Job title: Sports Correspondent Reports to: Sports Editor Location: The Irish Times HQ, Tara Street (Hybrid Working)Contract: Fixed Term, 3 Years Job purpose The Sports Correspondent plays a central role in delivering authoritative, original and engaging sports journalism for The Irish Times across digital platforms.
Working within a highly regarded sports desk, the role focuses on breaking news, analysis and storytelling across a broad range of sports, while reflecting the depth, independence and credibility that define Irish Times journalism.
The successful candidate will combine strong reporting instincts with excellent writing, digital expertise and on-air confidence, contributing across text, video, audio and live coverage.
This role demands deep knowledge of sport, strong sources, and the ability to convey both the drama of competition and the wider political, economic and cultural forces shaping modern sport.
Responsibilities and requirements Report and write original sports stories to the highest editorial standard across Irish Times digital platforms.
Break exclusive and agenda-setting stories through strong sourcing and investigative reporting.
Provide insightful analysis of sporting events, performance and gameplay across multiple disciplines.
Cover a wide range of sports including, but not limited to, Gaelic games, rugby, soccer, golf, athletics, boxing, racing and cycling.
Develop and maintain excellent contacts among Irish professional and amateur sportspeople, coaches, administrators and governing bodies.
Deliver accurate, engaging copy at speed, particularly during live events and breaking news situations.
Contribute to live blogs, match reports, features, analysis and long-form journalism as required.
Appear on camera and contribute to broadcasting and podcast output as a host or contributor.
Collaborate closely with the Sports Editor, sports desk colleagues, visual media and audio teams.
Apply strong editorial judgment and ensure all content is legally sound and compliant with editorial standards.
Engage with audiences through digital platforms and contribute to the growth of Irish Times sports coverage.
Stay informed on developments in sports journalism, digital storytelling and audience engagement.
Key skills A minimum of five years' professional experience as a Sports Correspondent/writer A strong track record in digital journalism, including breaking original stories.
Versatility across a wide range of sports.
Excellent sourcing skills and established contacts within Irish sport.
Strong technical understanding of gameplay, tactics and performance analysis.
Deep knowledge of the politics, economics and governance of sport, and the fan experience.
Superb original writing ability and storytelling skills.
Comfort and confidence on camera, with experience in broadcasting or podcasting.
Ability to convey the emotional highs and lows of sporting events with authority and insight.
Desirable skills/qualifications Experience producing multimedia sports content across text, video and audio.
Ability to work under sustained pressure in a fast-moving news environment.
Strong social media awareness and understanding of audience engagement.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and unsocial hours as required by sporting calendars.
Proficiency in Irish is a useful but not essential skill.
Benefits Health Insurance, Pension Contribution, Media Platform & Publication Allowance, Sick Leave Cover, Laptop, Mobile Phone, Irish Times Premium Digital Subscription, Income Protection Policy, Corporate Gym Membership, Free Digital GP an