Sports Participation and Health among Adults in Ireland

The purpose of the report is to provide a descriptive account of levels and patterns of sport and leisure-time activity in Ireland today, viewed from a health perspective, and to draw implications for policy on the promotion of sport and physical exercise for public health purposes. The report focuses on the adult population. Subsequent reports, based on a survey of sport among students in primary and post-primary schools that is currently underway, will examine sport and physical activity among young people. These reports are part of a programme of research on sport and physical activity carried out the by the Sports Research Centre in the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The Sports Research Centre is a joint initiative of the ESRI and the Irish Sports Council that was established in 2003.