Jul 12, 2012
Press Release from the Irish Sports Council
· Participation in sport increased from 34% in 2009 to 46% in 2011
· Sedentarism fell from 16% in 2009 to 13% in 2011
· Rates of volunteering in sport increased from 7% in 2009 to 15% in 2011
· Club membership has increased from 32% to 38%
· Attendance at sporting events rose from 17% in 2009 to 22% in 2011
· Personal exercise (11%) and swimming (10%) are the most popular physical activities
· Increased time a key factor in increased participation with notable increases among the unemployed as well as those among the younger and older groups of adults
The fourth Irish Sports Monitor report, for the year 2011, was published today by the Irish Sports Council. The report, written by Ipsos MRBI on behalf of the Council, measures adult participation in sport and physical activity and compares it with previously published information.
The report shows that there were very significant increases in the levels of engagement with sport across active and social participation measures. This occurred most notably in relation to active participation in sport which recorded a rise from 34% in 2009 to 46% in 2011.
Another key metric is the level of sedentarism which reflects the extent of inactivity within the population. Between 2009 and 2011 this measure recorded a decrease from 16% to 13%. This is important for population health as the biggest health gains are shown to be achieved when getting totally inactive people to participate in some form of physical activity.
Overall personal exercise is the most popular activity (11%). Swimming continues to grow (10%) and the apparent boom in running is captured with 7% participating. Soccer (6%), cycling (6%) golf (5%) and dance (4%) are also very popular.
The report was officially launched by Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring. Speaking at the launch in Dublin he said: ‘The growing participation in sport is great news, especially for all the people and organisations who work hard to get more people involved. I’m particularly happy to see that there are more volunteers, more people joining clubs, and more people attending sporting events. The Report shows that Government investment in sport is boosting sporting activity, and hopefully producing a healthier society’.
The Irish Sport Monitor reports a rise in levels of voluntary activity for sport between 2009 and 2011 from 7% to 15%. It is also significant to note the increase in club membership from 32% to 38% and attendance at sporting events for 17% to 22% including 8% who had attended a Gaelic football match. Each of these measures indicates that sport makes a very significant contribution to community and economic life in Ireland.
John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council: “The increase in participation and the decrease in sedantarism are significant and very important from a health point of view. The ISM reports on a notable shift in the behaviour of the Irish population which is the result of the interventions of many agencies, groups and individuals. The challenge now is to maintain the good work and keep Ireland active”
Changes ion participation between the two years varied across groups with significant increases being particularly notable among the younger (16 – 25 year old) and older (55+) age groups as well as among the unemployed suggesting the importance of free time as an influence on sporting behaviour. Despite the significant increases being reported it is interesting to note that there is a strong desire across the adult population to increase their current levels of activity with swimming, walking and cycling being particular favourites in this regard.
Kieran O’Leary, Research Director, Ipsos MRBI: “The wider context to this report is one in which Irish society is placing less focus on short-term economic gain and is taking a more holistic view on quality of life. This is clearly benefitting sport through increased active and social participation”
The Irish Sports Monitor (ISM) is a survey of participation in sport and physical exercise in Ireland, which began in 2007 and continued throughout 2008 and 2009. There was a gap in 2010 when there was a competitive process to agree the provider of the ISM to the Council. Based on regular interviews with adults aged 16 and over, the ISM is primarily designed to track levels of participation in sport and recreational exercise, both for the population as a whole and various subpopulations of interest. To achieve sufficient accuracy, it employs large annual samples: 8,749 in 2011, 9,781 in 2009; 6,829 in 2008; 9,767 in 2007.
You can view the full report here
Jul 5, 2012
Source: Volunteer Ireland – Volunteering Matters
David Gash, Communications Executive with the Federation of Irish Sport discusses the value of volunteers to sport in Ireland.
The athletes who cross our TV screens week in week out, who wear the green jersey with such pride and passion, owe so much to the huge number of people who have made sacrifices to get them to that point. The countless early morning training sessions; the wind and rain swept sidelines; the five hour round road trips could drive anyone away. Yet for the 450,000 adults who volunteer their time each year, they remain dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate because they all share on common trait – their love of sport.
Sport remains the biggest driver of voluntary activity in Ireland. The commitment, dedication and leadership of Ireland’s sporting volunteers, allow athletes and communities to participate in sport all around the country. It is estimated that over a million hours are put into sport on a weekly basis by adults volunteering in sport.
Sport in Ireland at every level from grassroots to elite is reliant on these volunteers, were it not for their input sport simply would not function. From administration to coaching to mentorship, the variety voluntary roles in sport are infinite and each one as important as the next in making sure sport keeps on progressing with everyone getting maximum benefit.
Those among the professional and international ranks are not the only ones who have reaped the benefit of the input of dedicated volunteers. The product of volunteering in sport runs much deeper than cultivating top level athletes – volunteering in sport encourages healthy and active lifestyles among people, builds community spirit, passes on knowledge and experience and helps others be the best they can be and realise their potential. 1.7 million People are involved in sport in Ireland and each one will have experienced the work of a volunteer.
Giving time to sport also has undoubted benefits to the volunteer – the enjoyment, a rewarding sense of fulfilment, development of new skills, valuable life experience, a boost in confidence, the opportunity to socialise and meet new people and of course giving something back to the sport they love.
To honour the work of these volunteers the Federation of Irish Sport in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council, the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport and The Community Foundation of Ireland run the annual National Awards to Volunteers in Sport in which the public are invited to nominate an individual whose contribution to their sport has made a real difference.
Ten winners will be selected to receive an award from the nominations received. An Overall or Lifetime award to honour a volunteer, who has consistently given of their time for a sport, a team, or an event over many years, will also be awarded. Full details of the scheme and how to enter can be found on line at www.volunteersinsport.ie.
Previous winners of the awards include John O’Shea father to international footballer John O’Shea, Brian Craig of Sailing who is largely responsible for attracting the Youth World Sailing Championships which will see 300 sailors from 70 countries descend on Dun Laoghaire in July, Dublin City Marathon organiser Jim Aughney and coach to Olympic Silver Medallist Kenny Egan, Gerry Fleming who has been coaching at Neilstown Boxing Club for more than 20 years.
Top athletes pay tribute to volunteers on Twitter:
“…a big shout out to all the volunteers who help us be the best we can be! We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without u all!”
@Niksymmons – Nikki Symmonds, International Hockey and Cricket Player
“…thank you to all the volunteers who keep our sport alive in this country and help us athletes get to where we are!”
@colingriffin – Colin Griffin, Irish International Athlete and Olympian
“A massive thank you to all who volunteer. Sport would not be possible without you all:)”
@OliveLoughnane – 3 time Olympian and World silver medallist 2009
The Federation of Irish Sport:
The Federation of Irish Sport was established by the National Governing Bodies of Sport in 2002 to act as representative body for all sporting organisations and to provide an independent voice for sport. Membership is open to NGBs as well as sporting organisations whose primary purpose is the promotion of sport and/or physical recreation on a non-commercial basis. The membership is currently comprised of in excess of 70 NGBs including the Football Association of Ireland, the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Irish Rugby Football Union as well as 30 Local Sports Partnerships.
Jun 14, 2012
The Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT) American football event being organized by Global Football in Dublin and County Meath this summer is expected to have a positive €4.5 million economic impact in Ireland.
The figure was announced at a media gathering at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin where Irish American Football Association President Greg Loughran presented GIFT 2012 organizer patrick Steenberge with a customized Irish national team jersey.
GIFT 2012 will feature 12 high school and college teams from the United States and Canada playing a series of ‘Friday Night Lights’ double headers at 4pm and 7:30 pm on Friday, August 31 at Donnybrook Stadium and Parnell Park in Dublin and at Pairc Tailteann in Navan, County Meath. The competitive regular season games are being held on the eve of the September 1 Navy versus Notre Dame clash at the Aviva Stadium.
More than 2,300 visitors associated with the participating schools will arrive in Ireland specifically because of the GIFT 2012 spectacular, and would not be coming to Ireland if not for these games. Additional sports fans are expected to attend the games from across Ireland, Europe, the United States and even further afield. Tickets available at www.tickets.ie.gift2012 have been sold to overseas fans from Canada, England, Scotland, Germany, Austria and even Australia. Buyers from 13 different American States and 33 towns within Ireland have bought tickets.
“First and foremost we are showcasing high school American football at its very best and are providing the experience of a lifetime for the visiting players, coach, families and friends,” said Global Football President Patrick Steenberge. “But bringing this many people to Ireland specifically for this event also has a very positive impact in that the money they spend and the investment we make in staging the games benefits local businesses, people and the Irish economy.
“We believe this spending will have a positive impact on the Irish economy, and we hope in particular that local businesses benefit and that GIFT 2012 is able to leave a lasting impression for all the right reasons.”
The economic impact figure is calculated by measuring payments made by 2,300 travelers visiting for the GIFT event and their anticipated spend while in Ireland, including:
• Hotel nights during a four-day stay
• Travelers booked on Aer Lingus flights
• Meals at local restaurants and bars
• Public transportation and taxis
• Souvenirs and gifts
• Visits to tourist attractions
• Stadium rental costs
• Additional event operations costs
• Spend at stadium concessions
Visitors for the GIFT event will stay at the Citywest Hotel, Saggart; Bewleys, Leopardstown; Bewleys Newlands Cross; Green Isle, Newlands Cross; Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Newlands Cross; Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim; Royal Hotel, Bray and Newgrange Hotel, Navan.
Jun 1, 2012
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-EAU CLAIR AMERICAN FOOTBALL BLUGOLDS HEAD TO IRELAND TO TAKE ON UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK VIKINGS IN CELTIC CLASSIC V
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is the latest school from the United States to head overseas on an American football and cultural sightseeing adventure with Global Football and will visit Ireland from June 9 to 16.
The Blugolds will face the University of Limerick Vikings at the Garryowen Rugby Club in Limerick in the ‘Celtic Classic V’ on Sunday, June 10, kickoff 2pm. The visiting party of 60 players, coaches, family and friends will then embark on a sightseeing tour before heading home.
The visit comes on the back of two recent Global Football tours to Italy for Adrian College and a Team Stars & Stripes all-star squad and in advance of the spectacular Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT) 2012 that will see 10 high school and two college teams play at three venues in Dublin and Navan on Friday, August 31.
“What a thrill this will be for all the players, coaches and parents from Wisconsin-Eau Claire to travel to Limerick to play one of the top teams in Ireland,” said Global Football President Patrick Steenberge. “We have staged games in Ireland for many years, but have never had the chance to visit and play in Limerick, so I am also excited to check out the town and see the level of football played there. Coach Glaser brought a great group of guys and supporters to Spain three years ago, and they are all eager to play, then to tour the wonderful Irish island.”
UW-Eau Claire finished the 2011 college season with a 5-5 record, though the close score in three of those losses was within one touchdown. Head coach Todd Glaser has been at the helm since 2006 and guided the Blugolds to an NCAA Division III playoff berth for only the second time in program history in 2007. http://www.blugolds.com/sports/fball/coaches/index
The Blugolds are led on the field by junior quarterback Austin Neu, who led the entire Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in passing yards per game as he averaged 247.9 playing in 10 games. He threw 17 touchdown passes, third best in the league, and completed 65.7 percent of his passes (199-for-303), a school record for a single season.
Freshman kicker Josh Albrecht was second on the team in scoring with 59 points, a mark that also ranked sixth best in the league. He recorded nine field goals, which was the fourth most in a single season in team archives.
The University of Limerick hosts were formed in 1999 and won the Irish national championship Shamrock Bowl three consecutive years in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and the EFAF Atlantic Cup in 2010 when they were ranked among the top 20 teams in Europe.
Led by head coach Ciarán O’Sullivan, the Vikings are unbeaten in 2012 with a 7-0 record and close their regular season this Sunday, June 3 at home to the Tullamore Phoenix. They will enter the playoffs following the clash with UW-Eau Claire with high hopes of reaching a sixth Shamrock Bowl in team history on Saturday, July 14 at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.
“We are looking forward to this game immensely,” said UL Vikings Chairman Ian Cahill, who also wears number 22 for Limerick and plays on the defensive line. “We have had a great season so far and it will be a great challenge for us to test ourselves against an American college team.”
The game is sanctioned by the Irish American Football Association, which governs the fastest growing sport in Ireland.
After the Celtic Classic V game, the two teams will socialize together and the American visitors will experience the Irish national pride as Ireland’s soccer team opens its Euro 2012 campaign in Poland against Croatia in a game that will be shown live in bars and restaurants throughout the country.
The UW-Eau Claire party will spend time sightseeing in Ireland, visiting Limerick, Killarney, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle and Dublin.
May 30, 2012
Coca-Cola today launched the ‘Coca-Cola Thank You Fund’ and announced the availability of €125,000 in funding to community and voluntary groups promoting active lifestyles throughout the islandof Ireland. The ‘Coca-Cola Thank You Fund’ is open for entries from today until July 6th, 2012and will be accepted through www.coca-cola.ie.
The ‘Coca-Cola Thank You Fund’, which is being supported by The Wheel and The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA), has been developed to support innovative projects and initiatives that are helping people and communities adopt and enjoy more active lifestyles.
Speaking today, Erica Roseingrave, Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Coca-Cola HBCIreland said: “In 2011 Coca-Cola Company celebrated its 125th birthday and marked the occasion in Ireland with the launch of the ‘Coca-Cola 125 Years Thank You Fund’. The Fund recognised the very worthwhile work that is happening in communities all over the island. We were overwhelmed by the response that the Fund received with a total of 600 worthy applications. Fifteen grants were awarded to support initiatives in three broad areas: Youth programmes, Environmental projects and programmes supporting active lifestyles. The majority of applications were in this last category so as a result this year we have decided to make this area the focus of the fund.”
“Through the Fund we not only want to support relevant initiatives which are already in place, we particularly want to hear from organisations that have new and innovative ideas, which they want to introduce and require funding to make happen.”
A total of €125,000 is available for distribution through the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund to eligible organisations. Ten projects will €10,000 grants and this year, an outstanding overall winner will be awarded funding of €25,000. The project selected will represent best practice and will be a creative, innovative initiative capable of being replicated in other communities.
As the official partner to the ‘Coca-Cola Thank You Fund’ Deirdre Garvey, Chief Executive of The Wheel said: “The Wheel is delighted to be partnering with Coca-Cola again this year for the ‘Coca-Cola Thank You Fund’. The Coca-Cola Company is to be commended on its continued investment in communities in Ireland, particularly at a time, when many community and voluntary organisations are trying to meet an increasing demand for their services with less money. Corporate leaders, like Coca-Cola, are helping to meet a growing funding gap for many organisations and we would expect this to be a keenly contested application process. I would encourage any organisation with an innovative solution in this area to apply.”
The ‘Coca-Cola Thank You Fund’ is open for entries from today, 30th of May until the 6th of July. All applications will be accepted online at www.coca-cola.ie. After the entries are closed a judging panel consisting of Coca‑Cola, The Wheel and the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action will create a shortlist of 45 organisations which will be published on the www.coca-cola.ie website onSeptember 1st, 2012. The public vote will account for 50% of the final decision and a vote by an expert judging panel will account for the remaining 50%. The winners will be announced by November 2012.
Full details on ‘The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund’ can be found at www.coca-cola.ie.
