In Memoriam: Derek Brennan

Aug 15, 2024

Photo credit: Cricket Ireland

The Federation of Irish Sport is saddened to learn of the passing of former President Derek Brennan. Derek served as member of the Executive Committee of the Federation as well as President of the Federation of Irish Sport  from 2005-2008.

A lifelong volunteer in sport and an especially dedicated administrator of cricket in Ireland, Derek served at every club officer role in addition to Chair of the Irish Cricket Union and President of Cricket Leinster. Most significantly he was instrumental in the success of the cricket-based charity, Lord’s Taverners Ireland.

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, family members and all his friends and fellow volunteers in Cricket Ireland.

Federation of Irish Sport, Board of Directors.

Department Update: Ministers Martin and Byrne reflect on first half of 2024

Jul 15, 2024

Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Thomas Byrne T.D., Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht have reflected on some of the key achievements in the first half of this year, which have helped support the sectors under the remit of the Department. Among key achievements….

• Record funding for high-performance Irish athletes in Olympic and Paralympic year
• Initiatives to recognise the role of women in Irish society
• National Plan for Irish Language Public Services
• Multi-million investment in arts and culture
• Development of new Tourism Policy Framework

Commenting on the first six months of the year, Ministers Martin and Byrne highlighted major funding initiatives vital to the growth and evolution of sectors within their responsibility.

Minister Martin said:

“So far this year, my Department has supported a range of projects and initiatives across all the sectors under its remit. From record funding of €250m in Sports Capital and Equipment, to the world-leading Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, to investment in the Gaeltacht and the Irish language on a scale never seen before. I am proud of this Government’s commitment to our tourism industry, to the arts and culture, to sport at all levels, to our native language with the Gaeltacht at its heart, and to developing a robust and trustworthy media sector.

The country’s recent success in international athletics demonstrates the benefits of investment in sport. My Department this year announced a record €25m funding through Sport Ireland in High Performance Sport. This is the highest-ever level of investment in High Performance Sport in Ireland – both for an individual year and for an Olympic/Paralympic cycle. It marks a huge step towards the investment objectives set out in the National Sports Policy 2018-2027.

“Separately, a range of initiatives – both financial and otherwise – have been undertaken to support this country’s rich cultural and artistic traditions. These include the allocation of €6m to deliver artist workspaces nationwide. Research conducted by my Department, and ongoing engagement with the creative and night-time economy sectors, over the last number of years has revealed demand for artist workspaces far outweighs supply, and that there is a widespread shortage of creative spaces such as studios and performance spaces.

“Earlier this year, we launched the Strategy for Language-Based Arts in addition to a financial package of almost €10 million to commence its implementation. This package includes four-year funding of €5.78 million for An Taibhdhearc, Amharclann Náisiúnta na Gaeilge for the period 2024 to 2027 as well as €4.085 million for Oireachtas na Gaeilge for its National Action Plan to develop, strengthen and promote Irish language-based arts across the country in the period 2024-2027. The success of the 35m annual Basic Income for the Arts scheme also continues with weekly payments of €325 to 2,000 artists and creative arts workers

“I published two reviews commissioned following the Government decision to initiate an independent, root and branch examination of RTÉ. The 116 recommendations made by the Expert Advisory Committees are a blueprint for the further reform of our national broadcaster.

“When fully implemented, they will improve the governance of RTÉ, both internally and externally, ensure the culture of RTÉ better reflects the values of public service held by its staff, and improve both the industrial relations landscape and human resources processes and procedures within RTÉ. The recommendations point the way to a more inclusive, transparent and accountable RTÉ, one that truly has the character of a public service.”

Minister Martin continued: “Our investment in our film and television industry continues to pay dividends, from small, independent productions to Oscar-winners and streaming blockbusters. I was delighted to be able to congratulate Cillian Murphy on his Academy Award. He represents the pinnacle of an industry my Department is proud to support.

“In recent years there has been a growing recognition of the need to address the under-representation of women’s contributions to the State’s political, scientific, social and cultural history.

“Accordingly, this year I established a new advisory committee to focus on women and women’s stories in the national cultural collections.”

With regard to tourism, Minister Martin stated: “We continue to provide strong support to the tourism sector in its journey towards full recovery post-Covid. Earlier this year we undertook a public consultation process on our new Tourism Policy Framework which will shape how tourism develops in a sustainable way in Ireland in the period to 2030. I expect to publish that new policy in the coming months. I also had the opportunity to engage with the sector both at Meitheal in Killarney and at two meetings of the Hospitality and Tourism Forum held, the most recent of which I chaired. This engagement with the sector is vital to building a sustainable future for tourism in Ireland.

“The capital development pipeline for tourism remains open, and I was really pleased to open the new Queen Maeve Square in Sligo, which has transformed the space into an attractive public square and orientation hub that will undoubtedly attract both national and international visitors.”

Minister Martin also highlighted ongoing north/south cooperation in tourism which continues to deepen with the resumption of the North-South Ministerial Council – which she attended along with cabinet colleagues in April.

“At the North-South Ministerial Council Tourism Sectoral in June I agreed with Minister Conor Murphy to the establishment of a Joint Strategic Coordination Group to identify and examine opportunities that will support the sustainable development of the tourism sector across the island.”

Minister Byrne, said: “As a Government, we are delivering record budgets for sport, as we work to provide everyone, of every ability, with an opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity. Last month, we confirmed that a record €250 million will be available for the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, representing a 50% increase in funding when compared to the last round of allocations in 2020. We will see the largest-ever investment in sports facilities when Sports Capital and Equipment Programme allocations are announced this Autumn.

“In addition, we launched a new €120 million round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund for applications in April, and there will be a strong focus on deliverability as we assess the applications we received following the deadline for applications on 1 July.

“I have been proud to oversee the introduction and publication of the new Similar Access Requirement, which is designed to ensure that whenever sports facilities are publicly funded, women and men enjoy must enjoy similar access to those sports facilities.

“From the grassroots to the boardroom, we want to see women’s participation in sport supported at every level. Recently, we announced a record €4 million for programmes designed to get more women involved in sport. We are also seeing a significant increase of women in sport leadership roles, with the overall percentage of women on sport boards standing at 45% in April 2024, compared to 29% in 2020. Under a new rule that has been introduced, 50% of Government funding will be withheld until 40% gender representation on national sport boards and Local Sports Partnerships is reached.

“In line with the Programme for Government target of reaching 60% overall participation in sport by 2027, I launched a new ‘Participation Nation Outdoor Fund’ in May, which is designed to spur physical activity in local community settings by supporting Local Sports Partnerships with the development of barrier-free sport projects on publicly-accessible land.

“On many occasions, Ireland has done itself proud when it comes to hosting major international sports events, most recently when our capital city welcomed football fans from across Europe and beyond in May for the 2024 UEFA Europa League Final.

“As we look forward to cheering on Team Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games later this summer, I am glad to note this Government’s record in investing over €89 million in this Paris Olympic-Paralympic cycle compared to €59 million invested in the Tokyo Olympic-Paralympic cycle.

Minister Byrne continued: “Since my appointment as Minister of State for the Gaeltacht in April, I have been delighted to advance many priority areas. Recently, we announced the appointment of a new Chair of Údarás na Gaeltachta and in looking ahead, I look forward to publishing the Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill and introducing this important piece of legislation to the Houses of the Oireachtas before the Summer recess.

“The resumption of meetings of the North South Ministerial Council Language Body meeting is a development I greatly welcome and I was delighted to meet with Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons MLA, and Junior Minister at the Executive Office, Aisling Reilly MLA, at the NSMC North South Secretariat Office in Armagh, in late May, where we engaged with relevant stakeholders.

“I was very glad to recently announce significant progress in the implementation of the Official Languages Acts, with the commencement of provisions allowing for a new Placenames Committee to be appointed and for jury summons to be issued bilingually.

“On 19 June, the first National Plan for Irish Language Public Services was submitted to me and within 3 months of this date, we will see the plan submitted to Government for approval. I am determined to see the National Plan for Irish Language Public Services act as an effective roadmap towards meeting the legislative requirement to have at least 20% of the staff recruited to public bodies competent in Irish, by 31 December 2030.”

Some of the key measures introduced to date in 2024 to help support the Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media sectors include:

TOURISM

·       New Chief Executive Officer and board members appointed to Tourism Ireland

Opinions Sought on the Future of Irish Tourism

·       Just Transition, first phase funding of €24M allocated by Fáilte Ireland

·       Work continues on the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project which aims to create greater links between two iconic coastal routes

·       North South Ministerial Council – Minister Martin affirms commitment to work together with all stakeholders towards achieving a sustainable tourism sector

·       Targeted supports delivered to tourism businesses most affected by accommodation stock displacement

·       The continuous provision of capital funding to ensure the sustainable development of tourism product across the regions.

CULTURE AND ARTS

·       €6 million funding to deliver artist workspaces nationwide

·       Creative Ireland awards over €1.2 million to Creative Health and Wellbeing Projects

·       Works commence on €37m redevelopment of the Archive Repository at the National Archives

·       Department drive to make Ireland’s nightlife inclusive for people with disabilities

·       Cruinniú na nÓg 2024 launches over 1,000 free creative activities for young people

·       Bonar Law Collection acquired by National Library of Ireland

·       New exhibition chronicling key aspects of Irish life over the last 100 years

·       Minister Martin welcomes allocation of €8.6m in funding through Sound and Vision Scheme

·       New advisory committee to focus on women and women’s stories in the national cultural collections

·       Launch of Ireland’s Representation at the 2024 Venice Biennale

·       Irish poets and politicians among treasure trove of new records released online

·       Opening Night of Zeitgeist Irland 24 – a year-long programme of Irish arts and culture across Germany in 2024

·       Over €1.2 million in funding announced for Culture Ireland’s promotion of Irish arts globally

·       Arts Sector gathers to discuss Status of the Artist in Ireland & results from first year of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot

·       Crawford Art Gallery redevelopment project to progress to tender

·       Minister Michael McGrath and Minister Catherine Martin highlight recent Section 481 improvements at Ardmore Studios visit

GAELTACHT

·       New arts strategy and funding package of €20 million announced for the Gaeltacht and for the Irish language in the community

·       Minister Byrne announces increase in daily allowances for Gaeltacht families and hostels under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge

·       North South Ministerial Council approves appointment of CEO of Foras na Gaeilge

·       Tech funding of over €2m for Kinia to develop STEAM skills through Irish

·       New Chair of Údarás na Gaeltachta

·       €600,000 in funding approved for the Conradh na Gaeilge Ciste Spreagtha 2024 – 2026

·       Publication of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Bill 2024

·       Significant progress made on implementation of the Official Languages Acts

SPORT

·       Record investment of €25 million in High Performance Sport for 2024 

·       Record €250m fund available for Sports Capital and Equipment Programme 

·       All eyes on Ireland as Dublin plays host to the Europa League Final 

·       €120 million fund announced for Major Sports Infrastructure 

·       Record Level of Core Funding for Sports Bodies in 2024

·       Launch of new Participation Nation Outdoor Fund

·       Record funding for Women in Sport Programmes 

·       Irish Sports Monitor 2023 

·       Ireland joins the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport 

·       Ministers Martin & Byrne publish Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund Review and new Similar Access Requirement 

·       LSSIF Fund Review and Similar Access Policy  

·       Record Funding for Sports Equipment 26 million 

MEDIA

·       Minister Martin publishes reviews arising from the independent examination of RTÉ

·       Appointment of new members to the Boards of RTÉ and TG4

·       Opinions sought on 14 new sporting events considered for broadcast on free-to-air TV

·       Launch of first Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for the Media Sector

·       Minister Martin welcomes allocation of €8.6m in funding through Sound and Vision Scheme

·       Department to introduce Simplified Media Merger Notification Procedure

Game On for Green! Free Toolkit Helps Irish Sports Clubs Tackle Waste

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 

• 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.

• 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.

Record funding for Women in Sport Programme

Jun 27, 2024

“I think it’s the breath of what we do. Canoeing is a huge sport and it’s getting bigger in Ireland.”

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!”

Federation Welcomes Support from Government at Irish Sport Industry Awards

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.”