters/shooter.ashx?personissfid=SHIRLM1205195801 |title=ISSF – International Shooting Sport Federation |publisher=issf-sports.org |access-date=17 October 2011}}</ref> His teammate Derek Burnett won silver in the 2007 World Cup in [[Maribor]] and has placed in the top ten in three World Championships, two World Cup Finals and two European championships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.issf-sports.org/shooters/shooter.ashx?personissfid=SHIRLM2710197001 |title=ISSF – International Shooting Sport Federation |publisher=issf-sports.org |access-date=17 October 2011}}</ref> Another teammate, David Malone, won gold in the 2004 World Cup in Cairo, and has ranked in the top ten in two World Championships, one World Cup Final and five World Cups.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.issf-sports.org/shooters/shooter.ashx?personissfid=SHIRLM1003196401 |title=ISSF – International Shooting Sport Federation |publisher=issf-sports.org |access-date=17 October 2011}}</ref> The team has also won several World Cup medals in both team and individual events. The clay pigeon high performance director has also been appointed head of the [[International Shooting Sport Federation|ISSF]] coaches' committee<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.issf-sports.org/development/coachingplatform/committee.ashx |title=ISSF – International Shooting Sport Federation |publisher=issf-sports.org |access-date=17 October 2011}}</ref> and the head clay target instructor with the ISSF Training Academy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icpsa.ie/coaching/coaching_news/1790-issf-coaching-committee.html |title=Irish Clay Pigeon Shooting Association – ISSF Coaching Committee |publisher=Icpsa.ie |date=15 December 2010 |access-date=17 October 2011}}</ref> Ian O'Sullivan also became the World Junior Champion in Olympic Trap in the 2014 World Championships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.issf-sports.org/news.ashx?newsid=2158 | publisher = issf-sports.org | title = O'Sullivan makes Ireland proud at Junior Men's Trap in Spain | date = 10 September 2014 }}</ref> Ireland became world champions in Centrefire [[Gallery Rifle Shooting|Gallery Rifle]] in the inaugural World Championships in 2013, in which the Irish team beat Great Britain and Germany. [[Gallery Rifle Shooting|Gallery Rifle]] events are administered in Ireland by the NASRPC.<ref name="nasrpc.ie"/> === Triathlon and adventure racing === The [[triathlon]], as well as the [[duathlon]], [[pentathlon]], and [[decathlon]], are gaining interest in Ireland.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} The Irish Triathlon calendar of events runs to 200 events annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtriathlon.com/race-calendar-ireland/races/ |title=irishtriathlon.com |publisher=irishtriathlon.com |access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref> The national body for the triathlon is Triathlon Ireland which organises competitions between various clubs throughout the country.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.triathlonireland.com/ |title = Homepage}}</ref> The Modern Pentathlon Association of Ireland was set up in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.mpaireland.com/home.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050218145624/http://www.mpaireland.com/home.htm |title=mpai_home |publisher=mpaireland.com |archive-date= 18 February 2005}}</ref> Pentathlon and Decathlon are track and field events and organised by an athletic association, whereas Triathlon and Duathlon are organized by multi sport associations such as National Governing bodies for Triathlon and the ITU, International Triathlon Union.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} Adventure racing also takes place in Ireland. The majority of adventure races in Ireland fall into what's often called multisport, with run, cycle and kayak stages in events like WAR (Wicklow Adventure Race) and Gaelforce West, which are won in under 4 hours. There are also a few longer international-style adventure races lasting 24 hours and 36 hours, events like Beast of Ballyhoura and Cooley Raid.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.irishtriathlon.com/race-calendar-ireland/adventure-races/ | title = Adventure races in Ireland| publisher = irishtriathlon.com }}</ref> === Tug of war === [[Tug of war]] has been in Ireland for a long time and the creation of the Irish Tug of War Association in 1967 boosted the competition among clubs in Ireland and also enabled Ireland to compete in international events, such as the Tug of War International Federation (TWIF) World Championships. === Underwater sports === [[File:Sea urchin sky view.jpg|thumb|upright|Diving the [[Skellig Islands]], West of Ireland]] Ireland, being an island on the western edge of Europe and on the [[continental shelf]], is well-suited for [[recreational diving]] activities such as [[scuba diving]] and [[snorkelling]]. The dive season in Ireland generally starts around March and ends around October.{{citation needed|date=August 2018}} Recreational diving started in Ireland in the early 1950s with the founding of the Belfast Branch of the [[British Sub Aqua Club]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Diving Officers Conference 2003|url=http://www.bsac.org/techserv/ndc/doc2003/rlvrep.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040113030715/http://www.bsac.org/techserv/ndc/doc2003/rlvrep.htm|archive-date=2004-01-13|publisher=British Sub Aqua Club|access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> In the early 1960s, diving clubs in the Republic of Ireland formed the [[Comhairle Fo-Thuinn]] (CFT) (English: ''Irish Underwater Council''). This voluntary body regulates all aspects of diving for its members, is the national governing body recognised by the Irish Government and represents the Republic of Ireland at the [[Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques]] (World Underwater Federation). The [[Northern Ireland Federation of Sub-Aqua Clubs]] which was formed in 1975 is the corresponding national governing body in Northern Ireland. As of October 2013, [[underwater hockey]] is the only [[underwater sports|underwater sport]] being practised. This activity is limited to the Republic of Ireland where regional competition takes place in both [[Dublin]] and [[Cork (city)|Cork]]. Irish national teams have played internationally with attendance at European championships.<ref>{{cite web|title=Underwater Hockey|url=http://diving.ie/snorkle-diving/underwater-hockey/|publisher=CFT|access-date=29 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=EUROPEAN UNDERWATER HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP 2005 FINALS - MARSEILLE, FRANCE 30th May - 4th June 2005|url=http://www.underwaterhockey-archive.com/UWH-2005-E.htm|publisher=underwaterhockey-archive.com |access-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109064420/http://www.underwaterhockey-archive.com/UWH-2005-E.htm|archive-date=9 January 2016}}</ref> === Water sports === {{see|List of Olympic-size swimming pools in Ireland}} Water sports practised in Ireland include [[canoeing]], swimming, [[surfing]], [[Underwater diving|diving]], [[water polo]], sailing, and [[kayaking]]. Whilst many people participate in these, few do so competitively. Ireland has had only one Olympic medalist in swimming, [[Michelle Smith]], and her medals have since been tarnished by [[Doping in sport|drug]] allegations. The [[National Aquatic Centre]] was opened in Ireland in 2003 and held the [[European SC Championships]] in December 2003 – the first time the country hosted such a competition. At the competition, Ireland won its first medal at the European SC Championships ever, a silver in the 200m [[breaststroke]] by [[Andrew Bree]]. The National Aquatic Centre also hosted the [[2018 World Para Swimming European Championships]]. [[Swim Ireland]] is the national governing body of swimming in Ireland. === Winter Sports === The [[Ski Club of Ireland]] is the national snowsports centre for Ireland, and consists of four outdoor dry slopes in [[Kilternan]], Dublin. A team representing Ireland has competed at the [[Winter Olympic Games]] since [[1992 Winter Olympics|1992]]. ==North American sports== === Baseball === :{{Main|Baseball in Ireland|Irish National Baseball Team}} Baseball is an emerging sport in Ireland.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} The Irish National Baseball Team won the bronze medal at the 2004 European Championships in Germany and followed up that performance with a silver medal in the 2006 European Championships in Belgium. In 2018, the team won the C Pool in European Championships in Ashbourne, County Meath to advance to the B Pool in 2019.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} On a club level, baseball is organized through Baseball Ireland, which operates an adult league established in 1997 with teams in Dublin, Greystones and Belfast. Irish baseball was the subject of an award-winning documentary [[The Emerald Diamond]] in 2006. === Basketball === :''See also [[Ireland national basketball team]]'' Basketball is overseen by Basketball Ireland.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.basketballireland.ie/ |title = Basketball Ireland}}</ref> This governing body organises the sport's main competitions such as the [[Super League (Ireland)|Super League]]. The main basketball arena in Ireland is the [[National Basketball Arena]] in [[Dublin]]. The sport receives small amounts of media attention, with a few games broadcast on television annually. Basketball is mainly driven by school, college and club support. [[Pat Burke]] is the only Irish born to play in the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]], he played for [[Orlando Magic]] and [[Phoenix Suns]]. === Ice hockey === There is one professional [[ice hockey]] team in Northern Ireland, the [[Belfast Giants]], playing in the [[Elite Ice Hockey League]]. The [[Irish Ice Hockey Association]] is the national governing body for the sport, and is responsible for the [[Ireland men's national ice hockey team]] and [[Ireland women's national ice hockey team]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.iiha.org/about/ | website = iiha.org | publisher = Irish Ice Hockey Association | title = About the IIHA | access-date = 1 February 2021 }}</ref> === Lacrosse === [[Lacrosse]] in Ireland is governed by Ireland Lacrosse, an association which is a member of [[World Lacrosse]] and the [[European Lacrosse Federation]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://main.irelandlacrosse.ie/about-us/ | website = irelandlacrosse.ie | publisher = Ireland Lacrosse | title = About Us | access-date = 6 October 2020 }}</ref> The Irish men's lacrosse team made headlines in 2020 when, after qualifying for the [[2022 World Games]], the team gave up their place at the competition to allow the [[Iroquois men's national lacrosse team]] to participate. The Iroquois team, despite representing the Haudenosaunee Confederacy in which the sport originated, were originally excluded because they did not represent a sovereign nation with an Olympic Committee.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.rte.ie/sport/other-sport/2020/0905/1163463-iroquois-nationals-lacrosse-ireland-world-games/ | publisher = RTÉ | website = rte.ie | title = Ireland Lacrosse sacrifice place in 'Medicine Game' tournament for greater good | date = 6 September 2020 | access-date = 6 October 2020 }}</ref> The Irish national team refused to take their place at the competition, with the place being allocated to the Iroquois team.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Peyton Dauley |title=The Iroquois Nationals, Ireland Lacrosse, and Diplomacy in Sports |url=https://thescarlet.org/17055/sports/the-iroquois-nationals-ireland-lacrosse-and-diplomacy-in-sports/ |access-date=6 October 2020 |work=The Scarlet |date=25 September 2020}}</ref> === Softball === :''See also [[Softball in Ireland]]'' [[Softball]] in Ireland can be traced back as far as 1982, with the first organised competition, the Dublin Softball League, taking place in 1984. The Irish Softball Association is the governing body of softball in Ireland and is responsible for the running of tournaments, Leagues, development and international competition in both co-ed slowpitch and ladies fastpitch softball. The National Team (Co-Ed) has competed at European level since 1998, with the best results being Silver in 2002 and 2004. === Volleyball === Volleyball has men's, women's, schools' and beach-volleyball participants. The sport is governed by Volleyball Ireland (VLY).<ref name="vol">{{cite web | url=http://www.volleyballireland.com | title=Volleyball Association of Ireland | access-date=3 July 2014}}</ref> The Northern Ireland Volleyball Association govern the sport in Northern Ireland.<ref>[http://www.nivb.com NIVB]</ref> Men, Women and Junior National Teams regularly compete in international competition including the European Small Nations Championship. The NI Men's National Team competed in the first round of the World Championships.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} Club volleyball is played in several men's and women's divisions (both north and south). Volleyball Ireland (VLY) also run school competitions throughout the school year: a first and second year competition, a cadette competition, a senior competition, and a general schools competition. Spikeball tournaments are also held around the country throughout the school year.<ref name="vol"/> == Competitions and events == === National === The various GAA discipline finals are the largest sporting events regularly held in Ireland, in both terms of attendance and media coverage. The biggest national sporting event in Ireland is the final of the [[All-Ireland Senior Football Championship]], held annually in [[Croke Park]], usually in September. It usually attracts a sell out crowd of 82,500 to croke park. Many of the matches in the championship attract crowds of 50,000+, depending on who is playing. Aside from the GAA, the biggest [[multi-sport event]] held in Ireland regularly is the [[Community Games]]. The games are organised every year from a local level, where hundreds of thousands of young people compete in different disciplines such as athletics, swimming, and cycling, in the first half of the year. Winners progress to county level, and then to the Community Games finals. The finals are held over two weekends in the summer where over 3,000 children sleep over at a campus-style facility. === International === On an international level, Ireland has had mixed fortunes, with some successes in the late 20th and early 21st century in [[rugby union]], [[horse racing]], [[show jumping]], amateur [[boxing]], and golf. [[File:Jessica Kürten and Castle Forbes Libertina, Dublin (Irl) CSIO5* 2008.jpg|thumb|Showjumping at the 2008 [[Dublin Horse Show]]. The 1982 [[Show Jumping World Championships]] was held in Dublin]] Twenty four Irish people have won Olympic medals as of 2012. At the [[2004 Summer Olympics]], Ireland had one of its smallest contingents in its history at the games, with only 106 individuals participating. This was due to the strict policy followed by the [[Olympic Council of Ireland]] of only allowing ''A'' time athletes and swimmers to attend the games.{{citation needed|date = November 2018}} One of the biggest international events in Ireland is international soccer. The Republic's national team first qualified for a [[FIFA World Cup]] in 1990, reaching the quarter finals of [[1990 FIFA World Cup|Italia '90]]. In rugby union, as of September 2019, [[Ireland national rugby union team|Ireland's national team]] was ranked 1st in the world.<ref name="rugbyrankings"/> Ireland has produced major stars such as [[Keith Wood]], [[Brian O'Driscoll]] and [[Jonathan Sexton]].<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/1124/1013095-sexton-the-favourite-to-land-world-player-of-year-award/ | publisher = RTÉ Sport | website = rte.ie | title = Johnny Sexton the strong favourite to land World Player of Year award | date = 24 November 2018 | access-date = 25 November 2018}}</ref> In golf, Ireland has produced several top golfers such as [[Pádraig Harrington]]. The traditional [[Gaelic games]] of [[Gaelic football]] and [[hurling]] are played by Irish expats, with increasingly local involvement in communities around the world, however no nation has enough players to compete with Ireland. To compensate for this the GAA has entered into a partnership with the [[Australian Football League]] (Australian rules football) and plays a hybrid annual series called [[International rules football]] – this series has been going in various forms since 1967. Also the GAA plays an international hurling hybrid match with Scotland's national [[shinty]] team (although Ireland do not select players from the best hurling teams in Tier One of the All-Ireland championship for this game). In 2003, Ireland hosted the [[2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games|Special Olympics World Summer Games]], as well as the [[European SC Championships 2003]]. In 2006, Ireland hosted the [[2006 Ryder Cup|Ryder Cup Matches]]. == Stadiums == {{See also|List of stadiums in Ireland by capacity}} Ireland's largest stadium is the [[Gaelic Athletic Association|GAA]]'s [[Croke Park]] in Dublin, which can hold 82,300 people.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.crokepark.ie/page/venue_information.html | publisher = crokepark.ie | title = Croke Park Venue Information | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119040257/http://www.crokepark.ie/page/venue_information.html |archive-date=19 November 2007 }}</ref> It is the [[List of European stadia by capacity|third largest stadium in Europe]]. Until the late 20th century, it was only used for Gaelic games and concerts. Other GAA facilities capable of accommodating 40,000 or more people are [[Semple Stadium|Semple Stadium, Thurles]], [[Gaelic Grounds|Gaelic Grounds, Limerick]] and [[Páirc Uí Chaoimh|Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork]]. International soccer and rugby in the Republic of Ireland are played at the 52,000 capacity [[Aviva Stadium]]. Built on the site of the former [[Lansdowne Road]], this all-seated stadium was opened in May 2010. [[Thomond Park]], a rugby ground in Limerick, has been rebuilt into a modern 26,000-capacity stadium, though not all-seated. Ireland has three Olympic-sized swimming pools – two of which are open to the public. The largest – located at [[Sports Campus Ireland]] – is the [[National Aquatic Centre]]. Ireland has several large horse and greyhound tracks such as [[Fairyhouse Racecourse|Fairyhouse]]. Plans to develop a Northern Ireland stadium at the site of the former [[Maze prison]] in [[County Antrim]] to cater for Gaelic games, rugby and soccer were scrapped in 2009 after opposition from unionists and soccer fans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0128/maze.html |title=Plans for Maze stadium axed – RTÉ News |publisher=RTÉ.ie |date=28 January 2009 |access-date=17 October 2011}}</ref> The [[Ireland national cricket team]] play [[One Day International]]s at [[Stormont (cricket ground)|Stormont]] in [[Belfast]] and at the [[Clontarf Cricket Club Ground]] in Dublin. Ireland also plays [[ICC Intercontinental Cup|Intercontinental Cup]] matches at the [[Woodvale Road]] ground, and has played test cricket at [[Malahide Cricket Club Ground]] in Dublin.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.cricketireland.ie/news/article/pakistan-confirmed-as-irelands-first-test-opponents | title = Pakistan Confirmed as Ireland's First Test Opponents | website = cricketireland.ie | access-date = 28 August 2018 }}</ref> == Media coverage == *'''Newspapers:''' All major newspapers dedicate space to sports coverage, particularly to soccer, Gaelic games, rugby union and equestrian events. *'''Television:''' Gaelic football, hurling and soccer receive most of the sports coverage on domestic channels. [[RTÉ Two]] and [[TG4]] hold rights to broadcast Gaelic games in Ireland. Coverage of the [[League of Ireland]] is shared between RTÉ and other channels. [[TV3 (Ireland)|TV3]] and RTÉ Two both have rights to various European soccer competitions, such as the [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] and the English [[Premier League]]. Satellite and cable subscribers have access to other foreign channels such as [[Sky Sports]], [[Eurosport]] and ''Attheraces''. *'''Magazines:''' There are relatively few Irish based magazines apart from GAA ones such as the ''Hogan Stand''. == See also == * [[Culture of Ireland]] * [[Ireland at the 2004 Summer Olympics]] * [[Sport in Northern Ireland]] * [[Sport in Galway]] == Notes == {{reflist}} == Further reading == * West, Trevor. ''The bold collegians: the development of sport in Trinity College, Dublin'' (Lilliput Press in association with DUCAC, 1991). *''Croke Park: Cathedral of Sport'' by Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, first printed September 2004 – {{ISBN|1-903464-54-4}} *''The Ras: Ireland's Unique Bike Race 1953–2003'' by Tom Daly, first printed October 2003 – {{ISBN|1-903464-37-4}} *''Golfing in Ireland: The Most Complete Guide for Adventurous Golfers'' by Rob Armstrong, first printed May 2000 – {{ISBN|1-56554-726-8}} *''The Fighting Irish'' by Roger Anderson, first printed October 2004 – {{ISBN|1-84018-755-7}} *''Greyhound racing'' Michael Fortune (2002), in Brian Lalor (Ed.), ''The Encyclopedia of Ireland''. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan. {{ISBN|0-7171-3000-2}} == External links == * [https://www.sportireland.ie/ Irish Sports Council] * [http://www.dttas.ie/ Department of Transport, Tourism, and Sport] * [http://www.olympics.ie/ Olympic Council of Ireland] * [http://www.sportni.net/ Sport Northern Ireland] * [http://www.irishsport.ie/ Federation of Irish Sport] {{Sports governing bodies in Ireland}} {{Ireland topics|expanded=Culture}} {{Sport in Europe}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Sport In Ireland}} [[Category:Sport in Ireland| ]] [[Category:Irish culture]]'