New cross county SportUile programme officially launched in Louth

SportUile, a new cross-county initiative aimed at harnessing the power of sport to strengthen communities, was officially launched at Lourdes Stadium, Drogheda on 16th October by Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD.

The event also marked the opening of the new modular office where the SportUile team will be based. The team will be comprised of three new positions, a Programme Manager and two Community Sports Development Officers.

Developed as a joint project between Meath Local Sports Partnership (LSP) and Louth Local Sports Partnership (LSP), SportUile will deliver inclusive, community-led programmes across Drogheda and East Meath. The initiative is designed to use sport and physical activity as a driver of positive change, social inclusion, and wellbeing, in direct response to recommendations from the Geiran Report on community safety and development in the area. The initiative was also supported by the Drogheda Implementation Board, which was established to implement the recommendations of the Geiran Report.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD, said: “SportUile represents the best of what community collaboration can achieve. Through sport, we can build bridges, strengthen resilience, and create safe, positive spaces for people of all ages. I commend Meath and Louth LSPs for their shared vision in delivering this cross-county programme, which will make a real difference in Drogheda and East Meath. The new base at Lourdes Stadium will serve as a hub for energy, inclusion, and innovation in community sport. Additionally, I am delighted to announce that three new jobs are being created by this admirable project.”

The programme will focus on developing local leadership through sport, engaging at-risk youth, supporting women and girls’ participation, and fostering collaboration between community groups, clubs, schools, and agencies.

Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, echoed those sentiments: “This initiative shows Drogheda and East Meath at their best, two communities united by a common purpose. SportUile will help foster pride, inclusion, and belonging, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to participate.”

Cllr Wayne Harding, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, welcomed the partnership approach: “SportUile is about breaking barriers and building community through shared goals. The collaboration between Meath and Louth LSPs shows that positive change happens when we work together. This programme will empower local people to lead healthier, more connected lives.”

Dr Una May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said: “Sport Ireland is proud to support SportUile as a powerful example of how sport can be a catalyst for positive social change. This innovative cross-county partnership demonstrates the vital role that Local Sports Partnerships play in building stronger, healthier communities. By investing in grassroots programmes like SportUile, we're not just promoting physical activity, we're creating pathways for inclusion, leadership, and community cohesion that will benefit Drogheda and East Meath for years to come.”

Read Next: Louth’s Tholsel restoration wins Murdoch Award

Paddy O'Reilly, SportUile Programme Manager, said: "I'm excited to lead this groundbreaking initiative and work alongside our new Community Sports Development Officers to make a real impact in Drogheda and East Meath. SportUile is about meeting people where they are and using sport as a tool to build confidence, create opportunities, and strengthen connections across our communities. We'll be working closely with local clubs, schools, and community groups to develop programmes that are truly inclusive and responsive to local needs. Our new base at Lourdes Stadium puts us right at the heart of the community, and we're eager to get started and see the positive change that sport can bring."

SportUile builds on years of local collaboration and responds directly to the need for long-term, sustainable community programmes in the Drogheda region. By combining resources and expertise across county lines, Meath and Louth LSPs aim to create a model that can be replicated nationwide.