Vision Sports Ireland Celebrates 45th MayFest in Partnership with Davy
25th April 2026
Vision Sports Ireland has today announced Davy as its event partner for the 45th annual MayFest which will take place on 16 May 2026 at University College Dublin.
Since its foundation as the ‘May Games’ in 1981 with a modest athletics championship, MayFest has grown into a vibrant festival of sport, community and celebration. Activities at this year’s MayFest include athletics, tennis, football, target shooting, orienteering, golf, rock climbing and many more, taking full advantage of UCD’s top class sports campus. The occasion also highlights Vision Sports Ireland’s ongoing research partnership with DCU, which works to identify and remove barriers that prevent people who are blind and vision impaired from participating in sport.
The 45th edition, proudly sponsored by Davy, Ireland’s leading wealth management and capital markets group, brings together hundreds of participants, families, volunteers and supporters for a packed programme of ‘come and try’ activities and demonstrations – all specifically designed for people who are blind or vision impaired.
Speaking about the launch, Davy’s Chief People Officer, Orla Graham commented “We’re delighted to sponsor MayFest and to support Vision Sports Ireland in delivering such a joyful, inclusive event. MayFest is a wonderful celebration of community, accessibility and the positive impact of sport, and we’re proud to play a part in a day that brings together participants, families and supporters in such a meaningful way.”
Sara Mc Fadden, Event Coordinator for MayFest added “MayFest has always been the foundation of Vision Sports Ireland. Under our Beyond Vision 2025–2028 strategy, we are committed to ensuring that every person who is blind and vision impaired in Ireland can access sport and physical activity wherever and whenever they choose and MayFest is that commitment made real. It is a day that opens doors, builds community, and shows what is possible when sport is inclusive. We are proud to mark the milestone of our 45th edition alongside Davy, whose support helps us bring that vision to life.”
From its origins as a single day athletics championship, MayFest has been a springboard for some of Ireland’s most celebrated paralympic athletes, including six time Paralympic sprint gold medallist Jason Smyth, who made his para-athletics debut at MayFest in 2005.
The event is open to anyone who is blind or vision impaired, their families and friends, and reflects Vision Sports Ireland’s mission to ensure every person with a vision impairment in Ireland can access the health, social and personal benefits of sport and physical activity.
To purchase tickets, visit Mayfest 2026