Kingspan Kickstart Sports Fund helps local and Irish athletes go further

A huge thanks to Kingspan, partners in our Community & Sports Awards...

Behind every great sporting moment are years of unseen effort. Early mornings, long drives, training in all weather, and juggling life commitments while chasing personal bests. For many Irish athletes, especially those outside the spotlight, these efforts often go unsupported.

That’s where the Kingspan Kickstart Sports Fund is making a difference. Now in its third year, the fund supports athletes from all over Ireland who show real commitment and potential, regardless of age or discipline. While its reach is national, a number of standout stories are unfolding right here in Cavan.

One of the most inspiring is Paul Brady, the legendary handballer from the county. Already regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats, Paul returned to domestic competition after last winning an All-Ireland championship in 2013, this time with renewed focus.

Backed by Kickstart, he went on to win his 11th All-Ireland senior singles title at Croke Park, adding yet another chapter to an extraordinary career.

Brady’s return is about more than silverware. It’s a story of perseverance and a reminder that excellence doesn’t always follow a straight line. At 45, his selection shows how Kingspan Kickstart recognises not just emerging athletes, but also those with unfinished business, who continue to lead by example.

Another of this year’s recipients, Megan Armitage, is carving out a new path after representing Ireland in cycling at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She has since turned her attention from professional cycling to long-distance triathlon, with the goal of qualifying for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Still new to the sport, Megan’s background, discipline and drive caught the attention of the Kickstart team. It’s a bold move, but one she is approaching with the same mindset that took her to the Olympics.

As the fund grows, so too has its approach to selection. The 2025 cycle introduced a more structured and thoughtful selection process, aimed at identifying athletes not just based on sporting results, but also on values, growth potential, and character. This shift has allowed Kickstart to include a broader mix of athletes and organisations across Ireland, from GAA clubs and cyclists to para-athletes and endurance competitors.

What links them is their dedication to improving, often with limited resources and behind-the-scenes sacrifices. Many are balancing training with work or studies, travelling long distances for coaching or competition, and staying committed to their goals when outside support is hard to come by.

The Kingspan Kickstart Sports Fund provides modest but targeted support to help cover critical expenses like travel, equipment or training costs. More than that, it offers recognition. A sign that someone sees the effort, the progress and the potential.

For athletes in counties like Cavan, where much of the sporting culture is built on community, the backing of a fund like this can go a long way. Whether it helps extend a career, kick-start a new one, or simply take the next step, the impact is real.

Kickstart continues to evolve, and another selection round is planned for later this year. For now, the focus remains on supporting athletes who not only perform, but who carry themselves with resilience and purpose.

With Paul Brady still winning titles and athletes like Megan Armitage chasing goals in new sports, there’s no shortage of Irish talent ready to rise. And thanks to initiatives like the Kingspan Kickstart Sports Fund, they’re not doing it alone.