The gender gap in participation in sport has fallen to the lowest level on record according to the Latest Irish Sports Monitor Report.
It continues to decline from 4.5% at end 2017 to 3.4% for 2019 report.
This is the lowest gap reported, when the ISM was introduced in 2007 the gap was 15.7%.
Approximately 1.7 million Irish adults participated in sport at least once a week in 2019 according figures published by Sport Ireland today.
The Irish Sports Monitor 2019 shows that participation rates have grown by 3% since the publication of the 2017 edition, which equates to an additional 150,000 people.
The Irish Sports Monitor has measured adult participation in sport and physical activity since 2007.
The report found that there was significant reduction in the number of inactive adults, i.e. those not regularly taking part in sport or recreational walking.
Sport Ireland chairman Kieran Mulvey said: "It is very encouraging to see an increase in the number of people participating in sport and also in social participation through volunteering, club membership and attendance at sporting events.
"While the figures announced today are positive, there is always more that can be done to make sure everyone, no matter their age or background, has the opportunity to participate in sport in some capacity.
"The Board of Sport Ireland will continue to prioritise our efforts to increase participation right across all groups in our society. The insights gained from the Irish Sport Monitor are key to informing future actions in this regard."
While the reports highlights many positives, a persistent social gradient in the proportion that is highly active exists in terms of socio-economic status, with those from lower socio-economic groups being both less likely to be highly active and more likely to be sedentary.
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, said: "The findings announced published today are encouraging overall and results are moving in the right direction.
"In particular, it's welcome to see sustained participation rates in the younger age groups in the 16-34 bracket, with over 90% of people participating in sport citing improving health and fitness as a motivating factor.
"Personal exercise remains the main driver or participation at 16%, which was reinforced by our recent reports on participation during Covid-19 restrictions that showed unprecedented numbers taking part individual activity.
"The challenge now is to provide opportunities to sustain and further grow this level of activity. The work of the National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships is vital in achieving this."
