Your essential guide to Olympic qualification, leadership updates, and ticket access
The journey to Los Angeles 2028 is gathering momentum for Team Ireland, and there are three major updates every supporter should know. The schedule of Olympic qualification events for 2026 is now centre stage, providing athletes and fans alike with a clear path ahead. In addition, Team Ireland has appointed Sarah Jane McDonnell as Deputy Chef de Mission, Performance Support, and the LA2028 ticket lottery has officially launched. Read on for the full details and upcoming links to each story.
2026 Olympic Qualification Events: The Road to LA2028
Irish athletes are set for a crucial year in 2026, as the qualification journey is already underway for many Irish Olympic hopefuls. Read on for the list of Olympic qualification events this year that mark the first step of the Olympic journey, offering athletes the opportunity to secure their place at LA2028. For some sports, the journey involves accruing crucial ranking points; for others, direct qualification; and for some sports, Olympic qualification involves a mix of the two.
See the list of qualifying sports and events for 2026
Sarah Jane McDonnell Named Deputy Chef de Mission, Performance Support for LA2028
Team Ireland’s leadership has received a boost with the appointment of Sarah Jane (SJ) McDonnell as Deputy Chef. Leading all things performance and coming from the Sport Ireland Institute, SJ brings many year’s of Games experience, and joins the Olympic Leadership Group, ensuring the performance lens is always in focus.
Read more about Sarah Jane McDonnell’s appointment.
LA2028 Ticket Drop 2 Lottery Registration Opens
The LA2028 ticket lottery is now live, offering fans the chance to secure their spot at the Games. This inclusive system ensures fair access, so supporters can plan ahead and look forward to experiencing the Olympic excitement in person.
Read the full information on how to register for Drop 2.