Jul 9, 2024
Pictured above L TO R: Niall Rynne, Chair of the Management Committee at the Irish Rugby Football Union, Clare Louise O’Donoghue, Head of Commercial & Marketing at the Federation of Irish Sport, Ossian Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and Circular Economy, Walter Holleran, Head of Grant Funding and Infrastructure Development at the Football Association of Ireland, Sinéad Ni Mhainnin, Regional Waste Management Planning Office, Padraig Fallon, Chair of GAA Green Clubs Programme.
- New resource will help sports clubs eliminate single use plastics and provide guidance on segregating waste.
- It comes as new research reveals 90% of sports clubs believe they could be doing more to improve their waste management efforts.
- Sports clubs can now avail of this free toolkit by visiting MyWaste.ie
There’s good news for thousands of sports clubs nationwide today as Ireland’s official guide to managing your waste, MyWaste, is today launching a free sustainability toolkit to help sports clubs improve their waste management practices and embrace the principles of a circular economy.
The MyWaste Sports Club Toolkit, supported by the Federation of Irish Sport, marks a significant step towards fostering environmental sustainability within the Irish sports community.
This launch comes as new research conducted by MyWaste in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Sport found that over 90% of clubs surveyed, believe they could be doing more to improve their waste management efforts.
Other key findings from the survey include:
- Environmental Consciousness: 84.79% of clubs believe their members are environmentally conscious and would like to recycle more waste generated at the club.
- High Engagement with Waste Collection: 74% of sports clubs currently avail of a waste collection service.
- Prevalence of Plastic Waste: When asked what are the biggest items that typically end up in your club’s general waste bins, 53% said plastic bottles, while 24% said disposable coffee cups.
- Interest in Guidance: 79% of clubs are interested in free guidance on waste management and recycling.
Ossian Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and Circular Economy, praised the new resource, stating; “I am delighted to launch the MyWaste Sports Club Toolkit today.
By providing clubs with the necessary tools and guidance, we are not only fostering a culture of environmental responsibility but also leading the way in the circular economy.
I encourage all sports organisations to take advantage of this excellent resource and make a positive impact on our environment and our wider communities.”
He added: “This initiative is a collaboration between the Government of Ireland, MyWaste and the Federation of Irish Sport. It demonstrates our commitment to working together to raise public awareness of the importance of recycling sustainably.”
The toolkit highlights practical steps to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics. The toolkit includes:
- Guidance on Waste Segregation: Clear instructions on proper waste segregation to ensure recycling and waste management are as effective as possible.
- Elimination of Single-Use Plastics: Practical steps to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics, and disposable coffee cups.
- Gear Swapping Initiatives: Strategies to promote the reuse of sports gear, reducing the need for new purchases and minimising waste.
- Mapping Your Club’s Journey: Tools and templates to help clubs track their progress and set achievable sustainability goals.
- Engaging Communications Assets: Downloadable materials, including social media graphics and educational content, to raise awareness among club members and the wider community.
Sinéad Ni Mhainnin, Regional Waste Management Planning Office, said, “The MyWaste Sports Club Toolkit represents a significant advancement in our efforts to promote sustainable waste management across Ireland. By equipping sports clubs with the right knowledge and resources, we can collectively make substantial strides toward a greener future.”
She added, “The toolkit bridges the gap by offering practical steps and tailored guidance that address the unique challenges faced by sports clubs. This initiative underscores the power and importance of collaboration and community engagement in achieving our environmental goals.”
The first phase of MyWaste Sports Club Toolkit will focus on raising awareness about the toolkit and encouraging its adoption by sports clubs nationwide. Later this year, an Online Masterclass will also be facilitated by MyWaste for all sports club representatives to learn more about the toolkit resources available and gain insights into best practice.
Clare Louise O’Donoghue, Head of Commercial & Marketing at the Federation of Irish Sport, said; “The Federation is very proud to support this MyWaste initiative. Through collaboration and information sharing, we hope to positively impact our sports clubs and organisations’ journey towards reducing their carbon footprint.”
Niall Rynne, Chair of the Management Committee at the Irish Rugby Football Union said; “The IRFU is delighted to support this exciting initiative and looks forward to working with MyWaste in engaging and encouraging grassroots support of this initiative. This is a wonderful opportunity for the rugby community to participate in a sustainability initiative with a lasting legacy.”
Walter Holleran, Head of Grant Funding and Infrastructure Development at the Football Association of Ireland said; “As part of the MyWaste initiative, we at the FAI are excited to create opportunities for our members to engage in positive waste management actions. This not only supports the FAI Sustainability Strategy and Programme but also contributes to Ireland’s transition to a Circular Economy. By launching this initiative, we aim to garner wider support from the entire football family, fostering a collective effort towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.”
Padraig Fallon, Chair of GAA Green Clubs Programme said;
“The GAA Green Clubs programme is delighted to support the launch of this initiative, as we see this as an opportunity to further support on a wider scale the aims and objectives of the waste management component of the GAA’s Green Clubs Programme which was launched in December 2022”.
About the Research Study
The research study referenced in this press release was conducted through an online survey, generating a total of 219 respondents from sports clubs and organisations across Ireland during May and June this year. The survey, organised by MyWaste and the Federation of Irish Sport, aimed to assess current waste management practices and identify opportunities for improvement within the Irish sports community.
About MyWaste
MyWaste, Ireland’s official guide to managing your waste. Here you will find everything you need and want to know about managing your waste responsibly, efficiently and in the way that suits you.
MyWaste.ie is an information portal only, our role is to guide and advise you on where and how you can report activities such as illegal dumping or possible problems with your waste collection service.
This is an initiative brought to you by the Regional Waste Management Offices on behalf of the Department of Climate Action, Communications and the Environment. To learn more about MyWaste visit
www.mywaste.ie
Jun 27, 2024
Canoeing Ireland CEO is a truly accomplished and respected woman in Irish Sport. Following a successful period working in operations with Athletics Ireland, she was appointed as chief executive of Canoeing Ireland in 2018. Alongside her primary role, leading the Olympic sport in Ireland, she serves on the board of The Olympic Federation of Ireland, Meath Local Sports Partnership and was recently elected to the board of the Federation of Irish Sport. After Canoeing Ireland was announced as the winner of the National Governing Body of the Year 2024, she spoke about its meaning to the organisation.
“I could not be more delighted, I really couldn’t. It was so unexpected. Part of this was managing expectations, since we were shortlisted because we have been shortlisted before and we are up against massive governing bodies who are doing great work. It’s a matter of amplifying the work that we are doing, so you put yourself on a platform where you’re considered as the National Governing Body of the Year. Thankfully this year, it happened, and it’s a really prestigious award to have, so we’re delighted.”
Rob Hartnett’s, Sport for Business founder and chair of the judging panel’s message to next year’s nominees was to scream about everything they have achieved. Aston outlined why Canoeing Ireland was deserving of this recognition.
“I think it’s the breath of what we do. Canoeing is a huge sport and it’s getting bigger in Ireland. We are beginning to capitalize on the benefit of being outdoors, and that’s important at every level from the teens who are out there struggling with mental health, not just physical health so we’re really getting into that space.
“Plus the fact we are achieving great things at a high performance level as well as building pathways into high performance. I think we deserve the award because of what we have created with great energy and good humor over the last number of years, and a bit of passion as well. That said, any of the shortlisted nominees could have won the award, they are all great organisations so we are really honored to be the recipient this year.”
Canoeing Ireland will send a team to Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games, so it very much matters to Aston and her team.
“I cannot wait. At the 2020 games we had one participation and we were avidly watching the screens and waiting for him to appear. To have three is a massive step up. And we are proud to have a female representing Ireland, because we are really trying to encourage female participation. It’s really important. It’s the balance between male and female within the sport. To have three, it’s a massive shift upwards, but it also creates the possibility that these athletes will be seen and that it will become an ambition for the next group coming through.
“Because if you don’t see Irish canoeists out there at the games, you might think that that is something for somebody else, or it’s for different countries. Once our athletes are seen it’s a massive boost for us as a sport, and best of luck to all three of them, fingers crossed!”
Jun 25, 2024
At the 2024 Irish Sport Industry Awards, Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath TD delivered the keynote address to the award nominees, invited guests, members of the Federation of Irish Sport and leaders from across the Irish sports sector.
During his speech, he spoke evocatively about sport. He reflected on the pride he experiences as a father of seven children, and how sport has positively shaped their lives. Notably his proudest sporting achievement on a personal level, was winning an U12 soccer championship in 1988, which he vividly remembers.
Speaking to the Federation of Irish Sport, Minister McGrath said, “Sport is how I switch off. It’s not so much through participating but its through watching my children on the field of play…. Life would be very dull in the McGrath household if it wasn’t for sport.”
The Irish Sport Industry Awards recognises and celebrates the business of sport across a broad range of diverse categories. What stood out about the awards was the sheer scope of talent and achievement across the sector.
“It’s great to be part of a celebration of excellence in sport, in many different respects. Whether it be successful businesses’ in sport, or recognising the progress made on female participation or the work being done to ensure inclusivity and bringing communities together. There is so much to acknowledge and celebrate.”
The inherent value of sport is embodied by the dedicated and hard working 64,000 strong workforce employed within the sports sector and the overall value of sport to the Irish economy is estimated to be €3.7 billion annually.
In so many respects, since the foundation of the state, Ireland has fought above its weight on the international stage. The Irish sports sector is no different. Over the last ten years, the Irish sports sector has grown faster than any other part of the Irish economy.
“We’ve seen studies which show the economic value of sport”, said Minister McGrath. “There are tens of thousands of jobs which are supported by sport and the €3 billion plus in terms of consumer spend. There are lots of metrics there which underline the economic contribution of sport. But I think the most important contribution of sport is to communities throughout the length and breadth of our country.”
In May, financial services firm Grant Thornton published an economic impact report, which stated that the value of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic to the Irish economy was €180 million and it attracted over 39,000 US visitors to Ireland. In the same month, Dublin hosted the 2024 UEFA Europa League Final for the first time in over a decade. The match is estimated to have generated €15 million for the Irish economy and attracted thousands of German and Italian tourists to Ireland.
Last month, the Government announced a record fund of €250 million for its sports capital and equipment programme, a 50% increase in comparison to the previous funding round announced in 2020. The government has also committed to spending at least €58 million to bring the 2027 Ryder Cup to Ireland. The competition was last hosted in Ireland at the K Club in 2006, and was worth €143 million to the Irish economy. There are hopes that the 2027 competition will vastly exceed that.
Minister McGrath stated “Government is investing in sport at record levels, but we have more work to do because I think there is a lot of untapped potential. We are committed to working with the Federation of Irish Sport, Sport Ireland and all of the different National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships to see what more we can do to help.”
“Yes through direct exchequer support, but also examining what we can do through our tax system for example to try and channel more funding to sport and encourage more partnerships between the sports sector and business community.”
Jun 21, 2024
Arguably, the Olympic Games is the most captivating competition in World sport. The 2020 games in Tokyo reached a global audience of over 3 billion people. And some of Ireland’s most memorable and iconic sporting achievements have unfolded on the Olympic stage. From John Treacy’s 1984 silver medal in Los Angeles to Katie Taylor’s 2012 gold in London. Ireland is proud of the team that the Olympic Federation of Ireland will send to this summer’s games in Paris, and those athletes inspire the nation.
After the ‘Dare to Believe’ campaign by the Olympic Federation of Ireland was announced as the winner of the Best Sports Sponsorship at the 2024 Irish Sport Industry Awards, Roisin Jones, Programme Manager at the Olympic Federation of Ireland and Philip Greene, Sponsorship Manager at PTSB Spoke to the Federation of Irish Sport.
“Our programme is all about bringing the Olympics to the classroom and to the community”, explained Jones.
“We do this by utilizing our amazing Olympic ambassadors and bringing them out to schools and community clubs, and getting them to share their journey in sport. That journey may not have been that easy, so we’re showcasing their dedication and their resilience. And really we’re just trying to inspire the next generation of children to believe in themselves to be something bigger and brighter.”
It appears there is something about Irish Olympic athletes which is deeply inspiring. Kellie Harrington’s story reached far beyond her putting on boxing clubs and entering the ring, and Rhys Mclenaghan’s journey did not start on the pommel horse.
“Those are amongst a few of our ambassadors but they’re really good at relating to kids and sharing what they were like when they were eight, or nine, or ten years of age. They were once sitting in those same chairs. And I suppose breaking down that barrier of the high performance athlete and allowing them to say ‘I was once in your shoes.’
“It’s not about just winning an Olympic medal, its about those Olympic values of friendship, striving for excellence and respect and getting kids to see that they try their best. We see the amazing Olympic moments, but they’re not built overnight.”
The support PTSB has placed behind the Dare to Believe campaign has made its success possible, and Greene spoke of how excited the team at PTSB are for the upcoming games.
“It’s incredibly exciting. I think for ourselves as title sponsors of the team, but for the entire country I think. This is likely to be the last European based games until 2040, and its a real opportunity to get behind our athletes in prime time slots on television and in a time zone that suits our supporters here and in Paris.”
Greene reflected on why PTSB wanted to be involved with the magic of the Olympic Games.
“It was something that was actually very important for us in PTSB when deciding to become title sponsor of Team Ireland was the unifying power of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. You look at other sports which are wonderful, but maybe have a slight bit more tribalism about them, than the Olympic games which brings together such a pure expression of pride, which is fantastic for us to be able to celebrate as a country together.”
Jun 20, 2024
Field of Vision is an innovative sports technology company, founded by Tim Farrelly, David Deneher and Omar Salem. The team is guided by sports industry veteran Tom Sears. In 2022, Field of Vision was among Time Magazine’s Best Inventions and their partners include Manchester City Football Club and the Australian Football League. After Field of Vision was announced as the Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity, Deneher spoke to the Federation of Irish Sport.
“Field of vision was started during the Covid lockdown when my co-founder Omar saw a viral video of a fan bringing his blind friend to a football game and tracing the position of the ball on his hand.
“And we thought we could do this with technology, so we started Field of Vision. We use AI to track all the key information from the sports game in real time and then we track that back to our device, which moves around based on where the ball is on the pitch and when the shots, tackles and passes, occur.”
At the core of Field of Vision’s mission is the belief that there does not need to be separation between vision impaired sports fans and the magic and power of sport.
Deneher spoke about where the company is on its journey and what it’s like to win this award.
“It’s really great to win this award because we’re three college students who never had any prior experience of working with visually impaired people. So the number one thing that we’re concerned about in our company is inclusivity. If Field of Vision isn’t actually of benefit to visually impaired fans then what would be the point. So winning this award is just fantastic acknowledgment of the work that we are putting in and showing us that we are on the right track”.
Deneher and his team at Field of Vision are incredibly optimistic about the future.
“What we want is that in the future, if a visually impaired fan wants to watch a live sports game in their living room, they can sit down and open our app, and the same as we do with Sky Sports, pick whatever game is on and they’re FOV device will move. We want to expand to achieve this, we want to expand to different sports, more stadiums. Over the course of the next 12 months we want to expand to three stadiums.”
