Feb 13, 2015
Minister of State for Sport, Michael Ring T.D., announced on Wednesday an investment package of €19.6m from the Irish Sports Council into the National Governing Bodies of Sport in Ireland. This is almost €1million more than the equivalent figure for 2014. This injection will allow the Sports Council to invest in crucial projects for Rio 2016 as well as exciting participation initiatives and support the participation of Team Ireland at the Special Olympic Summer Games in LA in July.
The investment includes an allocation of €10.85 million to 59 National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to support their core work of administration and participation programmes. This includes increases to support specific initiatives in the IABA, the Confederation of Irish Golf and Hockey Ireland. The Council will allocate €600,000 to support the Women in Sport programme of 23 NGBs with additional support for the highly successful programmes of Swim Ireland and Badminton Ireland.
€8.16m will be invested in 22 Performance Plans which will support Ireland participation at the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. The high performance NGBs also benefit from the direct service provision at the Institute of Sport, the development of high performance facilities at the National Sports Campus, the 2015 International Carding Scheme and the special sports equipment grants; a comprehensive and integrated package of support for Ireland’s top performers.
Speaking at the announcement, Minister Ring commented: “I am delighted to be here today to announce a very significant package of sports investment by the Irish Sports Council. Today’s investment is a substantial commitment from the Irish Government to the National Governing Bodies of Sport in Ireland. The importance of sport cannot be understated. Sport has the unique ability to activate local communities through participation and volunteerism whilst uniting a nation to support our athletes on the world stage”.
The investment is designed to support NGBs develop sustainable and effective structures that facilitate increased numbers of both participants and volunteers. The success of the sustained investment has seen considerable growth in membership across the NGB sector which includes 53,000 in Athletics Ireland, 23,000 in Cycling Ireland and 57,000 in Badminton Ireland.
Speaking at the announcement, Kieran Mulvey, Chairman of the Irish Sports Council said:
“The Council place National Governing Bodies at the centre of our work and are the strategic heart of Irish sport. This is a major input of resources into their operations and ongoing development and we have confidence that there will be a significant return on that investment. I want to acknowledge and recognise the on-going support given to us by Minister Ring and his Department which allows us to continue our mission of increasing participation and enhancing high performance.”
2015 is the 10th Anniversary of the Irish Sports Council’s Women in Sport programme. The programme, which aims to raise the overall physical activity levels among women, has been a key driver in closing the gender gap as women’s participation has grown from 39% (2011) to 42.7% (2013). Today’s investment will continue to support Women in Sport programmes including ‘The Swim for a Mile’ initiative from Swim Ireland which aims to deliver 10,000 participants and Rowing Ireland’s, ‘Get Going, Get Rowing’ programme which aims to get an additional 5,000 women participating in 2015.
Ireland will be proudly represented at many sporting events on the international stage. 2015 will be the crucial qualifying year for many sports for Rio 2016 and there will be vital championships events in athletics, swimming, boxing, hockey, cricket and cycling amongst others. The first European Games will take place in Baku in June and it will be could prove to be a pivotal event for the Olympic sports in Ireland. The Council is delighted to support Team Ireland at the Special Olympics World Game in Los Angeles.
John Treacy, CEO Irish Sports Council said:
“As the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games come into view, it is imperative we maintain investment so that we continue to build on the excellent performances of recent years in high performance sport. The resources made available in late 2014 by Minister Ring are invaluable for the sports and have been invested in vital equipment, camps and the all-important competition schedules”.
Today’s investment in High Performance will continue to build on the sustained success of high performance sport in Ireland. The Institute of Sport delivers sports services directly to the Olympic and Paralympic sports and, with athletes accessing services on site, is advanced in the creation of a new support system for high performance sport. The capacity at the Institute will be enhanced with the completion of the bespoke facility which is currently being constructed by the NSCDA on site and which in due for autumn 2015.
Feb 6, 2015
Following on from the announcement that government were bringing forward a Bill for the rating of sports clubs only with regard to the commercial part of the club, below is an update regarding its progress-
- The Valuation Act, 2001 is the legislation which governs the valuation of all property for rating.
- With regard to the valuation of sports clubs there is a provision in the Valuation (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2012 , currently progressing through the Oireachtas, which, if passed, would mean that Community Sports Clubs will only be liable for rates on buildings that are used for the generation of income. Buildings that are used for the sale of alcohol or food, retail outlets, etc. will be rated but buildings that are used for community sport will be exempt.
- Currently, sports clubs which have a bar are registered under the Registration of Clubs (Ireland) Act, 1904 which accords them the right to sell alcohol on their premises, and have all the buildings of such registered clubs valued in their entirety for rates. In the event of the Bill passing into law, only the bar area and other buildings used to generate income , e.g. food and retail outlets will be rated.
The Bill which was initiated in the Seanad, passed Report Stage in that House on 20th November, 2014 and will shortly progess to the Dáil for a Second Stage reading.
Progress on the Bill can be tracked here
Feb 5, 2015
About Triathlon Ireland
Triathlon Ireland is the National Governing Body and operates on an All Ireland basis being supported by the Irish Sports Council and Sport Northern Ireland.
The first triathlon in Ireland was held in Skerries in 1983. The race organiser, Maurice Mullins was also a past president of Triathlon Ireland in the late 80’s. The 1983 race was won by Ciaran ‘Ben’ Brady, an accomplished runner who was offered a scholarship to the University of Wyoming in America later that year.
In recent years triathlon has been one of the fastest growing sports in the country with double digit membership increases for the past 9 years. 2014 saw a further 15.5% increase in membership which now stands at 9772 along with 15,000 one day licences being provided. Per capita Ireland is one of the strongest triathlon nations in the world.
The number of clubs and sanctioned events has also increased with an additional 8 clubs in 2014, currently standing at 85 and 190 events sanctioned by Triathlon Ireland. A minimum of two TI Technical Officials attend every sanctioned event making TI events the safest around.
Along with the growth in participation, the number and strength in depth of Irish Elite Triathletes has also increased during 2014. Triathlon Ireland’s Talent Identification Programme has paid dividends with the Junior Squad swelling from 6 athletes in 2013 to 17 in 2014. 2014 also saw the launch of a Talent Transfer Programme which had shown promises in the first 3 months of it’s existence.
With Rio 2016 on the horizon, Triathlon Ireland currently has 1 female athlete and potentially 3 male athletes within the Olympic Qualification zone. The previous best was London 2012 when 1 female and 1 male athlete qualified.
Aileen Reid started her 2014 season off slowly but soon made an impression climbing to 8th in the World and 5th in the World Series Grand Final. For the men, Bryan Keane has continued his rise up the world rankings following injury a number of season ago. He currently sits 38th in the World Triathlon Series. The standard of Irish Elite Athletes took a big step up in 2014 and this was evidenced at the opening round of the World Triathlon Series where Ireland had 3 athletes racing at this highest level for the first time ever.
Distances and Disciplines
Triathlon (swim – bike – run)
Try-a-Tri/Super Sprint: 250m swim, 6km bike, 3km run
Sprint: 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run
Standard: 1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Middle: 1900m swim, 90km bike, 21.1km run
Long: 3800m swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run
Cross: 1km swim, 20-25km mountain bike, 6-8km cross country run
Mixed Team Relay: teams of four (2 x men, 2 x women) with each completing a super sprint triathlon before tagging their team mate.
Paratriathlon: 750m swim, 20km bike (hand bike/tandem), 5km run (racing wheelchair)
Duathlon (run – bike – run)
Sprint: 5km run, 20km bike, 2.5km run
Standard: 10km run, 40km bike, 5km run
Long: 20km run, 80km bike, 10km run
Aquathlon (swim – run)
Sprint: 750m swim, 5km run
Standard: 2000m swim, 10km run
Equipment
Swim – swim suit, googles, wetsuit (open water)
Bike – mountain, hybrid, road or TT bike, helmet
Run – comfortable & well fitted runners
Other – trisuit, lock laces
Jargon buster
· Transition: The changeovers between the three elements of the race.
· Transition time: The time it takes each competitor to complete their transition. These times are counted in their overall time for the race.
· Transition area: A location within which each athlete is allocated an area for the storage of clothing and equipment.
· Penalty box: An area on the bike course or the run course set aside for the implementation of a time penalty for an infringement of the rules.
· Mount line: A line at the exit from the transition area on to the bike course after which athletes must mount their bicycles and proceed. There is also a dismount line at the end of the bike course
Are you up for the challenge?
If you’re interested in trying your hand at multi-sport check out www.triathlonireland.com. Clubs cater for all levels and regularly run open days and ‘New 2 Tri’ sessions. There is also a full range of events from try-a-tri distance to full distance which are suitable for all abilities.
TRIATHLON IRELAND
www.triathlonireland.com
Phone: +353 (0) 1 2741032
Feb 4, 2015
Background
South Tipperary Sports Partnership was established in 2007 as part of the Irish Sports Council’s (ISC) Local Sports Partnership national initiative. The purpose of the Sports Partnership is to promote a co-ordinated approach at local level to the sustainable development of sport.
STSP is driven by the contribution and support of the member agencies, who are committed to the vision and goals of the Partnership and to making the Partnership work in the community of South Tipperary by making a difference to the people on the ground. The Partnership structure comprises representation from key member agencies and from the community in South Tipperary and operates as a sub structure of the County Council. Presently the staff comprises of Sports Co-ordinator, Sports Administrator, Shared Sports Inclusion Disability Officer and part time Office Assistant.
In 2015, as part of the local government reform South Tipperary & North Tipperary Sports Partnerships will amalgamate to form a single county wide structure for the development of sport and physical activity in Tipperary.
What We Do
Our aim is to develop Sport and increase lifelong physical activity in South Tipperary. We salute those in our community who are active in their daily lives and we encourage and support those who want to do more, especially those who, for whatever reasons find it hardest.
How We Do It
STSP works in partnership with the Irish Sports Council, local agencies and sporting organisations to facilitate and lead opportunities for people to participate in sport and physical activity in South Tipperary. As the STSP moves into an uncertain and challenging period, we will continue to partner with others who have a role to play and share our vision with them so that our combined resources generate the best return for the community of South Tipperary. We develop and deliver programmes and participation opportunities in as sustainable a manner as possible. We also recognise that the quality and enjoyment of a sports experience are central to continued participation.
Who Can Participate
STSP works with participants and providers to lower the barriers to participation in physical activity and sport. In particular we work with the individuals in the following target groups who have low levels of participation:
- Young People
- Women& Teenage Girls
- The Unemployed
- Older Adults
- People with Disabilities
- Disadvantaged Groups
Sample of Participation Programmes & Events
Cycling Initiatives
A growing number of initiatives are rolled out during National Bike Week, which include many cycling club led events such as a Cycle League, Tots to Teen Fun Bike Day, Family Cycles, Cycle Spin for Ladies, Cycle spins for beginners and a 55k and 100k Event.
In conjunction with the local authority, STSP held a Bike Skills Day where over 180 children demonstrated their Bike Skills. This day was a culmination of the Safer Cycling Programme which was delivered to 14 Primary Schools during the school year. Also the Sports Partnership facilitated was a 5k Family Cycle in conjunction with Clonmel Cycling Club and a 1k cycle for tots.
Cycling has come to the fore in South Tipperary in recent years, in 2014 STSP facilitated Cycling Irelands Bike for Life Programme which provided Coaching Qualifications and Leader Training for cycling leaders in 5 Cycling Clubs. A Bike for Life programme was facilitated for women in 2014 which was a great success. Further programmes are planned for 2015. In addition, Sprocket Rocket training was also facilitated with Cycling Ireland and delivered to volunteers in the Tipperary Dyspraxia Association.
TIPPERARY WOMENS MINI MARATHON
STSP & NTSP come together on an annual basis to host the Tipperary Women’s Mini Marathon. The event has gone from strength to strength since the inaugural event in 2010. The event is aimed at women over 18 years of age, with the overall aim to increase participation in sport and physical of women and to encourage a healtier lifestyle. Approx 1,000 women register for this event with many raising funds for charities of their choices. In 2014, the oldest competitor was Maurenn Armstrong, aged 89 years young. International athlete Siobhan O’Doherty took the honours in Thurles. This event will take place in Clonmel on the 27th September 2015.
Over the last 5 years we have witnessed a rise in the number of women participating in walking and jogging with a rise in the number of established meet n train groups. There is now 9 meet n train groups up and running on a weekly basis in South Tipperary with many of the groups coming together to train for the Mini Marathon specifically like Ballingarry Meet n Train.
Check out www.tippminimarathon.ie for further information.
WALKING INITIATIVES
Walking programmes and initiatives are rolled out by the Partnership on an annual basis. In conjunction with the IHF Walking Leader Training is facilitated and the Partnership supports new community leaders to avail of this training. In 2014 new leaders from Clerihan & Cahir completed this training and now regularly lead walks in their communities. As part of the promotion of Walking ‘Lets Get Walking’ workshops are delivered to groups/communities to assist them to get started and outline benefits of walking and to give them also a good understanding of posture, technique, stretching and safety issues. A number of community walks are also promoted and supported.
Operation Transformation
On an annual basis RTE’s Operation Transformation team up with the Irish Sports Council and Local Sports Partnerships by organising a number of special Operation Transformation National Walks which took place in 54 locations all around Ireland, the highest number to date. In South Tipperary, over 550 walkers stepped out in Clonmel and Cahir
Meet & Train
Over the past number of years there has been a substantial increase in the number of groups coming together to be active. Currently, there are 10 groups who are participating in Meet n Train activities across South Tipperary. The Sports Partnership provides assistance and support to these groups.
This programme commenced in January 2014 with the support of STSP. The aim of the programme is to provide an opportunity for Mums to participate in physical activity while keeping baby with them in their buggy. The classes are a mixture of indoor and outdoor activity delivered in a fun and social environment. In October, a 5k Buggy Push was hosted with over 260 participants, 75 buggies were pushed while also raising funds for the Special Baby Care Unit at South Tipperary General Hospital.
Sports Inclusion Disability Programme
South Tipperary Sports Partnership is privileged to be a position to have a SIDO in place, this position is a shared position with NTSP and programmes are delivered across Tipperary. Through the work of the programme and linking with sports clubs and service providers a variety of initiatives and programmes are rolled out annually such as the Boccia League, Outdoor Walks, Moorehaven Soccer Cup and Disability Inclusion Training & Awareness. Work also takes place with specific groups such as Dyspraix and Autism groups to provide opportunities for the groups to participate in physical activity & Sport. A notable success of the programme is a Boxing programme established in Tipperary Town with Tipperary Boxing Club and the Moorehaven Centre for intellectual disabilities, this programme in 2014 was extended to other services. Another success story is the development of a Tennis for All Club in Kilfeacle which is going from strength to strength.
Volunteer in Sport
South Tipperary Sports Partnership strongly recognise that without the work of volunteers in sport there would be very little opportunities for people to participate in physical activity or indeed excel in sport. On an annual basis STSP links with the Canon Hayes National Sports Awards and invites nominations from sports clubs and organisations across South Tipperary identifying individuals whose exceptional efforts as volunteer have made a difference to sport in their club and community. In 2014 the Tipperary Volunteer in Sport was Anne O’Dwyer was the overall winner nominated by Eire Og Annacarthy/Donhill Camogie Club and received her awards from Minister for Sport Michael Ring.
Training & Development:
South Tipperary Sports Partnership is charged with maintaining and increasing participation in sport and physical activity in the County. Our remit embraces the provision of information and training opportunities in South Tipperary. As a result a number of education and training workshops and courses are delivered through KRSP.
Code of Ethics
The Partnership delivers 6 to 8 Child Welfare & Protection Courses annually for Sports leaders and other adults involved in organisation of sport for young people. This course assists them to create and maintain a safe and fun environment for young people within the sports club or organisation. To date over 620 coaches and volunteers have attended the Code of Ethics courses.
Children’s Officer
Club Children’s Officers courses are also facilitated by the Partnership and this course is a follow on from the Child Welfare & Protection Course and expands on the material already received. This information is to support the Club Children’s Officer in the implementation of best practice in their club. To date over 74 coaches and volunteers have attended the Children’s Officer Workshops.
Additional training and development opportunities include:
- BeActive ASAP
- Buntus Start
- Go for Life Workshops
- Sports First Aid
Our Vision is:
‘Activity for All’
Developing Sport and Increasing Lifelong Physical Activity in South Tipperary
Feb 3, 2015
Swim Ireland today announced details of its annual ‘Swim for a Mile Challenge’. The project, which was initiated in 2014, will challenge members of the public to compete in national events to swim a mile. Swim Ireland will provide a free training programme, support, advice and motivation for all those wanting to take on the challenge.
The 2015 event promises to be bigger and better. We have teamed up with Ireland Active to get pools all across Ireland participating and encouraging people to take the plunge and swim a mile.
Matt Cooper of Today FM’s The Last Word, who as a supporter in 2014 was key to the challenges success, is on board once again as well as Conor Pope and Dominique McMullan of The Irish Times and The Simon Community as the 2015 Charity Partner.
The Challenge is being made possible this year through the Irish Sports Council’s Women in Sport Programme and the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund and The Irish Times who are entering into a significant partnership with Swim Ireland.
Supporting swimmers to go the distance, Swim Ireland is offering free swim training programmes available through the Swim for a Mile website and also free Coaching Clinics at locations across the country right up to the event. With Swim Irelands expert support, participants will be able to hone their swimming technique, increase their levels of fitness and improve on a life-long skill – but most importantly be in prime shape to take on the mile challenge when the events takes place across Ireland from the 18th to the 22nd May.
Swim Ireland CEO Sarah Keane spoke at today’s launch “Swimming is a unique sport in which people of all abilities and ages can get involved, the Swim for a Mile Challenge is the perfect platform to show this. The Swim for a Mile programme has been developed in line with the Department of Health Guidelines on exercise and aims to empower people by giving them the tools to embark on a new challenge. I am excited about the 2015 initiative going nationwide and the impact it’s going to have in terms of growing the sport and encouraging as many people to experience the benefits of swimming.”
Today FM’s The Last Word presenter Matt Cooper is once again an Ambassador for the Challenge having swum the mile at four locations in 2014. He has signed up to participate again and will encourage listeners to ‘Swim for a Mile with Matt’. Speaking today Matt said: “I went into last year’s Swim for a Mile thinking I knew how to swim. I didn’t. I carried out a form of paddling which explained why it took me so long to get up and down the pool, with breaks in-between. So I was taught how to swim properly by a great coach called Brian Sweeney, who got me to put my head down into the water, showed me how to breath properly and use my arms in the right stroke. Admittedly, I still can’t get my legs working properly in tandem but the feeling of achievement and satisfaction as I built up the lengths was enormous. Eventually I managed the 64 lengths of the 25 metre pool and the 32 lengths of the 50 metre pool, it was intimidating! I wasn’t fast but I managed it four times in a week last year and enjoyed the feeling of achievement enormously.
And here’s what was also great about the week, as I went around the country with The Last Word from venue to venue. There were so many people like me who said “I’m no good at swimming” or “I’ll never manage that” or “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” and who discovered that it was possible. Swim for a mile provided the motivation and the opportunity. I’m delighted to be doing it again this year and to have so many other people getting involved.”
“The Irish Times is delighted to be involved with the Swim for a Mile programme.” commented Joyce Hickey, editor of The Irish Times Health & Family Supplement “During the 12 weeks, two of our journalists, Conor Pope and Dominique McMullan, will aim to increase their skills and confidence from a few lengths to a full mile, from dipping their toes to taking the plunge. They’ll be writing about their experiences every week in The Irish Times Health+Family supplement and on irishtimes.com. This is part of our forthcoming online course, Get Swimming, where we’ll have Swim Ireland training plans, video tutorials and Irish Times journalism to encourage and enthuse the thousands of people who will take up the challenge throughout Ireland’s pools. The course will go live on Feb 24th and will culminate in Swim Ireland’s “Swim for a Mile” events from May 18th. See irishtimes.com/getswimming for more.”
Sam McGuinness on behalf of the Simon Communities welcomed the opportunity to team up with Swim Ireland on Swim for a Mile saying “The Simon Communities across Ireland are delighted to collaborate with Swim Ireland in 2015 as the Charity Partner for Swim for a Mile. As we continue to see an increase of people turning to us for outreach, accommodation, recovery and prevention services, we encourage everyone around the country to join in and get healthy while raising vital funds to support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.”
Erica Roseingrave, Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, said: “The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund financially supports initiatives which creatively engage more people in increased physical activity. Last year we awarded Swim Ireland €25,000 to help them fund the first Swim for A Mile challenge. It was a great success and this year we’re back on board again providing funding to help them to scale this great idea and grow participation. This is exactly the type of project the Coca-Cola Thank you Fund seeks to invest in.”
