Michael Reilly

Background

About Michael Reilly

As an ESF+ Social Innovation in Sport Officer with Longford Sports Partnership, I design and deliver programmes that use sport as a tool for inclusion, empowerment, and change. My work brings together lived experience, innovation, and collaboration to tackle social challenges head-on. Programme Design & Delivery: Creator of Sport4Change (launching 2025) for participants referred by the Probation Service and Drug Task Force, and lead for the annual Urban Horse Project (shortlisted for the 2022 Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards). Policy & EU Expertise: Expert Contributor to the EU Moving On Project (CERV Programme), shaping policy and codes of conduct on Roma, Sinti & Traveller inclusion in sport. Advisor to the Sport Ireland Diversity & Inclusion in Sport Advisory Group. Research & Advocacy: Contributor to national research on Traveller and Roma participation in physical activity (publication due 2025). Frequent speaker at conferences across Ireland and Europe on inclusion, mental health, and social innovation. Leadership & Collaboration: Chair of the County Longford Drug & Alcohol Forum, convening interagency responses to local challenges. Collaborator with EU partners such as Fare, ERRC, ALDA, INEX, FAGIC, and Exchange House. My focus is simple: to harness the power of sport, innovation, and lived experience to create pathways of inclusion, better well-being, and stronger communities.