Dec 8, 2014
Do you feel the need for speed? If you do, then grab yourself a place on the Ice Skating Association of Ireland (ISAI) Speed Skating Camp which will be held at Ice Skating Blanchardstown in Dublin from 29 December 2014 till 2 January 2015.
This will be the first time ever that the exciting discipline of speed skating makes an appearance at an ice rink in Ireland. The top skaters can reach speeds of over 60km/h and burn up to 230 calories for every ten minutes they are on the ice.
The history of the sport actually dates back over a thousand years and has its roots in Scandinavia, Northern Europe and the Netherlands. Speed skating is a competitive form of ice skating where skaters race against each other over certain set distances. It has been part of every single edition of the Winter Olympics.
The camp at Ice Skating Blanchardstown will be run on private ice sessions and divided according to age and ability. Internationally accredited coaches will be on hand to provide instruction and all the necessary equipment to participate will be provided.
The total cost for the camp is €100 which includes five 45 minutes sessions on ice and three sessions of dry land training.
Contact info@isai.ie now to book your place on the course and for further details. Places are on a strictly first come, first served basis so booking and payment in advance is essential.
Dec 2, 2014
- Background to the Dublin City Sports Network
Dublin City Sports Network (DCSN) was established in 2000. The network is comprised of representatives from statutory bodies, organisations and groups/clubs operating in Dublin City with a responsibility for or an interest in sport, recreation and physical activity.
The DCSN also forms part of the Irish Sports Council’s local Sports Partnership Scheme. The Network is facilitated by Dublin City Council and operates within the Sport & Recreation Section of the City Council
Partners and key stakeholders represented on the Dublin City Sports Network are:
Health Service Executive, An Garda Siochana, , Dublin City Council, Federation of Irish Sport, National governing bodies of sport – FAI, GAA, IRFU, IAWA, Age & Opportunity Primary/Post primary school sector, DIT , IABA , Leinster Rugby , Leinster Cricket
The introduction of the Local Sports Partnership initiative has allowed the network to work in partnership with the statutory, voluntary and community sector to promote sport & physical activity in an integrated way at a citywide level.
- Aim of the Dublin City Sports Network
The network aims to provide a sustainable infrastructure to assist all those involved in local sports development. The network also aims to deliver sport and recreation programmes to local people by working closely with partner agencies, by increasing usage of existing local resources and working towards promoting life long involvement in physical activity and sport.
- Sports Development Staff
Dublin City Sports Network /Dublin City Council Sport & Recreation Section have a team of over 35 sports development officers who are strategically placed across the City and their role is to engage with people of all ages and all abilities by using sport & physical Activity as a tool. We also have sports specific co funded offices who engage with schools, youth groups and community groups to deliver their programmes.
- Expected outcomes
- To have a more co ordinated approach on promoting and developing high quality sport, recreation and physical activity strategies for the city
- Greater co-ordination and planning of sport programmes at local and citywide levels.
- Club Development and volunteer training
- Maximising the use of existing sport and leisure facilities
- Supporting and facilitating the staging of sporting events in Dublin City
- To deliver high quality programmes, services and activities to all people living, working in or visiting Dublin City.
- To achieve the aims and objectives of the Dublin City Sports Network a team of Dublin City Council Sports and Recreation Officers are providing programmes and services across Dublin City. Their aim is to promote and increase sport and physical activity among all ages with a special focus on: Older adults, Under 10’s, New Communities, Women & Girls and people with a disability.
- The role of the Sport and Recreation officer is to:
- Organise sport and recreation programmes for the key target groups identified by the network and by involving those target groups in the design & planning of programmes.
- Working with National Governing Bodies of Sport, Youth Service Projects, Garda Special Projects, Community groups, older adult retirement and Active age groups, schools and disability groups.
- Assisting sports clubs and groups in applying for funding.
- Accessing training for coaches and volunteers.
- Working in partnership with community groups and facility managers to increase access for people of all ages and abilities to sports and recreational facilities.
- List of programmes delivered ; to be added
The Dublin City Sports Network is all also responsible for the delivery of core Irish Sports council participation programmes including:
- Code of Ethics & Good practice in Children’s Sport
- Buntus Start and Generic
- Active Leadership.
- The Dublin City Sports Network also administers the Sport for Young People Small Grants Scheme on behalf of the Irish Sports Council.
Lord Mayor 5 Alive Challenge – A programme aimed at supporting people to get active by using running as a tool . Over 250 participants take part in 5 key City Races and if they complete all five , they are presented with a scroll, commemorative medal and a reception with the Lord Mayor. Programme is in partnership with local AAI running clubs.
If you would like further information on any of the above please feel free to contact the DCSN as follows:
Aideen O’Connor – Sport & Active Living Co Coordinator
aideen.oconnor@dublincity.ie
Or our Sport and Recreation Team at:
E: dcsn@dublincity.ie
T: 01 2227852.
Local Sport & Recreation Officers
Lj Mc Ginley – Sport & Recreation Officer
lauraj.mcginley@dublincity.ie
Catherine Flood – Sport & Recreation Officer
Catherine.flood@dublincity.ie
Paul Donnelly – Sport & Recreation Officer
paul.donnelly@dublincity.ie
Antonia Martin – Sport & Recreation Officer
antonia.martin@dublincity.ie
Michelle Malone – Sport & Recreation Officer
Michelle.malone@dublincity.ie
Dec 1, 2014
November saw Ireland take on South Africa, Georgia and Australia over three consecutive weekends in the Aviva stadium.
Pre Series
Coming into the series Irish coach Joe Schmidt biggest concern would have undoubtedly been the list of players who would be unavailable. Cian Healy, Marty Moore, Jordi Murphy, Sean O’Brien, Luke Fitzgerald (only returning to Leinster), Dave Kearney, Luke Marshall, Andrew Trimble and Fergus McFadden were all ruled out of the entire series. In the week before the first test, Irish front row options were further depleted with the news that Nathan White (forearm) and James Cronin (ankle) as well as flanker Chris Henry were all ruled out of contention. Rory Best (calf) also missed game one and two against the Boks and Georgia. Schmidt admitted the extensive list was “frustrating” but Ireland would just have to do without.
Ireland had an extensive injury list prior to the series including Cian Healy, Dave Kearney & Sean O’Brien
Game One: South Africa
The Bok dominated large parts of the first half in terms of possession and territory as the hosts struggled to wriggle free from their South African counterparts. Even with all this sustained pressure Ireland led 6-3 at half time. Although leading at the break, there was a real feel Ireland would suffer a slow death at the hands of the imposing Springbok pack who would eventually ware them out.
What it would be like to be a fly on the wall at half time in the home changing room. Ireland, with Schmidt’s analysis ringing in their ears started the second forty emphatically. Pressure on South African fullback Willie le Roux forced a lineout five metres out from the Springbok line. The ball was taken at the front, away from thieves Matfield and Etzebeth and after some miscommunication with scrum half Francois Hougaard, the Bok pack parted like the Red Sea for Rhys Ruddock to canter in!
Rhys Ruddock scored a well worked try against South Africa after Ireland mauled from a lineout
The real turning point of the game came less than 10 minutes before full time. The game, still in the balance, looked like it could go either way. Jonathan Sexton sliced straight through the Springbok line from a scrum after inexperienced sub scrum half Cobus Reinach showed the Lions pivot too much space. He was hauled down by the covering defence but Ireland were on the front foot and the damage had been done. Instead of continuing the attack down the left side where the Springbok’s were now desperately trying to cover, Conor Murray turned and chipped the ball over everyone to the right hand side in what was very French esq in its flair. Although Habana tried desperately in vein to back track and cover his wing, Tommy Bowe had the pace to gather the ball and dot it down. The killer blow was dealt.
What was so pleasing about the win was it was exactly the fixture Ireland would have lost a couple of seasons ago. An extensive Injury list, mixed domestic form and short preparation time, Ireland would previously have suffered that slow death that seemed inevitable at half time. Instead, their defence was incredible and they took their chances when they came.
Game Two: Georgia
The starting XV saw 13 changes with only Simon Zebo and Mike Ross being retained. Flanker Dominic Ryan and second row Dave Foley made their debuts while Ian Madigan got a run at ten.
Simon Zebo kept his place in the starting XV against Georgia
The game was slow to start and credit must be given to the visitors, who, after all, are a tier three nation. They contested well in the scrum and looked dangerous when they put width on the ball with winger Sandro Todua getting involved early. Leading 9-0 at half time, Ireland wasted little time in the second forty as Dave Kilcoyne scored a well worked try. From there the tries came at regular intervals until the final score read Ireland 49-7 Georgia. Job done!
Dave Kilcoyne had a good game for Ireland against a physically tough Georgian pack
It is hard to quantify the win against Georgia, especially when they were missing their talisman Mamuka Gorgodze – arguably one of the form players north of the equator for the last number of seasons. However, it is pleasing that Ireland, with a second string team, won as comfortably as they did. It was refreshing seeing some fringe players getting a run out with many putting their hand up for inclusion further down the track.
Game Three: Australia
As expected, Ireland changed personal again for the third and final match with Australia coming to town. The Wallabies arrived in Dublin after a narrow loss to the French in Paris a week before and would be looking to bounce back. Ireland on the other hand were on a high after their recent good form and looked to finish the series with a clean sweep.
Front line players Paul O’Connell, Jamie Heaslip, Conor Murray, Jonathan Sexton, Tommy Bowe and Rob Kearney were all recalled while Rory best made his first start of the campaign.
Ireland recalled many front line players for the clash with Australia including Paul O’Connell, Jonathan Sexton and Rob Kearney
If the previous two games were slow to start this one was certainly not. With only twelve minutes gone on the clock, Jonathan Sexton kicked an inch perfect cross field that bounced up nicely for Simon Zebo to run onto and over for a great try. Three minutes later and Australia looked certain to respond with a five pointer having a three man overlap only metres from the Irish line. However Tommy Bowe intercepted it and ran from coast to coast for Ireland’s second. The Wallabies were never going to go down that easily however and responded with three tries, two from scrum half Nick Phipps.
Ireland started really strongly against Australia when Zebo crossed for one of the tries of the series.
Having clawed their way back from 17-0 down, Australia certainly had the players to go on and win. At 20-20 at half time, the feel at the interval was similar to the one against the Boks two weeks previously where it could go either way.
Sexton kicked two penalties to the Wallabies one in the second half and that was the difference in the end. Ireland won 26-23 in what was one of the best internationals of the year.
Highlight of the Series
While three wins from three is the obvious talking point there is more to the series than just that, three victories. Coming in to the series, Schmidt admitted the high casualty rate was frustrating but assured all that the best possible preparation had taken place (under the circumstances). Of course beating two top nations in South Africa (who four weeks previously beat the All Blacks) and Australia is a major highlight and imperative at this stage if Ireland are serious about aspirations at next year’s World Cup. But the biggest highlight of the series has to be the Squad that Ireland now possess. With the injury list as big as it was, many wrote Ireland off before a ball was even kicked. Take Jack McGrath for example and the opposition he came up against. Rhys Ruddock, who presumably is third choice openside after Sean O’Brien and Chris Henry was one of the players of the series. Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne showed that the future is bright and that there is life after Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy (the latter still has a huge role to play). Sean Cronin was robust and effective in the loose and it was good to see Richardt Strauss back on the pitch. Simon Zebo too had a very strong campaign in a position which Schmidt has so many options when one considers Dave Kearney, Luke Fitzgerald, Andrew Trimble, Fergus McFadden and Keith Earls are still to return. The list goes on, but the message is simple. Ireland now have an extensive squad rather than a team. This was Ireland’s biggest problem in years past, a couple of injuries and we would be unable to sit at the top table of world rugby. This has certainly changed and is most pleasing to see.
Squad effort! Players such as jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, and Rhys Ruddock played huge roles in Ireland’s success
Try of the Series
There are definitely a few contenders for this one. Felix Jones second try against Georgia was special as Ireland ran 80 metres before the Munster man crossed over. Simon Zebo’s finish against the Wallabies after only 12 minutes got the crowd on their feet and Ireland off to the start they needed and too deserves a mention. However, it is hard to look past Tommy Bowe’s effort against South Africa that put the hosts out of sight. The timing, the execution and the finish were all perfect and the Aviva Stadium hasn’t had that type of excitement for some time. In what will surely be an iconic picture in time to come, was not too dissimilar to Shane Horgan’s effort against England in Croke Park in 2009.
Player of the Series
It’s hard to pick out a single player over the three games. Paul O’Connell was fantastic in game one and three, proving he is undoubtedly the man to lead Ireland into next year’s World Cup in England. Jonathan Sexton too was instrumental in Ireland’s first back to back scalps over top southern hemisphere opposition since 2006. Rhys Ruddock was outstanding especially when one considers he only got the nod to start against South Africa on the day of the test. While he is not a ‘player’ in the traditional sense, Joe Schmidt gets the accolade from us as he is certainly a major player in Ireland’s success. His ability to pick not only a team but also a game plan for each opposition and implement that plan to pin point accuracy has been key to Ireland’s recent success. The best teams in the world don’t play this way or that way. The best teams in the world have a game plan every time they take the field and if it’s not working they change that plan to suit the conditions. It’s no wonder Irelands head coach comes from the land of the long white cloud. Integral to New Zealand’s long success has been their ability, amongst other things, to adapt to their opposition and find a chink in their armour. While of course the players on the pitch are the ones who will ultimately win or lose a game, in Schmidt Ireland have the best coach in the world and as a result, is our ‘player’ of the series. Special mentions too for South African number eight Duane Vermeulen, Georgian left wing Sandro Todua and number eight Dimitri Basilaia as well as Wallaby inside centre Matt Toomua.
Worth a mention: Duane Vermeulen, Dimitri Basilaia & Matt Toomua
What Next?
Ireland open their defence of the RBS Six Nations away to Italy in Rome on Saturday 7th February. While of course Ireland will expect to win this fixture, it could become a potential banana skin for Paul O’Connell and his men as Rome is not an easy venue for any team. Ireland welcome France to the Aviva a week later before England come to Dublin at the end of February. After a week break Ireland are away to Wales in Cardiff before finishing off in Edinburgh against a vastly improved Scotland on Saturday 21st March.
If the Six Nations wasn’t hard enough, this will be one of the last opportunities for teams before the Rugby World Cup in October 2015. Having both England and France at home is always hugely beneficial as both Twickenham and the Stade de France are both notoriously difficult places to visit. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though, victory against either or even both will need performances of the highest order. The French encounter will have an added dimension as it will serve as a warm up to the crunch pool D fixture come the World Cup.
Away in Cardiff is a really tough assignment, even if the Welsh are off form like they have been in recent times. Scotland away is also a potential sticky match with new head coach Vern Cotter, Schmidt’s former partner at Clermont, bringing Scotland to a new level with a much more expansive game.
While the Six Nations is as tough as it has ever been, Ireland have the ability to do what no other Irish team has and retain the Six Nations.
Rugby World Cup 2015
Ireland are drawn in Pool D with France, Italy, Canada and Romania. The French encounter in Cardiff on 11th October will surely decide the group. A victory against les bleus (and presumably everyone else) would ensure a quarter final with Argentina probably the opposition. If Ireland were to win that they would most likely play England in the semi-final. Failure to beat the French though would mean a quarter final against New Zealand. Although Ireland came within 30 seconds of beating the All Blacks last November, to go on and win a quarter final would be a massive ask. Not that this current crop couldn’t do it, they have shown with recent form they are amongst the best in the world. Route one (beating the French and topping the group) is the obvious aim for Schmidt’s men and could go a long way in deciding how successful the tournament is from an Irish perspective.
Ireland’s success at the Rugby World Cup will come down to the pool match against France
Dec 1, 2014
The IRFU today (1st Dec) issued an open invitation to all male athletes, from all sports, to consider if they have what it takes to be part of the new Irish Rugby Men’s Sevens programme as it confirmed four Talent Identification Days (TID) to be held in locations around Ireland in January 2015.
The TID days will only test the speed, power and endurance of players, to see whether they have the physical characteristics to become an elite level sevens player.
The IRFU hope to see the best rugby club talent available as well as attracting athletes with transferable skills from other team sports such as athletics, basketball, hockey and Gaelic Games.
In October IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora announced the Men’s Sevens Programme and confirmed that the IRFU have entered a team in the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship which takes place in June 2015, competing in Division C.
Launching the TID process Nucifora commented: “We are looking for sporting X-Factor and to ensure we leave no stone unturned we are not limiting our search to those already playing club rugby.
“Rugby sevens is a game that rewards explosive and agile athletes with good handling skills from any sporting background.
Many current and former players started their career in sevens – including Julian Savea, Joe Rokocoko & Corey Jane
Our initial TID will be aimed at putting players through a battery of physical tests to see whether they have the physiological characteristics we require.
The best athletes will be selected to then attend a sevens trial day from which an eventual squad of 20 players will be selected to prepare for the European Championships in June 2015.”
Those interested in attending the Talent Identification Open Days can sign up at www.irishrugby.ie/sevens
Closing date for applications is Friday, 19th December
http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/33165.php
Nov 28, 2014
Interview with Joseph Turley, Performa Sports
Why is analysis important in sport?
With about 60mins on the clock in the 2009 Heineken Cup Semi-final, Brian O’Driscoll intercepted a Ronan O’Gara long pass to run through a try between the posts. This wasn’t down to pure chance or good fortune, in O’Driscoll’s recent autobiography he highlights how his analysis of Ronan O’Gara allowed him to identify a subtle ‘give or sign’ if he was going to throw a long pass. This opposition analysis by Brian O’Driscoll allowed him to anticipate the destination of the pass before it happened, and when you watch the video back you can see how he had already started to sprint as soon as O’Gara double-tapped.
Analysis done! O’Driscoll scored an important try in the Heineken Cup semi final win over Munster in 2009
To paraphrase a sporting cliché, ‘winning in sport is about the small margins’ yet research shows that coaches can only recall around 30% of what happens in a game. This is why analysis in sport is important and why live-game analysis is now an essential aid to the coach on game day. We are each prone to subjective bias and we’ve missed 70% of the detail of performance, so the right objective data will help coaches make better informed decisions – that can be the difference between winning and losing.
How has technology impacted sports performance analysis?
Technology has had a significant impact on how we learn, interact, and work, which has all filtered into sport and analysis. In particular the growth of mobile technology and associated consumer products such as the iPad and Android tablets have become an enabler for all levels in sport to capture analysis and utilise video as a powerful means of performance communication and sports teaching.
We use technology to continually develop solutions for sports coaches, underpinned by speed and ease of use. In line with the rise of sports technology we are also finding that players/athletes are more aware of analysis and want access to any advantage that will help them to improve.
What is a Coach-Analyst?
Distinct from the manager, the traditional understanding of an analyst and coach is based in two separate roles, which continues to exist mainly in the elite and professional levels of sport. However over the past 2 years since we have been delivering our Level 3 CPPD module in Applied Performance Analysis with the University of Ulster we have seen the emergence of a hybrid role; the coach-analyst.
Sometimes they refer to themselves as inquisitive coaches, they know their sport and often have an intuitive ability to capture ‘coachable moments’. Ultimately they want to measure the impact of their coaching and want to use technology as a means of helping both themselves and their players/athletes to see more and better understand their performance.
How is analysis used in sports coaching?
We all learn in different ways but again this is being influenced by technology. So from my 4-year-old daughter using an iPad in nursery school to University students watching online video tutorials. Tablet and Cloud based technology such as Performa Sports allows objective data and video of performance to be combined, automatically creating video analysis which the coach can filter by player and combinations of events. Bringing the touchscreen to the touchline allows coaches to show video and data as trends to help the performer better understand – see what they’re doing or highlight role-playing as a visual guide.
Taking this further, it is important to recognise the role of the athlete in performance improvement and the power of self-discovery, and encouraging the ability to problem solve. Whilst analysis can be used to prioritise training and making session strategically relevant to performance strengths and weaknesses, it can also be used for player self-analysis. Allowing players to engage with their performance data and video along with coaching comments (not answers) increases player/athlete performance comprehension by around 70%. Which helps to improve performance.
What does sports analysis solve?
Analysis alone will not guarantee success, you need to clearly define and test the key performance indicators that are formed as part of a strategic plan in conjunction with the other pillars of performance such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, tactics and athlete well-being, etc. It allows coaches and players to see more and establish a common understanding of performance. As a consequence this improves performance learning and with time it also highlights trends that benefit tactics and the modelling to types of coaching interventions.
On the day however, real-time performance analysis can be a game-changer.
Performa Sports
Performa Sports is an innovative sports technology business focused on evolving the role, speed, ease-of-use and function of mobile and cloud technology as a game-changer in sports performance analysis.
The company has a strategic education partnership with the University of Ulster and co-delivers a Level 1 Coaching with Performance Analysis and a Level 3 CPPD Module in Applied Performance Analysis
Based in County Armagh, the company’s performance analysis iPad application and integrated Cloud platform is currently deployed in 98 Countries across Soccer, Rugby, GAA, Hockey and Tennis. We believe in opportunity and accessibility for all levels to engage with performance analysis and are proud to work with an international base of grassroots to professional level clubs, these include Major League Soccer Club Houston Dynamo, Celtic FC, Armagh GAA, Clare GAA, Galway GAA, Meath GAA, Crossmaglen Rangers, Tennis Ireland, Grosvenor Grammar School, West Bromwich Albion FC, Annadale Hockey Club, Craig Bellamy Foundation Football Academy (Sierra Leone) and the Belfast Giants Ice Hockey team.
Performa Sports is used by some of the biggest teams both Nationally and Internationally
Joseph Turley is a co-founder of Performa Sports and holds a BSc in Sports Studies and an MSc in Communications and Marketing, both from the University of Ulster.
For further information:
Email. joe@performasports.com
Web. www.performasports.com
Twitter. @performasports
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/performasports
