Cork Sports Partnership

What Cork Sports Partnership does

Cork Local Sports Partnership CLG, trading as Cork Sports Partnership (CSP), is a Company Limited by Guarantee non-profit established as one of 29 Local Sports Partnerships operating under Sport Ireland's National Sports Policy 2018-2027. The organisation coordinates and delivers sport and physical activity programmes across Cork city and county, targeting six primary beneficiary segments: children and youth, women and girls, men (particularly inactive men), older adults, people with disabilities, and disadvantaged communities. It does not operate as a commercial entity; the majority of programmes are delivered free or at heavily subsidised rates, with the only disclosed pricing being a €100 per-school fee for Badminton Ireland's teacher training and equipment pack. Revenue is grant-based, sourced primarily from Sport Ireland core funding, the Dormant Accounts Fund, the Sláintecare Integration Fund, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, Cork City Council, and Cork County Council.

CSP's service portfolio is organised under sub-brands including Active Cork Sport, Active Cork Communities, SportsAbility, Active Cities Cork, WellComm Active, Get Cork Walking, Let's Play Cork, the Urban Outdoor Initiative, and a network of geographic hubs (Northside, Islands, Bantry, Kinsale). Delivery is conducted through a ~14-person in-house team (CEO Kristine Meenaghan plus programme, inclusion, finance, and hub staff) embedded within a broader partner ecosystem that includes National Governing Bodies (GAA, FAI, Swim Ireland, Athletics Ireland, Badminton Ireland, Tennis Ireland, Irish Judo Association), disability organisations (IWA Sport, Special Olympics Munster, CARA, COPE Foundation), educational institutions (MTU, UCC, CETB), health authorities (HSE, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare), and local authorities. There is no proprietary software platform or technology product; the "technology" is a community-coordination and programme-management capability enabled by this partner network.

The business model is effectively a publicly funded delivery organisation: success is measured by participation outcomes against national physical activity targets (only 42% of Irish adults and 13% of children currently meet the National Physical Activity Guidelines) rather than by commercial KPIs. CSP's competitive position rests on its statutory mandate, board-level governance by major public stakeholders, and the breadth of its partner ecosystem, all of which create high barriers to entry for any alternative coordinator of sport promotion in Cork.

Name

Cork Sports Partnership

Legal name

Cork Local Sports Partnership CLG

Website

https://corksports.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Cork Local Sports Partnership CLG is a non-profit Local Sports Partnership that coordinates and delivers sport and physical activity programmes across Cork city and county, targeting children, women, men, older adults, people with disabilities, and disadvantaged communities through government-funded hubs, schools, and community clubs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Sports Development

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Amateur Clubs & Community Sports Organizations (MPAKACAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK), National Governing Bodies (NGBs) (MPAKAFAC)

Keywords

• Community sports development
• Physical activity programs
• Sport inclusion services
• Local sports partnership
• Community health programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Cork

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: Funded primarily by Sport Ireland (formerly Irish Sports Council), with additional support from Dormant Accounts Fund, Sláintecare Integration Fund, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, and local authorities including Cork City Council and Cork County Council. The organization does not generate commercial revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Cork Sports Partnership is a non-profit Local Sports Partnership that coordinates and delivers sport, exercise, and physical activity programmes across Cork city and county. It works through an extensive partner network of national governing bodies, local authorities, schools, sports clubs, disability organizations, HSE, and community groups to deliver targeted programmes for children, youth, women, men, older adults, people with disabilities, and disadvantaged communities. Core service lines include school sport programmes, inclusive disability sport (SportsAbility), community health initiatives (WellComm Active), sports education and training, walking promotion, and outdoor recreation.

Product overview

Cork Sports Partnership operates as a sports development organization rather than a commercial product company. It coordinates community sport and physical activity programs across Cork, Ireland, under the Local Sports Partnership network. Its service portfolio includes: Active Cork Sport (community sport, school sport, inclusive sport, sports education, club finder, club supports), Active Cork Communities (Active Communities Initiative, Active Community Awards), Inclusion programs (SportsAbility campaign, disability sports, inclusive training), and Hubs & Initiatives (Active Cities, Northside Sports Hub, Islands Sports Hub, WellComm Active, Let's Play Cork, Get Cork Walking, Urban Outdoor Initiative). The organization does not offer a software product or platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Active Cork Sport: Core pillar focusing on increasing participation in sport through partnerships with clubs, schools, and sporting bodies.
• Active Cork Communities
• SportsAbility
• Active Cities Cork
• WellComm Active
• Get Cork Walking
• Let's Play Cork
• West Cork Islands Sports Hub
• Urban Outdoor Initiative

Products and services

• School Sport Programmes Sport and physical activity programmes for primary and secondary schools covering Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Gymnastics, Orienteering, Road/Water Safety, Rowing, Splash & Dash Events, Tennis, Tug of War, Volleyball, Walking, and Sports Leadership. Targeted at primary and secondary school students and delivered in partnership with National Governing Bodies. Schools contract for the Badminton Schools Programme at €100 per school, covering training for 2 teachers and equipment packs.
• SportsAbility Inclusion Sport Programmes Disability sport and inclusive physical activity programmes for children, teenagers, and adults with disabilities. Includes Cork SportsAbility Campaign, Cork SportsAbility Day, SportsAbility Programmes, Wheels For All, Inclusive Club Development, and Sports Inclusion Disability Charter adoption. Delivered in partnership with IWA Sport, Special Olympics Munster, Swim Ireland, FAI, Tennis Ireland, Irish Judo Association, Surf2Heal, Sailing into Wellness, Kinsale Sailability, and CARA.
• WellComm Active Health & Wellbeing Programme Community health and wellbeing initiative supporting citizens to manage health through increased physical activity. Includes Better Balance, FunFit, Start to Move, MoveWell, and Neuro Functional Training delivered in partnership with HSE (Health Service Executive) and Cork Kerry Community Healthcare. Targeted at older adults and community members at risk of chronic conditions.
• Sports Education & Training Courses Training and education courses for coaches, volunteers, teachers, sports leaders, and community members. Includes Safeguarding 1, 2, 3; Sports First Aid; Physical Literacy; Coaching Children; Sports Inclusion & Disability Awareness Webinar; Disability Awareness in Sport; Autism in Sport; Disability Inclusion Training; Healthy Food Made Easy; Get Active Keep Well; and Youth Leadership Programmes. Designed for sport club volunteers, coaches, teachers, and community leaders.
• Get Cork Walking Programme Walking promotion project coordinated by Cork Sports Partnership with a Walking Promotion Officer, in partnership with Get Ireland Walking (hosted by South East Technical University). Aims to increase recreational walking across Cork city and county. Includes walking groups, walking events, and Cork Walking Month.
• Urban Outdoor Initiative Outdoor recreation initiative creating opportunities for people with disabilities and youth groups in Cork city centre and Bandon. Includes Bádoireacht (traditional currach rowing), cycling, kayaking, yoga, angling, orienteering, and other outdoor activities. Delivered in partnership with Meitheal Mara, COPE Foundation, Foróige, Youth Work Ireland, and Headway.
• Active Communities Initiative Community sport activation programme targeting disadvantaged areas and communities across Cork. Includes the Active Community Awards annual recognition programme (running since at least 2021 with categories including Inclusion, Champion, Group, Campaign, and new Active Community School Award in 2025). Empowers communities to be physically active through grassroots engagement and community-led projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• Sport Ireland recognizes Local Sports Partnerships as an excellent mechanism for delivering recreational sport to local people

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles8 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sport IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary funder and national coordinating body for sport in Ireland. Sport Ireland formally (formerly Irish Sports Council) established the Local Sports Partnership network and provides core funding through Dormant Accounts Fund and other programmes. CSP operates under Sport Ireland's national sports policy framework.
• Cork Education and Training Board (CETB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal education authority partner involved in Urban Outdoor Initiative and schools programmes. Provides access to educational facilities and coordinates training programmes.
• Cork City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partner represented on CSP Board. Involved in Active Cities, Urban Outdoor Initiative, Let's Play Cork, and various community programmes.
• Cork County CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partner represented on CSP Board. Collaborates on community sports initiatives, Get Cork Walking, and regional sports hubs.
• Munster Technological University (MTU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThird-level institution partner represented on CSP Board. Collaborates on athletics development, research, and student engagement programmes.
• University College Cork (UCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThird-level institution partner represented on CSP Board. Involved in sports education and community health initiatives.
• HSE (Health Service Executive) - Health & Wellbeing DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth authority partner represented on CSP Board. Key partner in WellComm Active health and wellbeing programmes, Sláintecare Integration Fund, and community health initiatives.
• Cork Kerry Community HealthcarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare community partner supporting WellComm Active initiative and Active Communities Initiative. Provides health and wellbeing expertise and funding.
• Meitheal MaracoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity rowing organization delivering Bádoireacht (traditional currach rowing) programmes for youth and schools. Partner for Urban Outdoor Initiative.
• LeisureWorld CorkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeisure facility operator partnering on MoveWell programme and community fitness initiatives.
• IWA SportcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational disability sports organization providing sport opportunities for people with physical disabilities. Partner for inclusive sports programmes and Rebel Wheelers affiliation.
• Special Olympics MunstercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional branch of Special Olympics providing sport opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities across Cork through network of affiliated clubs.
• Swim IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Governing Body for swimming. Partner for outdoor swimming programmes, swimming for people with disabilities, and aquatic sport development.
• Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre (OEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOutdoor education provider delivering kayaking, watersports, and adventure programmes. Partner for Urban Outdoor Initiative and Kinsale Water Sports Inclusion Hub.
• Kinsale SailabilitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable organization providing sailing for people with disabilities. Partner in Kinsale Water Sports Inclusion Hub development.
• Surf2HealcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity providing surf experiences for children with autism and disabilities. Partner for inclusive watersports programmes.
• Sailing into WellnesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization providing sailing voyages and training for people with disabilities. Partner in Kinsale Water Sports Inclusion Hub.
• CARA (Centre for Sport and Disability)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational centre for sport and disability that developed the Sports Inclusion Disability Charter in partnership with Sport Ireland.
• Athletics IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Governing Body for athletics. Partner for school athletics programmes including Daily Mile, Youth Marathon Challenge, and athletics coach training.
• Badminton IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Governing Body for badminton. Partner for schools badminton programme providing teacher training, equipment, and club-school links.
• GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Governing Body for Gaelic games. Partner for GAA For All inclusive club development, schools programmes, and TY Currach Rowing.
• FAI (Football Association of Ireland)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Governing Body for football. Partner for Football For All inclusive football programme with clubs across Cork.
• Tennis IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Governing Body for tennis. Partner for Enjoy Tennis programme promoting tennis for people with disabilities.
• Get Ireland WalkingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational governing body for recreational walking in Ireland, hosted by South East Technical University. Supports Get Cork Walking initiative and Walking Promotion Officer.
• Irish Judo AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Governing Body for judo. Partner for Judo Assist Ireland programme for people with disabilities with certified coaches at Muskerry Judo Club and Cork City Judo Club.
• Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of 8 Local Sports Partnerships in the Active Cities project network across Ireland's 5 cities.
• Galway Sports PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of 8 Local Sports Partnerships in the Active Cities project network.
• Limerick Sports PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of 8 Local Sports Partnerships in the Active Cities project network.
• An Garda SiochánacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolice service represented on CSP Board. Supports community safety and sport development initiatives.
• COPE FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerService provider for people with intellectual disability and autism. Partner for Urban Outdoor Initiative and inclusive sport programmes.
• ForóigecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth organization partner for Let's Play Cork and Urban Outdoor Initiative youth programmes.
• Youth Work IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational youth work organization partner for Urban Outdoor Initiative youth engagement programmes.
• HeadwaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrain injury services organization. Partner for yoga programme for people with brain injury as part of Urban Outdoor Initiative.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• CARA Centre for Sport and Disability: Ireland's national centre for sport and disability and co-developer of the Sports Inclusion Disability Charter that CSP adopted. Emerging player because it overlaps heavily with CSP's SportsAbility programme on disability sport and inclusion training, but operates at national rather than county level.

Broad incumbents

• sportscotland: Scotland's national sport agency funding community sport through a network analogous to Ireland's LSPs. Comparable as a public-sector coordinator of community sport, physical activity, and inclusion programmes at a national scale.
• Sport England: The UK national body for community sport funding and policy, operating an Active Lives / This Girl Can style model analogous to Sport Ireland's LSP framework. Comparable as a public-sector funder and policy setter, though much larger in scale.
• Sport Ireland: The national authority that funds and oversees the LSP network including CSP. Broad incumbent because it sets policy (National Sports Policy 2018-2027), distributes Dormant Accounts and core grants, and coordinates all 29 LSPs — making it the parent/principal rather than a competitor.

Direct peers

• Kildare Sports Partnership: Direct peer within the 29-LSP network. Comparable governance (CLG), comparable Sport Ireland / Dormant Accounts / Sláintecare funding streams, and comparable community sport, inclusion, and schools programme portfolio across a similar-sized Irish county.
• Galway Sports Partnership: One of the 29 Local Sports Partnerships and an Active Cities project partner with CSP. Direct peer because it delivers the same Sport Ireland-funded community sport and physical activity programmes under an identical governance model, but for Galway city and county.
• Wicklow Sports Partnership: Another Sport Ireland-funded LSP. Comparable in mandate, funding structure, programme mix (Get Ireland Walking, Active Communities, inclusion), and small-team operating model, serving County Wicklow.
• Fingal Sports Partnership: Direct LSP peer operating under Sport Ireland's national framework. Comparable in operating model, programme mix (Active Communities, inclusion, schools), and funding sources, serving the Fingal region of North Dublin.
• Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership: The Dublin-based Local Sports Partnership operating under the same Sport Ireland LSP framework. Direct peer because it shares CSP's mandate, governance structure (CLG), funding sources, and Active Cities project participation, but serves a larger urban population.
• Limerick Sports Partnership: Sport Ireland LSP co-participant in the Active Cities 5-city project. Direct peer with the same mandate, funding architecture, and programme portfolio (community sport, disability sport, schools programmes, walking promotion).

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CorkSports

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cork Sports Partnership