The Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) has opened public nominations for three categories in the 2026 Team Ireland Olympic Sport Awards, with entries closing on Sunday, 25 October.
Sailing clubs, athletes and supporters can nominate candidates for Event of the Year, Image of the Year and the Community Impact Award ahead of the awards ceremony on the 28th November.
Ireland's sailing community celebrated at last year's ceremony when Howth Yacht Club's Eve McMahon won the Rising Star Award after her bronze medal at the 2025 ILCA 6 World Championships, as covered by Afloat. The achievement was among the highlights of a successful evening for Irish watersports, with rowers Fintan McCarthy and Philip Doyle taking Team of the Year.
Sailing Clubs and Volunteers Eligible for Recognition
The public nomination phase offers an opportunity to recognise sailing events hosted in Ireland, memorable sporting photographs and individuals whose work has made a difference in their communities.
The OFI and media partner Off the Ball encourage supporters of Irish Olympic sport to identify standout events, images that capture the spirit of Team Ireland, and community champions whose contributions deserve wider recognition.
For sailing, the Community Impact Award acknowledges the work of volunteers, coaches, and club members who support participation and development at grassroots level.
You can submit nominations through the official Team Ireland Olympic Sport Awards nomination portal, here.
Photographs submitted for Image of the Year must be nominated by the photographer or with the photographer's permission.
Three Public Nomination Categories
Public nominations are open for Event of the Year, sponsored by McKvr; Image of the Year, sponsored by Fiat; and the Community Impact Award, sponsored by SPAR/EUROSPAR.
The wider awards programme includes Female Athlete of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year, both sponsored by Allianz; Rising Star, sponsored by Sport Ireland; and Team of the Year, sponsored by Flogas.
Key Patent Innovations sponsors Coach of the Year, while Deloitte sponsors High-Performance Programme of the Year. A President's Award will also be presented.
