Irish athletes won 127 major medals in 2025, the most successful year ever for Irish high-performance sport, according to Sport Ireland.
Among the successes during the year were Sarah Healy's gold medal in the 3,000m in the European Indoor Championships and two gold medals at the World Para Athletic Championships for Orla Comerford.
Daniel Wiffen’s gold medal in the 1500m freestyle at the European Short Course Swimming Championships, Kate O’Connor’s four major medals in the pentathlon and heptathlon also featured in the record haul.
Also included are Ben Healy’s bronze medal in the World Championship road race, double gold at the World Rowing Championships for Fiona Murtagh in the women's singles, and Fintan McCarthy and Mags Cremen in the mixed double sculls.
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The criteria for a 'major medal' is a medal won at senior or non-senior (e.g. youth, junior, Under-21, etc.) level, at European Championships, World Championships, Olympic Games and Paralympics Games by Sport Ireland High Performance-funded National Governing Bodies and athletes.
127 major medals won this year are an increase on the 112 total high-performance medals won in 2024, which was itself a record.
In 2025 there were 39 gold medals won, 33 silver, and 55 bronze.
There were 48 senior medals won (17 gold, 13 silver, and 18 bronze).
There were also 69 non-senior medals won (22 gold, 20 silver, and 37 bronze).
The gender breakdown was 63 female, 55 male, and nine open/mixed.
Sarah Healy on giving her parents something to really celebrate after winning gold at European Indoor Championships in the 3,000m#rtesportawards #rtesport @rteone @rteplayer pic.twitter.com/A9lRUwG9cp
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) December 20, 2025
It may also include a medal at World Cup finals that is the equivalent of a World Championships.
In 2025 the Government invested €27m in the High Performance programme and has been key in supporting high-performance athletes and the National Sports Policy aim of increasing Ireland’s target medal haul, said Sport Ireland.
In 2026 funding for high-performance sport will be €28.5m.
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: "As the High Performance Strategy ends its fifth year of implementation, we in Sport Ireland will continue our focus on coaching, the athlete voice, and governance.
"Sport Ireland will continue to back our athletes, their support teams and National Governing Bodies as they strive for excellence.
"The record level of investment throughout the life cycle of the National Sports Policy demonstrates the Government’s sustained and shared commitment to achieving success."
Kate O'Connor on leaving things 'in the lap of the Gods' after picking up an injury that ultimately did not stop her from winning a silver at the World Championships #rtesportawards #rtesport @rteone @rteplayer pic.twitter.com/kYe29S1d9d
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) December 20, 2025
Sport Ireland Director of High Performance Paul McDermott said: "While it has been great to see our high-performance athletes deliver a steady stream of wins and podium finishes across multiple sports it’s not just about the medals.
"Our focus remains firmly on athlete welfare, supporting them to compete globally while prioritising their well-being.
"Sport Ireland’s investment in high-performance sport now compares with our international competitors."
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