Oct 1, 2014
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD, today launched The Irish Sports Council, “Irish Sports Monitor Annual Report (ISM) 2013”. This is the fifth report in the ISM series and provides the Irish Sports Council with a means of accurately monitoring and tracking active and social participation in sport among adults in Ireland.
In launching the report Minister Ring said: “The value of participating in sport and physical activity cannot be underestimated; even small improvements in participation levels will confer health, social and economic benefits both for the individual and for society as a whole. This report shows that Government investment in sport has been successful in boosting sporting activity. We know that this will lead in time to healthier communities’.
The two most recent ISM reports noted significant increases in sports participation and this current report shows a continuation of that trend. Participation in sport has risen from 44.8% in 2011 to 47.2%, which is equivalent to almost 1.7 million Irish adults participating in sport regularly.
Key findings include:
- A higher proportion of females are participating in sport than previously, (increasing by 3.7% to 42.7%) resulting in a narrowing of the gender gap in participation. There has been a notable rise in participation among females aged 25 to 44.
- Personal exercise is now the most popular sporting activity for both genders.
- Almost 9 in 10 adults take part in some physical activity on a weekly basis with both men and women equally likely to be active in this regard.
- Over 45% of those playing sport are meeting the National Physical Activity Guidelines.
- The proportion who are sedentary continues to decline with a 1.2% decrease in 2013 and a 5.6% decline since 2007.
Speaking at the launch, Kieran Mulvey, Chairperson of the Irish Sports Council said: “The Irish Sports Council has made increasing participation in sport and physical activity a key strategic priority. It is vital that we and our key stakeholders have access to this type of research to underpin our efforts in this regard.”
John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council acknowledged “The increase in sports participation since the previous study is undoubtedly encouraging and is likely to be a result of a combination of factors, both in terms of sports policy and activities of Local Sports Partnerships as well as a continued focus on physical activity throughout the population”.
Kieran O’ Leary, Research Director at Ipsos MRBI commented “Recreational walking remains the most popular form of activity with 2.3 million a week taking part. This activity appeals to both men and women, across all age groups and to various other demographics”.
The 2013 ISM report is based on the analysis of over nine thousand questionnaires from a representative sample of the Irish public aged 16 and over. Other publications in the research programme on sport and physical activity are available at www.irishsportscouncil.ie
Irish Sports Monitor Report 2013
Sep 30, 2014
Created in 2003, the BNP Paribas National Tennis Academy is a programme designed by Tennis Ireland to bring the top Irish players to one central location. The programme began with seven players in Westwood in Leopardstown before being moved to Dublin City University (DCU) under the watchful eye of Technical Director Garry Cahill.
The initial squad that took part in the programme included players such as Mark Bowtell, Niall Fitzgerald and John Morrissey – all who have progressed and have each performed at the highest international level.
DCU was selected as the base for the programme in July 2005 as athletes can really improve their skill set at the international standard facilities that our found at the Glasnevin campus. By 2007 the Academy saw an increase in players to what has now become a 50 member squad of both full and part time athletes.
Players can avail of 10 multi-surface all weather courts at the National Tennis Centre that was specifically built in DCU. This allows players to train for international events on a similar surface to the one they will then be competing on. Also at the disposal of the players is the Sports Gymnasium where off the court training such as body conditioning, cardio and ice baths allow athletes to perform at their optimum level. Full-time squad players rack up between 24-30 hours of training a week while part time members train between 6-9 hours
Each programme is tailored to best suit the individual player – with international competitions included so they come up against the best both Europe and the world have to offer.
This hard work, dedication and support has brought huge success recently as Ireland made history in winning all three age groups in the Tri-Nations tournament a few weeks ago.
The under 12’s girls Ali McClean and Olivia Moriotti had to dig deep to win a championship tie-break which sealed victory in their age group. Ammar Elamin and Conor Gannon didn’t look in doubt as the pair never dropped a set on their way to help bring the U12’s title home.
It was edge of your seat action in the under 14’s as going into the final round of the doubles vs Scotland, Ireland needed to either win the boys or girls matches, or, bring one of the matches to a third set – as in the event of a tie, the winner is decided on sets won. With both matches going in Scotland’s favour, the Irish pair of Sofia Derivan and Georgina Drummy dug deep to claim the second set and get the all important point for the girls. Ronan Sweeney and Daniel Vlas put in some solid singles performances the day before.
It was more straight forward for the U18’s as their strong start on the opening day saw them win six of their singles matches. Their captain Stephen Nugent who has worked with them through their junior years expressed his pride and delight for them.
Tennis Ireland sees the ongoing relationship with BNP Paribas and their sponsorship of the national academy as a huge contributor to both the recent and on-going success of tennis in Ireland.
The Irish Team:
Under 12’s Under 14’s Under 18’s
Ali McClean Sofia Derivan Laura Deegan
Olivia Mariotti Georgia Drummy Julie Byrne
Conor Gannon Daniel Vlas Osgar O’Hoisin
Ammar Elamin Ronan Sweeney Sam Bothwell
Sep 29, 2014
The Cork Camogie team won the Liberty Insurance Senior All-Ireland title a few weeks ago, beating Kilkenny 2-12 to 1-9 in Croke Park on Sunday September 14th following a storming second half-display.
Cork’s Aoife Murray made a fabulous save from a Michelle Quilty shot in the seventh minute with Katie Power pivotal in the build up for the game’s first big chance. However, Cork couldn’t stop Kilkenny for long as Quilty was successful 11 minutes later for the game’s opening goal. Denise Gaule added three points for the Cats while Orla Cotter and Eimear O’Sullivan were on target to keep Cork in touch with the Leinster side going into the break 1-6 to 0-4 ahead.
Cork’s Jenny O’Leary admitted the women from Munster talked about their first half showing during the interval. “I don’t know if the occasion got to us or our heads were in our boots but we just said at half time that we’d worked too hard and we weren’t going to let it behind us,” said the left half forward.
O’Leary was central to Cork’s revival, scoring a goal that saw the two sides level in the 41st minute. By now Cork had shown a new level of intensity particularly in defence where they began to show their physical presence. This in turn allowed players like Briege Corkery, Julia White and Orla Cotter to exert pressure which ultimately turned into points down the other end. Cork really pushed on after O’Leary’s goal and although Emma Kavanagh performed heroics in goal to keep Kilkenny in touch, points from Corkery and Cotter plus a very late goal from Angela Walsh was enough to see the O’Duffy cup make its way south for the first time since 2009.
SCORERS:
Cork: O Cotter: 0-6(4fs); J O’Leary 1-1; A Walsh 1-0; B Corkery 0-2; E O’Sullivan, J White, K Mackey 0-1 each
Kilkenny: D Gaule 0-5(4fs); M Quilty 1-1; C Dormer, S Farrell, K Power 0-1 each
TEAMS:
CORK: A Murray, J O’Callaghan, A Geary, L Tracey, E O’Sullivan, G O’Connor, P Mackey, R Buckley, A Thompson, J O’Leary, A Walsh, B Corkery, J White, O Cotter, K Mackey. Sub: J Casey for O’Leary (60+2)
KILKENNY: E Kavanagh, M Power, K McDonald, J Frisby, C Phelan, C Dormer, E Aylward, L Fennelly, A Dalton, D Gaule, A Dunphy, A Connery, S Farrell, K Power, M Quilty. Subs: M Walsh for Connery (44), A Neary for Farrell (53), E Keane for Fennelly (56)
REFEREE: J Dolan (Clare)
Sep 29, 2014
Ireland hosted their Scottish counterparts for a three match ODI series from the 8th-12th September.
The opening match of the series was played in Malahide Cricket Club on Monday 8th September with Ireland winning the toss and selecting Scotland to bat first. Michael Leask was Scotland’s biggest threat as he hit 7 fours and a six on his way to 50 runs. Unfortunately for the visitors, that was as good as it got – as Ireland’s 24 year old debutant Craig Young was the home sides top wicket-taker as he took five for 46, which proved pivotal in Ireland limiting the Scots to 172 runs.
Ireland with their target now set, started slowly, losing John Anderson early to a LBW. The shaky start saw them revert to a safety first approach, as they looked to break into their stride – with Andrew Balbirnie hitting 38. However, it was Ireland stand in captain Kevin O’Brien who was unbeaten at 56 that ultimately proved to be the nail in the Scottish coffin as Ireland won comfortably in the end by 7 wickets. O’Brien’s tally saw him pass the 2,000 run milestone in ODI’s as he hit 7 fours and 1 six in Malahide.
The second test was again held in Malahide Cricket Club with a one day break between the two matches. Winning the toss, Ireland didn’t hesitate in choosing Scotland to bat first again – a call that seemed to pay off as Max Sorenson and Young were devastating for Ireland, as the Scotland could only register 48 for 5. However, Scotland’s Richie Berrington was proving to be tricky for the home side as he eased the visitors back in to the contest. Along the way, he shared a valuable 84 run partnership with Josh Davey before that was ended by Young. Berrington’s reign came to an end when he was run out for 101 – picking up 8 fours and a six along the way. Scotland closed on 221 in what was a much improved performance from the first test. Sorenson (4-40) and Young (3-39) were the pick of the attack for Ireland with John Mooney and O’Brien also contributing one wicket apiece. Ireland batted slowly once again, with Balbirnie (16) and John Anderson (12) undone by Davey.
That soon changed however as the ever reliable Kevin O’Brien, who was again deputising as captain in the absence of William Porterfield, and Andrew Poynter combined as the experienced duo added 68 before Poynter fell to Berrington for 21. O’Brien cruised to a half century and looked likely to take his side home before being caught by Alisdair Evans for 67. A series win now looked a little less comfortable when soon after, Andrew White went for a LBW. Mooney and Sorenson were brought together with 37 runs still needed and thankfully for the hosts the pair were up to the task – with Mooney finishing unbeaten on 27 and Sorenson 14 as Ireland edged the match. Ireland finished on 225/7 and the series was theirs.
With Ireland looking for a whitewash and the Scots playing to end on a high, the third and final test was played on Friday 12th September and once again Malahide was the venue.Scotland won the toss and chose Ireland to bat first – hoping the disruption to pattern (which had seen the visitors bat first in the previous two tests) would change their fortune and leave them with a win.
The decision to choose the opposition to bat first, like Ireland had in the second test when they blew the Scots away early seemed to be paying dividends as Balbirnie (6), Anderson (19) and Stuart Thompson (22) were all caught out before Ireland could even register 50. Irelands issues were compounded by a great showing from Majid Haq as he claimed 5 for 54. Safyaan Sharif backed this up with 2 for 44 with both Evans and Davey taking a wicket a piece too. A partnership of 45 from skipper O’Brien (36) and Poynter (15) did help Ireland back on track, but it was the introduction of Mooney that really lit up Irelands attack. The Dubliner who plays his trade with the North County Cricket Club hit 12 fours and 2 sixes resulting in a career best 96 runs with Ireland finishing on 241/9.
It felt like business as usual as Ireland’s Young removed Matty Cross in the second over. However, Calum Macleod and Hamish Gardiner took on the home bowlers aggressively with both in excellent form. It seemed the pair might lead their side the whole way, such was the dominance of their showing. The partnership was finally broken by Balbirnie but not before the batsmen had dented the hopes of a home side’s series white wash. Gardiner hit 10 fours on his way to 89 – his share of the 179 run partnership with Macleod who himself passed his century with 15 fours in a self-assured 116 not out performance. Scotland captain Preston Mommsen also went unbeaten and finished on 31.
So Ireland did enough to secure the series after winning the first and second test, while it was a case of saving their best until last as Scotland finished on a high taking the third test by 8 wickets.
18 Players have since left for a month long tour of Australia and New Zealand which departed Dublin on Tuesday 23rd September.
IRELAND SQUAD FOR TOUR OF AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND:
William Porterfield (capt), (Warwickshire), Andrew Balbirnie (Middlesex), Peter Chase (Durham), Alex Cusack (Clontarf), George Dockrell (Somerset) , John Mooney (North County), Tim Murtagh (Middlesex), Andrew McBrine (Donemana), Kevin O’Brien (Railway Union), Niall O’Brien (Leicestershire), Andrew Poynter (Clontarf), Stuart Poynter (Durham), Max Sorensen (The Hills), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Stuart Thompson (Eglinton) , Andrew White (Instonians), Gary Wilson (Surrey), Craig Young (Bready).
FIXTURES FOR AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND TOUR:
- 30th September, Ireland v The Bulls, Kerrydale Oval , Gold Coast, 10am
- 2nd October, Ireland v The Bulls, Redlands Oval, Brisbane, 10am
- 7th October Ireland v NSW 2XI, ManukaOval, Canberra , 10am or 2pm TBC
- 9th October Ireland v NSW 2XI, ManukaOval, Canberra, 10am or 2pm TBC
- 16th October, Ireland v Northern Districts, Seddon Park, Hamilton, 2pm D/N
- 18th October, Ireland v New Zealand XI, Seddon Park, Hamilton, 2pm D/N
- 21st October, Ireland v Canterbury, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Christchurch, 10.30am
- 23rd Oct, Ireland v Otago, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Christchurch, 10.00am
Sep 29, 2014
A brief history
The Camogie Association was known as Cumann Camógaíochta na nGael until 2010, with the first Camogie All Ireland Championship taking place in 1932 – a whole 28 years after the Association was founded. The inaugural event was contested between ten counties and was organised on an open draw basis. Sean O’Duffy from Mayo donated a silver cup (known as the O’Duffy cup) for the winners of the championship. Players lined-out wearing gym-frocks that covered the knee, long black stockings, canvas boots, long-sleeved blouses and a belt or sash around the waist. The shape of the hurley lent itself to good ground strokes and the play was predominantly on the ground. A glance at the early scores shows that players concentrated on scoring goals. The majority of points registered came from placed balls. The game and playing attire has changed significantly in the intervening decades, and this year marked the 110th anniversary of the Camogie Association. There have been significant milestones along the way, including the movement from 12-a-side to 15-a-side and the development of the game nationwide with an increased emphasis on development at grass-roots level, making camogie one of the most popular team sports for females in Ireland.
The National Development Plan 2010-2015
Following the conclusion of the Camogie Association Strategic Plan in 2008, an extensive review was undertaken to assess the Association’s needs and to make recommendations on how the Camogie Association can operate in a more effective, efficient and modern manner.
The Camogie Association National Development Plan 2010 – 2015 presented the Association with an opportunity to inspire members with a common vision. The plan has helped Camogie to maximise its potential and to brand the Association as a confident, modern, community based organisation that offers women the opportunity to develop as players on the pitch and leaders off the pitch.
The Camogie Association identified potential areas for growth and development during 2010 – 2015. A major priority was to work towards providing all players with the opportunity to join a local Camogie club and pursue an interest in the game.
1. The affinity between Camogie and Hurling is strong and Camogie thrives in existing hurling sections within GAA Clubs. A targeted programme will be developed to establish Camogie alongside existing Gaelic Games codes, in particular hurling where no camogie currently exists. Maintaining and strengthening existing units is also essential. Camogie must also be accessible to players of all abilities and backgrounds and at recreational level for those players who do not wish to participate at a competitive level.
2. With the recent changes in population patterns and the growth of population in urban centres there are now a number of urban centres that are not serviced by Camogie clubs. There are also some population groups who are not yet afforded the opportunity to play Camogie. We will be proactive in reaching out to communities in new or growing urban and suburban areas. We will work with all Gaelic Games codes to promote Camogie to new communities and other groups from a non-Gaelic Games background.
3. A further priority will be the development of initiatives to retain teenage players in Camogie and to support their transition from underage to adult Camogie.
4. While it is important to grow new clubs it is also important to sustain existing clubs and to provide them with the training and support necessary to provide Camogie for the young women in their local communities. To be in a position to grow new clubs and sustain existing ones the Camogie Association will aim to provide the following:
- An attractive sporting opportunity
- Well organised activity at all levels
- Competition appropriate to players’ abilities
- Guidance on how to start up and develop clubs
- Training for all volunteers, coaches, referees, administrators
- Resources for new clubs, county boards
- General advice and support on running a club
- Support for county and provincial officers
- Leadership programme to identify leaders within our Association
5. Giving recognition to the sporting achievements of Camogie players is really important. Public recognition impacts on the visibility and status of women’s sport. It also impacts on the extent to which Camogie players are role models for young people. It impacts on the recognition of females as sporting equals to men. All of this in turn impacts on efforts to increase women’s participation in sport. Over the next period, we will endeavour to maximise the profile of our sport, our players and clubs through proactive communications and marketing.
These priorities are reflected in the National Development Plan’s five objectives:
- Growing Participation
- Improving Performance
- Volunteer Development and Leadership
- Enhancing Camogie’s Profile
- Excellent Governance and Organisational Development
The Camogie Association commits to regularly monitoring and review of the implementation of the Plan’s priorities and the achievement of its targets.
For further information go to Camogie Association National Development Plan ‘Our Game – Our Passion
Contact Information
Website: www.camogie.ie
Twitter: @officialcamogie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialcamogieassociation
