MSP provides boundless chances in sport
Pupils from Snugboro NS who took part in the Tri Heroes 'Splash & Dash' which took place at Lough Lannagh in association with Mayo Sports Partnership and Triathlon Ireland. Picture: Alison Laredo
There are six weeks until the West of Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon on Sunday, May 3 in Ballina and this week we are looking at one of the key organisers, Mayo Sports Partnership.
Across Mayo people from all backgrounds are benefitting from the vast variety of initiatives which the Mayo Sports Partnership offer.
The Partnership, which is core funded by Sport Ireland and hosted locally by the Mayo County Council, has three main functions:
• Information - A one-stop-shop of information for sport in Mayo.
• Education – Providing quality opportunities for voluntary to complete locally held training courses.
• Implementation – To shape sports policy across the county by implementing a strategic plan for sport in Mayo, alongside selecting participation programmes that address local needs.
2025 saw several major projects and initiatives for the Mayo Sports Partnership. €30,700 was allocated to 56 clubs and community organisations in Mayo through the Partnership’s 2025 return to Sport Small grant scheme which is supported by Sport Ireland and the Dormant Account Board.
Dormant account funding of €124,500 was announced by the Ministers and Sport Ireland for Mayo sports and community initiatives. This allocation included €20,000 towards phase five of the Ballina Community Sports Hub, €54,500 to phase one of Ballycroy’s new Community Sports Hub, €20,000 allocated to Volunteer Supports with the remaining €30,000 allocated for Equity, Diversion and Inclusion Initiatives. 45 Mayo groups received €13,440 for physical activity for older people with the funding coming through the Age and Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme.
The Older Adult Activator Walking with Poles programme is now in over 20 locations across the county with approximately 320 participants while the Staying Fit for the Future Better Balance Programme hosted 33 classes with 488 participants.
Other campaigns from 2025 included Bike Week (700 participants), European Week of Sport (32 events, 900 participants ), Sports Ability Week (27 events, 350 participants), HER Outdoors Week (42 events, 700 participants), Women in Sport Week (19 events, 670 participants), Women 40+ Events (250 participants), Inclusive Cúl Camp (20 participants), HER Moves Teen Girls Badminton, Teen Girls IPAS Come & Try Golf, Tri Heroes (17 schools, 690 participants), Marathon Kids (17 schools, 1100 participants), Mini-Mini Marathon (800 participants), Fit4Work (240 Participants).
2025 was a standout year for the Partnerships Disability in Sport programmes. The Partnership celebrated Disability in Sport Awareness Week in December 2025. The week highlighted the incredible events, people and partnerships which make the Mayo Sports Partnership a champion for inclusion.
Mayo Sports Partnership will continue to be just as active in 2026.
The Women in Sport week took place in February and the Partnership held 22 events with almost 500 women and girls taking part in initiatives held throughout the week.
Throughout the week, several initiatives were offered by the Partnership, such as online coaching workshops for teenage girls, programmes supporting women who are making changes in officiating systems, and beginner strength and conditioning classes for women over 40, among other fantastic offerings.
The Tri Heroes national school event took place on March 12 at Lough Lannagh where 12 schools and over 500 students participated. The Tri Heroes Programme is a school-based initiative which was developed by Triathlon Ireland. It aims to introduce children to the sport of triathlon in a safe, fun and inclusive environment. It brings together the core disciplines of a triathlon – running, cycling and swimming. It is designed to help young people to develop confidence, physical skills and a love for active lifestyles.
Tri Heroes was created for primary school students of all abilities, ensuring everyone can participate regardless of experience in sport.
Just last Thursday, March 26, Mayo Sports Partnership were delighted to support SHS Westport with their SuperValu Relay the Nation Marathon Challenge. Nearly 300 students completed a full marathon through 100m relay runs.
To find out more about Mayo Sport Partnership and to check out the list of events and programmes log onto www.mayo.ie.
Along with the stakeholders and partners, Mayo Sport Partnership has been the main organiser of the Mini Marathon since 2010. To book your place in the 2026 Mini Marathon in Ballina you can register on https://www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com.
