Top 20 Athletics & Sports from Ireland on Instagram Influencers by Follower Growth

Last updated: October 22, 2026

Total Athletics & Sports Influencers in Ireland

3,698

Expected Reach

26.2M

Total Followers

110.4M

Avg Engagement

7.50%

Audience Analysis

Gender Distribution

Female40%
Male60%

Age Distribution

25-3441.6%
18-2434.9%
35-4413.6%
13-175.6%

Top Countries

Ireland41.5%
United Kingdom16.9%
United States of America12.5%
Spain2.3%
Germany2.0%

Top Languages

en87.9%
es4.6%
pt2.3%

Top Cities

Dublin9.6%
Cork3.1%
Greater London2.1%
Galway City1.0%
Kilkenny0.6%

Top 20 Creators

RankInfluencerLocationFollowersEngagementMonthly GrowthScore
1
Michael Hogan
@michael_martial_art
🇮🇪 🇮🇪🇮🇪 Everything Martial Arts
Ireland
771.7K
Followers
0.35%
Engagement
+5.8%(+42.4K)
6.7
2
Troy Sutton | #1 Body Transformation Coach
@troyjfitness
📚NO BS Fitness Tips Posted DAILY 👉Helping You Drop Bodyfat & Gain Lean Muscle 📥Apply To Work With Me 1-1👇3400+ Transformations @trojancoaching
Dublin, Ireland
957.6K
Followers
0.05%
Engagement
+2.7%(+25.6K)
6.9
3
Jornel Lugo
@aunolugo
🥊Pro Fighter & Trainer | DFW📍 🏆Ranked #8 worldwide in 2022 🥷400+ Fight Drills👇🏽
Dublin, Ireland
555.4K
Followers
0.34%
Engagement
+4.0%(+21.3K)
6.1
4
Katie Taylor
@katie_t86
I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 @champion 🥊 3X Undisputed Champ 🏅 Olympic Gold
Ireland
803.4K
Followers
1.84%
Engagement
+2.7%(+21.0K)
8.6
5
Speedgolfrob
@speedgolfrob
MERCH ⬇️
Ireland
524.6K
Followers
0.00%
Engagement
+2.7%(+14.0K)
8.1
6
James Doyle
@jamesdoylefitness
Health, Entertainment and Mighty Craic 🇮🇪 hello@matchstick.ie @matchstick.ie
Dublin, Ireland
420.4K
Followers
4.06%
Engagement
+3.4%(+13.7K)
8.1
7
AB Fitness
@mike_abz
💪 Helping busy people lose weight & build confidence 📍 AB Fitness Tallaght 🔥 Online Coaching & Fat Loss 👇 Apply Below
Dublin, Ireland
100.0K
Followers
0.05%
Engagement
+15.8%(+13.6K)
5.4
8
Gardiner Brothers
@gardinerbrothers
Irish bros living in USA🇺🇸 Content Creators | Performers | Speakers Dance • Travel • Lifestyle • Leadership Work with us 📧: hello@gardinerbrothers.com
Ireland
2.3M
Followers
0.14%
Engagement
+0.5%(+10.9K)
5.6
9
Mick Medeiros
@mick_medeiros
1/2 of @mickandvicky 🎥 Presenter | Content Creator ✍🏾 Managed by: @connectmgt 📩 Enquiries: james@connectmgt.com 📍 Ireland | UK
Ireland
146.8K
Followers
0.04%
Engagement
+7.2%(+9.9K)
7.1
10
Bernard O'Shea
@bernardo.oshea
Irish comedian 2026/27 Tour on sale now ⬇️
Ireland
193.0K
Followers
0.00%
Engagement
+5.0%(+9.3K)
7.3
11
Pa O’Dwyer
@paodwyer__
🏋🏻‍♀️🇮🇪Athlete | Fitness Creator @maxlabsuk code ODWYER15 @appliednutrition code PA20 COACHING 👇🏻 CLOTHING
Ireland
661.6K
Followers
3.79%
Engagement
+1.4%(+9.1K)
5.9
12
IDEGU Emmanuel
@ideguemmanel
Professional Footballer ⚽ | Defender International Career 🇮🇪🇳🇬🇨🇳 Founder | Billie IV Collection 📍 Cork, Ireland
Ireland
70.1K
Followers
13.34%
Engagement
+14.8%(+9.1K)
8.5
13
Cian Stanley
@_cian_stanley_
1.9 million followers on TikTok Email: cianstanley77@gmail.com Managed by: @stridetalent
Dublin, Ireland
446.0K
Followers
1.55%
Engagement
+1.8%(+8.0K)
6.6
14
Kate O'Connor
@kateoconnor2
Heptathlete & Irish record holder ☘️ European 🥇 World 🥈 World and Euro Indoor 🥈🥉🥉 Commonwealth 🥇🥈 Enquiries- ko7elite@yahoo.com
Dublin, Ireland
87.7K
Followers
16.13%
Engagement
+7.9%(+6.4K)
9.1
15
THE HIGH KINGS - IRELANDS FOLK BAND 🇮🇪
@thehighkingsofficial
Ireland’s Multi Platinum Artists Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy, Finbarr Clancy & Paul O’ Brien.
Dublin, Ireland
94.0K
Followers
0.55%
Engagement
+6.9%(+6.1K)
8.6
16
Jack Woolley
@jack__woolley__
Authentic life of a gay Olympian 🏳️‍🌈 Partner @daithi.stig_pt 👨🏻‍🤝‍👨🏽 Athlete @jack_woolley_oly 🥋 ⬇️CLICK HERE FOR MORE⬇️
Dublin, Ireland
94.9K
Followers
0.05%
Engagement
+5.9%(+5.3K)
8.2
17
Nicky Byrne
@nickybyrneinsta
@Westlife PODCAST - NickyByrneHQ - @acast @youtube - NickyByrneOfficial @tiktok - NickyByrneHQ @facebook Nicky Byrne @X - @NickyByrne Hubby/Dad❤️
Ireland
569.0K
Followers
2.19%
Engagement
+0.8%(+4.3K)
7.1
18
Stuart McCloskey
@stuartmc_12
@ymurugby @careforsons
Ireland
43.4K
Followers
42.69%
Engagement
+10.9%(+4.3K)
8.8
19
Conor Moore
@conor_sketches
🥃 @westburynyc NYC📍Enquiries email: MATTHEW@MVEMANAGEMENT.COM 🇮🇪 For enquiries in Ireland email Andy@NKManagement.ie • Irish Show Tickets link👇🔗
Ireland
731.4K
Followers
0.02%
Engagement
+0.5%(+4.0K)
5.4
20
Michael Breen
@mikeybreeno
📚 Teacher 🥘 MSc Food Business 📍Ballina, Tipperary
Dublin, Ireland
16.1K
Followers
27.72%
Engagement
+31.0%(+3.8K)
9.7

About This Instagram Influencer Ranking

Discover the most influential creators in Ireland with our comprehensive ranking of the top 20 influencers on Instagram who post Athletics & Sports content. This data‑driven analysis identifies the content creators who are shaping conversations, driving trends, and commanding the highest engagement rates in 2026.

Key Insights & Metrics

  • Combined Reach: 26.2M potential impressions across all ranked influencers
  • Total Audience: 110.4M followers collectively following these creators
  • Average Engagement Rate: 7.50% - significantly above industry average
  • Market Coverage: 3,698 total influencers analyzed in this category

Audience Demographics & Reach

The influencers in this ranking reach a diverse, global audience with primary concentrations in:

  • Top Markets: Ireland, United Kingdom, United States of America
  • Gender Distribution: 40% Female, 60% Male
  • Primary Age Group: 25-34 years (41.6% of audience)
  • Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese

Why This Ranking Matters

For brands and marketers, this ranking provides essential intelligence for:

  • Identifying high-performing influencers for partnership opportunities
  • Understanding audience demographics for targeted campaigns
  • Benchmarking engagement rates and growth metrics
  • Discovering emerging talent with strong growth trajectories
  • Analyzing competitive landscape in Athletics & Sports niche

For content creators, these insights help with:

  • Understanding industry benchmarks and performance standards
  • Identifying successful content strategies from top performers
  • Network building and collaboration opportunities
  • Setting realistic growth targets based on peer performance

Methodology & Data Freshness

Our rankings are generated using advanced algorithms that analyze multiple performance indicators:

  • Profile Score: Proprietary metric combining reach, engagement, and growth
  • Engagement Rate: Average interaction rate across recent content
  • Growth Velocity: Month-over-month follower growth and momentum
  • Content Consistency: Posting frequency and audience retention
  • Audience Quality: Authenticity scores and demographic relevance

Data is refreshed weeklyto ensure you're always working with the most current information. Last update includes performance data through October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the fastest‑growing Athletics & Sports creator in Ireland on Instagram?

Michael Hogan (@michael_martial_art) is, as of October 2026, the fastest‑growing Athletics & Sports creator in Ireland on Instagram, with +5.8% monthly growth (+42.4K followers).

How many followers did Michael Hogan (@michael_martial_art) gain last month?

Michael Hogan (@michael_martial_art) gained about 42.4K followers last month (+5.8%).

Who grew more: Michael Hogan (@michael_martial_art) or Troy Sutton | #1 Body Transformation Coach (@troyjfitness)?

Michael Hogan (@michael_martial_art) grew more than Troy Sutton | #1 Body Transformation Coach (@troyjfitness) (42.4K vs 25.6K).

How is Troy Sutton | #1 Body Transformation Coach (@troyjfitness) performing right now?

Troy Sutton | #1 Body Transformation Coach (@troyjfitness) is growing at +2.7% (+25.6K) per month, with a Profile Score of 6.9 and average engagement of 0.05%.

How is Jornel Lugo (@aunolugo) performing right now?

Jornel Lugo (@aunolugo) is growing at +4.0% (+21.3K) per month, with a Profile Score of 6.1 and average engagement of 0.34%.

How is Katie Taylor (@katie_t86) performing right now?

Katie Taylor (@katie_t86) is growing at +2.7% (+21.0K) per month, with a Profile Score of 8.6 and average engagement of 1.84%.

How is Speedgolfrob (@speedgolfrob) performing right now?

Speedgolfrob (@speedgolfrob) is growing at +2.7% (+14.0K) per month, with a Profile Score of 8.1 and average engagement of 0.00%.

Who had the higher percentage growth: Troy Sutton | #1 Body Transformation Coach (@troyjfitness) or Jornel Lugo (@aunolugo)?

Jornel Lugo (@aunolugo) leads (4.0% vs Troy Sutton | #1 Body Transformation Coach (@troyjfitness) 2.7%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Michael Hogan (@michael_martial_art)?

Michael Hogan (@michael_martial_art) gained about 42.4K followers last month (+5.8%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Troy Sutton | #1 Body Transformation Coach (@troyjfitness)?

Troy Sutton | #1 Body Transformation Coach (@troyjfitness) gained about 25.6K followers last month (+2.7%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Jornel Lugo (@aunolugo)?

Jornel Lugo (@aunolugo) gained about 21.3K followers last month (+4.0%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Katie Taylor (@katie_t86)?

Katie Taylor (@katie_t86) gained about 21.0K followers last month (+2.7%).

What is the absolute follower gain of Speedgolfrob (@speedgolfrob)?

Speedgolfrob (@speedgolfrob) gained about 14.0K followers last month (+2.7%).

Is Michael Hogan (@michael_martial_art) still a relevant creator?

Yes — Michael Hogan (@michael_martial_art) has a Profile Score of 6.7, average engagement of 0.35%, and +5.8% (+42.4K) monthly follower growth, indicating high relevance.

What is a good engagement rate for Athletics & Sports in Ireland?

The average engagement rate for this category is 7.50%. Generally, rates above 9.0% are considered excellent, while rates above 6.0% are good. Engagement rates vary by platform, niche, and follower count - micro-influencers often have higher rates than mega-influencers.

How is the Profile Score calculated?

The Profile Score (0-10 scale) is a composite metric that weighs several factors: 40% engagement quality, 25% audience reach, 20% growth momentum, 10% content consistency, and 5% audience authenticity. A score above 7.0 indicates a high-performing influencer, while scores above 8.5 represent elite-tier creators.

Can I use this data for influencer marketing campaigns?

Yes! This ranking is designed to help brands, agencies, and marketers identify potential partnership opportunities. The data provides a starting point for campaign planning, competitor analysis, and market research. For detailed campaign analytics and contact information, consider upgrading to our professional tools.

What does monthly growth percentage mean?

Monthly growth shows the percentage change in followers over the past 30 days. Positive growth (green) indicates gaining followers, while negative growth (red) means losing followers. The number in parentheses shows the absolute follower change. High growth rates often indicate viral content or successful campaigns.

Why should I track influencers in Ireland?

Location-specific influencer tracking is crucial for targeted marketing campaigns. Local influencers often have higher engagement rates within their geographic area, understand cultural nuances, and can drive better ROI for region-specific products or services. They're particularly valuable for retail, hospitality, and location-based businesses.

How can I improve my ranking as an influencer?

Focus on these key areas: (1) Increase engagement by creating content that encourages comments and shares, (2) Post consistently to maintain audience interest, (3) Use relevant hashtags to expand reach, (4) Collaborate with other creators in your niche, (5) Respond to comments to build community, and (6) Analyze your best-performing content and create similar pieces.

Note: This ranking represents a snapshot of current instagram influence based on publicly available data. Rankings can fluctuate based on content performance, platform algorithm changes, and audience behavior. Use this data as one of several factors in your decision-making process.