Mar 16, 2012
The President of the Camogie Association Joan O’Flynn was part of a delegation which visited Áras an Uachtaráin this afternoon (Friday, March 16th) to present a copy of A Game of Our Own: Camogie’s Story to President Michael D. Higgins.
Mary Moran, author of A Game of Our Own: Camogie’s Story, Jackie Brien, Chair of Connacht Camogie Council; Kathleen Woods, Chair of Ulster Camogie Council; Eamonn Browne, Chair of Munster Camogie Council and Catherine Neary, Chair of Leinster Camogie Council were also amongst those in attendance.
A Game of Our Own: Camogie’s Story was officially launched by the Camogie Association at Croke Park on December 15th 2011.
The book charts the development of the Association from its foundation in 1904 through to the present day. It contains a rich array of photographs and fantastic archival material, stretching back over many decades.
The book will be officially launched by Connacht Camogie Council in Claregalway on March 23rd with special guest Professor Gearoid O’ Tuathaigh. A Mayoral Reception is also taking place in Cork City Hall on March 29th at which the Minister of State for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People, Kathleen Lynch will attend.
- A Game of Our Own: Camogie’s Story is available to purchase from the Camogie Association by logging onto www.camogie.ie and contacting Siobhan Lafferty at 01 865 8652, Email: Siobhan@camogie.ie. The book is priced at €25 plus €5 post and packaging.
Mar 16, 2012
(written on behalf of the Irish Hockey Association by Stephen Findlater)
One of six survivors from Canada four years ago, Alex Speers and her Irish panel, sponsored by Electric Ireland, are taking nothing for granted.
Ireland’s last Olympic qualifying campaign blew up in smoke at the hands of lower ranked Italy, something scarcely envisaged in the build-up. Korea were the form team with an experienced Irish side the potential hares in the pack, hoping to spring forth and cause a shock.
But, with a draw required, a 2-0 loss to the unfancied Italians in the final game of the six-team group denied Ireland a final place.
It was a harrowing experience for Speers but one which her side must draw from as they open their Olympic qualifying campaign with three ties against the so-called minnows of Mexico, France and Russia. Any slip could jeopardise their campaign prior to the huge mini-league with Spain and Belgium that kicks in on day four of the competition, a situation the Railway Union club woman cannot bear to contemplate.
“Four years ago, we looked up a lot to Korea and never really thought of Italy,” she said. “When it came to it, they were the side who did the damage. There are enough of us there to remember that heartache. It is something we never want to experience again.
“It is very important we take each game as it comes. On paper, we have the three lowest ranked teams in the tournament in the first three matches and then go into the harder ones. We take nothing for granted. We need to perform to beat each team and need to build performances toward the fourth, fifth and sixth matches when they come and be right up there.”
Cliodhna Sargent, Shirley McCay, Nikki Symmons, Lisa Jacob and Emma Clarke were all there in April 2008. All are centurions now, reflecting the large experience base in Gene Muller’s panel despite the tender average age.
And it is a bank of knowledge that has received notable extra deposits in recent times, fruitful trips to Argentina just before Christmas (with thanks to their sponsors Electric Ireland and the Irish Sports Council) and South Africa for six international ties with the host nation and Belgium.
“Post-Europeans we turned a corner. Training, matches, everything. We have got something from all of it. The pieces of the jigsaw are there. We just have to put it together. If we do, we will get the result.
“Since Argentina in December, the last three or four months have been very exciting. Coming out in the second half against Argentina in Parana with the crowd singing their national anthem; it was kind of surreal but it was very good trip. We got a lot out of it with a lot of different players growing into it.
“I would definitely say there is a lot more excitement looking forward to the qualifiers [than the Europeans]. After the two trips away when we got results, we go into the tournament having scored lots of field goals against France, not just from short corners, so we go in with lots of confidence.”
They were timely strikes, nine goals from play adding a diversity of scoring options after the vast majority of other warm-up games saw the likes of Sargent, Audrey O’Flynn and Shirley McCay score from set-pieces.
“The forwards need to win the corners for us to score them. It’s important to have a high corner rate. We need that as well but it was nice for the confidence of the forwards to get field goals.”
Ireland start their campaign on St. Patrick’s Day March 17th against France at 13.30 local time.
Saturday 17 March 2012
11.00 Spain v Mexico
13.30 Ireland v France
16.00 Belgium v Russia
Sunday 18 March 2012
11.00 Spain v France
13.30 Ireland v Russia
16.00 Mexico v Belgium
Monday 19 March 2012 Rest day
Tuesday 20 March 2012
13.00 Mexico v Ireland
15.30 Russia v France
18.00 Belgium v Spain
Wednesday 21 March 2012 Rest Day
Thursday 22 March 2012
14.00 Russia v Mexico
16.30 Ireland v Spain
19.00 France v Belgium
Friday 23 March 2012
14.00 France v Mexico
16.30 Spain v Russia
19.00 Belgium v Ireland
Saturday 24th March 2012 Rest Day
Sunday 25th March 2012
11:30 5th in Pool v 6th in Pool
14.00 3rd in Pool v 4th in Pool
16:30 1st in Pool v 2nd in Pool
Mar 15, 2012
| Job Title: |
Sports Operations Manager |
| Division/Unit: |
Management Team, NSCDA (Operations) Ltd. |
| Reports to: |
Director of Operations |
| Status: |
3 Year Contract |
| Hire Date: |
March/April 2012 |
Principle Purpose and Duties:
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Service Delivery Manager will provide a hands-on role in the successful delivery of the company’s sports, leisure and daily operations. The candidate will ensure that all of the company’s sports and leisure operations are delivered to the highest standards, in a safe and welcoming environment. This is a Service Delivery Role.
The candidate will work with the Sales & Marketing Manager, Head of Maintenance, Human Resources & Training and the Finance unit to make sure the company’s Sports Delivery Operations targets are met.
Key Job Responsibilities:
Lead and Manage the Operations Team. Directly manage the Duty Managers in the National Aquatic Centre and in Morton Stadium and any other sites associated with NSCDA (Operations) Limited.
Responsible for the day-to-day Sports Delivery of the Aquatic Centre and Morton Stadium.
Responsible for Customer and Staff safety at all times. First point of contact for any Health and Safety issue including Security, Fire and Customer Issues.
Develop and implement a business model for the overall growth and development of the Sports Delivery element of the company.
Ensure the operating procedures are in line with industry regulations and best practice.
Improve and develop operational systems that will help improve and drive the business forward.
Ensure that all necessary operational systems are in place to enable the business targets to be met.
Analyse and improve all existing policies, procedures, operational methods and development plans of all delivery aspects of the business.
Develop appropriate targets & KPI for the Sports Delivery of the Business including Performance Management and Staff Development.
Organise, develop and assist in the coaching and development of the Duty Managers and their teams.
Managing and directing staff briefings and staff training.
Customer Relationship Management. Taking responsibility for all Customer Related queries and incidents and ensuring efficient processes are in place to deal with all customer queries.
Assist the Sales and Marketing Team with relevant Marketing initiatives on both sites.
Coordination of management and staff rosters including forward planning for peak business times.
Drive the business in seeking National and International Operational recognition and awards.
Assist and insure the successful delivery of events hosted by the Centre and Morton Stadium.
Improve staff flexibility between departments by providing cross departmental training and development opportunities for both Managers and Staff.
Develop and Manage budgeting process at year end and throughout the year.
Direct and oversee supplier invoices/payments for all services relating to the operations budget.
Liaise with Governing Bodies of Sport in relation to events and planning of activities at the Campus (Swim Ireland, Athletics Ireland).
Liaison with all Department Heads on matters that affect the running of the Centre.
Experience:
A proven leader with 10 years’ experience in the Sports & Recreation Business.
Direct experience of both aquatics and athletics required.
Ability to work autonomously but also as part of a strong team member.
Understanding of financial management is desirable.
Proven record in achieving income and service delivery targets.
Sports Health and Safety Operations experience.
Strong Communication Skills and experience of Managing a large team is essential.
Financial Management and Public Procurement knowledge.
Senior Operations Management experience of a Large Sport & Recreational facility with both Wet & Dry training facilities.
Gym & Fitness Club experience.
An understanding of High Performance Delivery to Athletes.
Experience in Event Management and in particular Sporting Events.
Qualifications:
Degree or Post Graduate Qualification in a relevant discipline a distinct advantage.
Raymond Hoare,
Head of Human Resources,
NSCDA (Operations) Limited,
Abbotstown, Dublin 15.
Email: rayhoare@nac.ie
Closing Date: Wed 4th April 2012
To view the full advert click here
Mar 5, 2012
The ISA (Irish Sailing Association) 6th Annual Awards Ball was held on Saturday the 3rd of March in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin where five nominees became winners of the five prestigious ISA Awards. Minister for Sport, Leo Varadkar was there to present the awards at the biggest social event of the year for the sailing, motorboating and windsurfing community.
One of Ireland’s Olympic sailors, Annalise Murphy, won the overall ISA Sailing Achievement of the Year award for 2011. She faced tough competition from the other three nominees, George Kenefick, Martin Byrne and Noelle Doran who all had found international glory throughout the year but ultimately it was Annalise’s tremendous successes in 2011 that clinched it for her. She firstly finished 4th at the Miami World Cup in January followed by a podium finish at Sail for Gold in Weymouth where she took home the bronze medal. She then travelled to Perth in December for the ISAF World Championships where she finished 6th overall and qualified Ireland for the 2012 Olympics.
Following in the footsteps of the elite athletes are a generation of incredibly talented youth sailors. The Young Sailor of the Year Award is a highly coveted accolade, one which was won by Tralee’s Sophie Browne. While we were all enjoying our Christmas dinner young Sophie was in New Zealand preparing for the Optimist World Championships. Sophie was determined to cap a great year off in style and that is exactly what she did. She finished 13th overall from 210 boats and picking up a Silver medal for 2nd Girl. It was this result that ultimately put her ahead of her fellow nominees, Patrick Crosbie, Peter McCann, Philip Doran and Seafra Guilfoyle.
The other winners included Michael McCarney from Co. Tipperary who won the ISA Volunteer of the Year award, Rachel Hoolahan from Greystones who won the ISA Instructor of the Year award and Rusheen Bay Windsurfing from Co. Galway took home the prize for ISA Training Centre of the Year.
The black-tie Awards Ball was a wonderful success with over 200 guests attending from all corners of the Irish boating community with RTE’s Fergal Keane acting as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Also in attendance were two of the three Irish Paralympian sailors, John Twomey and Ian Costello. The team of three have already qualified for the 2012 Paralympics but John Twomey as this year he will be celebrating his 10th Paralympics. ISA President Niamh McCutcheon remarked “The ISA Awards Ball provides us with a platform to officially acknowledge and commend some of the outstanding contributors to our sports. I would like to congratulate all the awards nominees and award winners and wish John Twomey, our Paralympian sailor, the best of luck with his 10th Paralympics this summer”.
As watersports enthusiasts, ISA members are aware of the tremendous work the RNLI do each and every day. In order to support their tireless work the event also held a collection in aid of the RNLI which raised €875.
Mar 5, 2012
John Jackson Talks To Us Ahead Of The Electric Ireland FIH Road To London Olympic Qualifiers
Monday 5th March 2012
Retiring never entered John Jackson’s mind. A shattering blow could have placed his playing career in tatters, not to mention his dream of playing in the Olympic Games.
But throughout his convalescence, giving up the sport he loves never entered his mind, amazingly recovering not just to play again but also to now make a living in that very arena.
Eighteen months ago, a clash of heads at the pitch opening in Stormont in September 2010 left the Mossley man with a triple cheek-bone fracture and a double skull fracture. Furthermore, he was left with nerve and retinal damage which put his eye in serious jeopardy which left him without vision in his right eye for the best part of a month.
“That was a scary experience. Bones heal but the biggest issue was my eye; I couldn’t see out of it for three or four weeks and then had double-vision for another three weeks after that,” he explained.
Many would have feared this was a potential death knell for a promising international career but Jackson’s belief never wavered that he would return to the playing field, no matter the circumstances.
“I didn’t know if it would ever come back. But I always knew I would play again. There were a couple of weeks where I thought ‘I don’t know how I’ll play with one eye’.
“That was what was going through my head. The doctors sorted me out with a couple of metal plates and some plastic inserts and, if anything, the right side of my head is now stronger than my left!”
Such adversity often reveals character and Jackson is cherishing the opportunity to have his full range of vision available ahead with few lingering doubts despite the horror injury.
“I suppose anybody who has had an injury will be apprehensive going into a challenge but after a while you get on with it.”
In time, his vision came back with the defender particularly thankful to the work at Ulster Hospital in Dundonald as well as the support “not just of my family but this Irish team. Well-wishers, texts and visitors helped me get back on course”.
He is more than back on course, now. A sterling 2011 yielded the offer of a professional playing career in the game with Braxgata in Belgium, an opportunity he relishes, allowing him to play as a full-time athlete for the first time in his career.
And the experience has had a huge knock-on impact on the Irish team when they returned to camp after four months apart.
“Life in Belgium is fantastic, something I wish I had of done sooner. Circumstances maybe didn’t allow me to do that. I’ve taken the opportunity in an Olympic year so I can focus on training and my hockey because that has to take priority.
“It’s a different culture, a different lifestyle but one that is going to set me up not just next year but in future life as well – as a coach, as a hockey enthusiast; it’s an experience I’ll take with me.
“The past few weeks with Ireland have been like a club season rolled into seven weeks. It’s a lot more intense obviously because you need to cram in as much as you can into the time you have.
“Guys have responded well; gone away with their respective clubs whether it be in Ireland or abroad and come back looking physically sharp. Everyone has improved their strength and conditioning scores from last year and that just shows everyone is pushing hard and realise what their dream is and are going to do everything that it takes to get it.”
Pursuing that dream at this week’s Olympic qualifiers, Jackson believes the side is in superb shape to break new ground and make it to London 2012.
“It’s not just been on the radar since the Europeans. For the past three or four years since being involved with Revs [Paul Revington], that’s always been our number one target.
“There is going to be life after these qualifiers and challenges after that – the Champions Challenge and the European ‘A’ division where we’ll see if we can better our last position.
“It’s a fantastic coup to get the Electric Ireland Road To London qualifiers here and we’re looking to qualify for the Olympics but also going so much further. After qualifying for one event, you want to make two, three, four or five events. Excited [about the qualifiers] but also excited about the prospect of the next few years of international hockey not just the next two weeks.
“As Revs said at the end of our training session, if the qualifier were to start tomorrow, he thinks we are in a fantastic place and I agree with him. Guys are looking physically sharp even though there might be a few niggles. We’re absolutely in the right place and we’re in business.”
Written by Stephen Findlater on behalf of the Irish Hockey Association
