Jan 26, 2015
From 2011-2014 the EC funded eight projects to help strengthen the organisation of sport in Europe, one of which was the Better Boards Stronger Sport project that the Federation was a partner on. We have compiled a list of all the projects that have been developed to assist sporting bodies in developing good governance practices. These include Guidelines for good governance in sport and a self-assessment toolkit for sporting bodies. Read More Here
Project 1: Sport for Good Governance
There were four main objectives for the Sport for Good Governance project:
- Analyse and elaborate on the Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance of the Olympic and Sports Movement. Research publications as well as principles on good governance in sport have been produced in sufficient numbers over the last years.
- Research and analyse the implementation of the Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance by sport organisations in the EU-27 (identify good practices). Sport organisations across the EU will be asked to fill in a questionnaire on how they have implemented the principles of the aforementioned document.
- Organise peer review meetings to get in-depth knowledge on governance and good practices. Contacts to the corporate world, who have been dealing with this issue for a much longer time, shall be established to probe how good governances principles are implemented there.
- Design educational tools to promote good governance and provide support for implementing good governance principles. Educational material (e.g. toolkit including a self-evaluation tool) shall give support to implement good governance principles. It shall assist members of boards, chief executive officers and sport leaders to develop, implement and maintain a robust system of good governance.
For further information see here
Click here for Self-Assessment Toolkit
Project 2: Good Governance in Grassroots Sports
The main objective for this project was to increase the capacity of non-governmental grassroots sport organizations in Europe to govern in a transparent and accountable way. Specific Objectives also include:
- To increase the evidence – and knowledge base for good governance in grassroots sport in Europe by researching, compiling and disseminating existing principles of good governance in European grassroots sport.
- To build capacities in key national non-governmental grassroots sport organizations though targeted learning opportunities by designing and implementing a sustainable, state-of-the-art European non-formal education for “Good Governance in Grassroots Sport”, targeting organizational top leaders, and based on the results from the above mentioned evidence- and knowledge base.
- To increase awareness and outreach on good governance to a broad target group in grassroots sport by testing and providing a consultancy function for grassroots sport organizations on good governance.
For more information see here
Click here for: Guidelines for good governance in sport
Project 3: Better Boards, Stronger Sport
The Better Boards, Stronger Sport toolkit has been launched to help sport and recreation organisations improve their governance across Europe. It comes as part of a European Commission project, which the Federation of Irish Sport was a partner in, with the Irish Sports Council also supported. The Better Boards Stronger Sport project has been carried out by the Sport and Recreation Alliance in partnership with seven other countries to improve governance across Europe. The group has produced a toolkit to empower European sports organisations to take responsibility for governing their future successfully. It has been built on three underlying principles:
- The board is the key: The board is the core from which all good governance flows.
- Sports governance is unique: Any lessons learnt from corporate governance need to be adapted for sport’s specific needs.
- Governance is not a tick box exercise: Real improvement will only be achieved if the sports movement is allowed to drive themselves forward.
The toolkit is available here
Project 4: Action for Good Governance in International Sports Organisations
Originally, the project set out to produce some reports on concepts of good governance, adding a set of guidelines to inspire sport. But from the first very intense meeting, it was decided to raise the stakes and the ambitions. This is why they were able to develop a new measuring tool in the world of sports governance:
- The Sports Governance Observer
This tool will enable not only ‘Play the Game’ and our AGGIS partners, but any person with a serious commitment to sports governance, including people in charge of sports organisations, to register and analyse the quality of governance in the international or major national sports organisation they are related to.
Read the final report here
Project 5: CoachNet: The further development of a coordinated network for Sport Coaching in Europe
The CoachNet project aims to further develop a structure for the co-ordination of sport coaching at a European level. The project has been granted a financial contribution from the EU, and has been recognised as a priority of the European Commission Sport Unit within the framework of the Preparatory Action in the field of sport. This network will strengthen cohesion within Sport Coaching with an enhanced emphasis on the ‘voice of the coach’. It will also build on the existing reference points for the education, and development of sport coaches, as well as providing a focal point for representation, research and communication on sport coaching issues at the European level.
The main outputs of the project are:
- Research of current engagement levels within the European Coaching Council and mapping the position of coaches associations in partner states
- Identifying models of best practice in the development of coaches associations; Developing operational guidelines and templates for the optimal development of coaches associations
- Developing a revised structure, to include lead national organisations, international federations, coaches associations, higher education and employers.
For more information see here
Project 6: Improving Football Governance through Supporter Involvement and Community Ownership
The project followed the development of a European-wide network of fans organisations trying to be involved in the decision-making processes at their clubs, and the support given to them by Supporters Direct Europe. It also tied in with the European Parliament report that set out the European Dimension in Sport, the 2007 White Paper for Sport, and 2011 Communication on Sport issued by the European Commission. All four documents expressed their support for the drive towards good governance in football and supporter involvement in particular.
Read the Final Report here
Project 7: European Academy for Billiard Champions on the way to sport excellence
Young sport organisations often face difficulty being commercially viable to investors for various reasons. Often times this affects many aspects of a sporting organisation (such as training or grassroots). However this can be overcome by key principles of good governance. The objective in this project was to research experiences in sport organizations management. On top of this – implement a pilot model for increasing institutional capacity through establishing/promoting transnational network for best practices/innovative approaches exchange.
For more information see here
Project 8: European Rugby League Governance Foundation Project
The Governance Foundation Project [GFP] created a tiered Membership structure of the RLEF – Bronze [Observer status], Silver [Affiliate Member], Gold [Full Member] – where best practice and the principles of good governance will be promoted, and the cooperation between partners will develop the European dimension throughout rugby league, itself a young sport on the Continent. There were ‘identified problems’ which this report looked at – Convincing rugby league enthusiasts, who may choose to get involved initially primarily due to their love of the sport on the field, of the importance of governance as a fundamental foundation stone of their operation. It is an area in which the newer members have only very limited experience. These are in contrast to the more established partners who possess a sophisticated appreciation of governance. Therefore, acknowledging that our NGB staff / volunteers’ skill sets need to be developed is one identified problem.
For more information see here
Jan 23, 2015
As members plan expenditure for the year ahead, here’s a reminder of the services and discounts available from our preferred partners.
PREFERRED PARTNERS
Insurance- JLT Ireland
JLT Ireland are the official brokers to our Insurance Scheme. JLT Ireland are passionate about sport at all levels – from amateur events to the world of elite athletics, with many years’ experience providing insurance solutions to International Sports Associations, NGBs, Clubs, Coaches and Athletes. Reductions in premiums of 10-20% have been achieved by members of the scheme. Contact Amanda Harton, 01-2026000, aharton@jlt.ie or visit the dedicated website: www.jltsport.ie
Legal Services- Leman Solicitors
Leman Solicitors are Sports Law specialists and represent government bodies, NGBs, clubs and athletes from every sporting code as well as businesses in the sports industry. Leman make it their business to know your sport and the legal needs that you require to be successful. Their expertise is reflected in invitations to lecture at the annual Law Society Sports Law Conference and at the UCD Sports Management degree programme. Leman offer members a discounted fee scale on services. Contact Larry Fenelon, 01-6393000, lfenelon@leman.ie or visit their website http://leman.ie/specialist-sectors/sports-law/
Audit and Accountancy- OSK
OSK are the official Audit and Accounting partner of the Federation of Irish Sport. OSK present a unique offering to FIS members through their accounting and financial expertise within their specialised sector. Currently, OSK work with a number of sporting organisations including Basketball Ireland, Swim Ireland, Canoeing Ireland and the Irish Orienteering Association. OSK offer members a 10% discount on services. Contact Deirdre McDermott, 01-4394360, mcdermottd@osk.ie or visit their website: http://www.osk.ie/sectors/sport.php
Print Supplier- Print Depot
With value more important than ever right now, Print Depot believe they offer the most cost-effective solution for conceiving, designing and printing your entire range of communications collateral, from brand identity to corporate literature, from brochure work to statement inserts, from direct mail to point of sale. Print Depot offer members a 10% discount. Contact Frank O’Donnell, 01 456 8592, frank@printdepot.ie or visit their website: www.printdepot.ie
Energy Partners- FutureFit
FutureFit works with sports organisations to help them understand where their energy costs are coming from and what to do to reduce them over time. They provide energy assessment, live-monitoring, project management and funding services as well as energy training and mentoring. They work with club representatives – to identify which actions, investments, technologies and processes best fit the clubs near and longer term goals while working with stakeholders to generate commitment and maintain progress and enthusiasm. FutureFit offer members a 10% discount on services. Contact Paul O’Connor directly, 086-3433368, paul@futurefit.ie or visit their website: www.futurefit.ie
Hotels- Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown (part of the Tifco Hotel Group)
Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown/Tifco– with Hotels in Dublin, Dundalk, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Enfield and Athlone- offer great deals on both room rates and function rooms for all your NGBs needs across Ireland. Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown/Tifco offer members a discount room rate on request by contacting Jennifer McKenna, 01-897 7741, jmckenna@cpblanchardstown.ie or visit their website: www.crowneplaza.com/Blanchardstown
FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT SERVICES
Arbitration and Mediation- Just Sport Ireland
Just Sport Ireland was established by the Federation of Irish Sport in 2007, in response to the increasing prevalence of sporting litigation and the recognition, as endorsed by the High Court, that the courts are not the appropriate forum for the resolution of such disputes. From 2015 the Irish Sports Council will require all NGBs to have ADR within their rules as a condition of funding. JSI is an independent alternative dispute resolution service for Irish Sport offering both a mediation and arbitration service. Contact 01-6251155 registrar@justsport.ie or visit the website: www.justsport.ie
Garda Vetting- Federation of Irish Sport Garda Vetting Facility
The Federation established a Garda Vetting service, for sports organisations that do not have access to Garda vetting in 2013. It is anticipated that new legislation will be commenced in 2015 requiring all organisations vet their coaches/volunteers that have with access to children or vulnerable adults. Contact the Federation if you have any queries, 01-6251155, vetting@irishsport.ie or visit the website: www.irishsport.ie
If you have any queries or questions in relation to any of the Federation’s services please contact:
Emira O’Neill
Business Services Manager
01-6251155
emira.oneill@irishsport.ie
Jan 23, 2015
History of American Football in Ireland
The first game of American football in Ireland was first in Belfast in 1942 by two teams of U.S. servicemen to raise funds for the Red Cross. In 1947, a similar game was played in Croke Park between U.S servicemen returning from World War II – this is believed to be the first time a foreign sport was played in this historic stadium.
However American football kicked off in Ireland in the 1980’s when many TV networks started broadcasting NFL and college football games. This gave Irish fans more access to the sport than ever before, so much so that in 1984, a group of Irish American football fans were motivated to advertise for players in the local press – 65 people attended the first training session in the Phoenix Park in Dublin and Ireland’s first kitted football team, the Dublin Celts, was formed.
The Irish American Football League (IAFL) was formed in 1986 and 11 teams joined to play the first full season. At that time, the Shamrock Bowl champions earned a spot in the EuroBowl, the European Championships. The Dublin Celts won the Shamrock Bowl three years in a row and represented Ireland in the Eurobowl.
The sport went through various ups and downs during the 1990s before being re-launched in 2001. The IAFA is the NGB for the sport in Ireland and represents and manages the domestic leagues, officiating and coaching. IAFA also works on developing the scope of American football in Ireland and have both hosted US and European teams and competitions as well as working with other NGBs on major events such as the Croke Park Classic.
Growth of the sport
In 2003, the IAFA affiliated to the European Federation of American Football (EFAF) and gained ISC recognition in 2004. The noughties marked the start of a huge growth period for the sport. As recently as 2002 there were only 4 clubs and 120 participants active in the sport – now there are 20 senior clubs, 15 flag football teams and 6 junior teams. Active participation rates have increased to over 2,000 people.
As a result of our Development and Strategic plans, we have established programs to enable younger players to get involved in the sport. We have run a School Flag Football program for a number of years, for both male and female players, and we are in the process of starting a junior league for players aged 16-19.
American football is played in 64 countries worldwide including almost every country in Europe, where there are currently in excess of 120,000 registered participants in over 30 countries. As part of the development of the sport, we strive to make Ireland a major contender on the European and International scene, and as such have started to build a National team. We have also hosted a number of US and European clubs and competitions, including two European Championships and recurring fixtures with US and Canadian clubs. We also actively partner with other NGBs to bring other major fixtures to Ireland, such as with the GAA to host the past two Croke Park Classics.
About the game
American football is a physical and intense sport that on the face of it can be complex. However once the basics are understood it is a simple game to follow.
An American football team is divided into three sections – the Offense, Defense and Special Teams. The Offense’s objective is to move the ball down the field to score points. The Defense’s objective is to stop this happening, by either stealing possession or preventing the Offense from making at least 10 yards in 4 attempts. The Special Teams take the field when the ball is to be kicked, e.g. kick off, punts or field goals.
Scoring in American football has similarities to rugby. By a team’s offense getting the ball into the Endzone, they 6 points. The offense can then convert this by either kicking it through the posts to score one point, or attempting to run/pass it into the Endzone again for 2 points. At any time, and when close enough, an offense can also kick a field goal for three points.
While most fans of the sport are familiar with the NFL rules, throughout Europe, the NCAA rules are followed. These are the rules that are used in US College football.
Contact Football
There are 20 clubs competing in the full-contact Irish league across three divisions:
- The premier division, the SBC, has 10 teams over two Conferences, North and South. These teams compete for the Shamrock Bowl
- The IAFL1 division has 6 clubs and is for smaller or less experienced teams. The IAFL1 champion is promoted to the SBC
- The IAFL2 division has 4 clubs taking part and is designed for new teams to get experience before moving into a higher league. SBC clubs may also field 2nd teams in this league for their new players
Junior Football
The Junior Football league is a full-contact league for players age 16-19 and follows slightly modified NCAA rules . Junior Football is taking off throughout Europe and a lot of younger players are eager to get involved in the sport.
Flag Football
Flag Football is a non-contact version of American football and is similar in concept to Tag Rugby. Players wear a belt with two flags which the opposing team pulls to tackle them. In Ireland, 5-v-5 rules are used so teams would have one Quarterback, one Lineman and a combination of players to either run the football or receive a pass. Flag football is a fantastic way to get into the sport and enables both male and female players to take part – this is why we use it in schools. Last year we also introduced the first adult flag football league.
Achievements
IAFA have hosted the Western European Championships, the Atlantic Cup, in 2010 and again in 2013 as part of The Gathering Dublin. The Atlantic Cup brings clubs from Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg.
IAFA worked with the GAA, who hosted last year’s Croke Park Classic between Penn State and UCF. Over 53,000 spectators packed Croke Park to watch these two titans of US college football play one of the opening fixtures of the NCAA league, which is believed to be a record for the most spectators at an NCAA game outside of the US.
2015 – What lies in store?
2015 is expected to be a huge year for IAFA. As well as the inaugural Junior Football and Flag Football leagues, we also have the highest number of teams ever playing full contact senior football. On top of this, IAFA has established a National programme with a view to taking on an International side later this year.
Are you up for the Challenge?
Our clubs are always looking for new players, so if you want to play a sport that is different and exciting, please check out our website or Facebook page or contact us at info@americanfootball.ie
Email: info@americanfootball.ie
Website: www.americanfootball.ie
Social: www.facebook.com/iafaireland, www.twitter.com/iafaireland
Jan 22, 2015
Snowboarder Seamus O’Connor competed in the Snowboard World Championships in Austria recently. In Halfpipe he came 8th place in the qualifier and 13th place overall in the final. On Monday last, (19th January) he came in 2nd place in the qualifier in Slope Style and then in the final he came 10th place overall. At 17 years of age this is an amazing achievement for him to be top 10 in the world. He is one of a very small number of Boarders worldwide who qualify for both events HP & SS. In other news, the Snowsports Association of Ireland have announced their teams for some of their upcoming major events. See below for full details:
The Irish Snowsports Team was announced for the 2015 European Youth Olympic Festival taking place in Vorarlberg/Liechtenstein on January 24th-30th.
Athletes (Ladies): Tess Arbez
Athletes (Men): Ben Anselmi
Enda Bolger
Gary Skinner
The Irish Snowsports Team was announced for the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championshipsin Vail/Beaver Creek from 4th-16th February.
Athletes (Ladies): Tess Arbez
Florence Bell
Victoria Bell
Athletes (Men): Maxime Arbez
Conor Lyne
Pat McMillan
The Irish Snowsports Team was announced for the 2015 Nordic World Ski Championship 2015 in Falun, Sweden from 18th February to 1st March
Athletes (Men): Jan Rossiter
Dominic McAleenan
The Irish Snowsports Team was announced for the 2015 IBU Open European Championships in Otepaa, Estonia from 27th January to 3rd February.
Atheltes (Men): Colum O’Farrell
Jan 21, 2015
Now that the dust has settled and we are well and truly into the New Year, lets take a moment to look back on some of the sports moments from 2014. Last year was another really successful year for Irish sport both nationally and internationally. Below outlines just some of that success through multiple categories – Individual Performances (both over and under 25), Team Performances, Teams of the Year & Coach/Manager Performances.
Individual Performances – Under 25
Rory McIlroy
McIlroy had a stellar 2014 and is very much one of the top sports people not just in Ireland but the world. Rory, as he is fondly called, is seen by most as the best in the game and won his third major in July when he won the Open Championship at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club. The awards didn’t stop there however, in August he won the PGA Championship in Kentucky USA. To cap off an impressive year, McIlroy played an important role in Team Europe retaining the Ryder Cup in Scotland in September with Irish man earning 3 valuable points for Europe.
Michael McKillop
Michael McKillop is a middle distance runner and Paralympic athlete who competed in Beijing 2008 and London 2012 winning Gold at both events. Last year saw more Gold for the Ballymena native as he came first in the IPC Athletics European Championship in both the T38 800m and T38 1500m in Swansea back in August. McKillop is no stranger to success, as he is also a two time IPC Athletics World Champion on top of his Paralympic and European success!
Ryan Mullen
Ryan Mullen is an up and coming Irish athlete after winning silver in the under 23 TT at cycling’s world championships last year. Mullen finished seventh in the event in 2013 and showed his improvement when he shrugged off wet conditions to set the best time in the 36.15 kilometre solo test. He easily bettered times of other riders who had the benefits of dry roads, and went into the hotseat at the finish as provisional race leader. Having been quickest at the two intermediate checkpoints, it looked all but certain that he would win, but was pipped in the last section by 0.48 seconds by Australian Campbell Flakemore (who is two years older). The future is certainly bright for this young cyclist!
Stephanie Roche
Stephanie Roche will surely never forget 2014! The Dubliner hit headlines after scoring a wonder goal for her club side Peamount United in the Woman’s National League of Ireland back in the 2013 season which saw her effort get shortlisted for the 2014 FIFA Puskas Award for best goal of the season along with Columbian & Real Madrid star James Rodriguez and Dutch & Man United striker Robin Van Persie for their efforts at the World Cup. Roche came second at the awards, losing out to Rodriguez, but to be shortlisted with stars such as those mentioned is nothing short of incredible and a massive achievement. In June of last year Roche also signed for newly-promoted Division 1 Féminine team ASPTT Albi in France.
Individual Performances – Over 25
Martyn Irvine
Martyn Irvine is one of Ireland’s top cyclists and 2014 was another successful year for the Northern Irishman. A 7 time Irish national track and road champion, Irvine signed a contract to ride with the United Healthcare team in 2013. In February 2014, Irvine won a silver medal in the scratch race at the 2014 UCI Track Cycling World Championships – a huge achievement!
Jason Smyth
Jason Smyth is currently one of Ireland’s most successful Paralympian’s having won two gold medals at Beijing 2008, two Gold medals at London 2012 and a further two more gold medals at 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships. Smyth’s lucky number continued for him last year as again he won a further two gold medals at the 2014 IPC European Championships in Swansea at 100m and 200m level. Here’s hoping that the lucky number continues for the Derry man!
Jonathan Sexton
Jonathan Sexton was instrumental in Ireland’s success in 2014 that saw them win the Six Nations back in March, two tests in Argentina in June and a clean sweep of victories in the November internationals. His best performances came at pivotal times – he scored 17 of the 22 points in the 20-22 victory against les bleus in Paris that sealed the Six Nations on the last day of the Championship. Added to this his man of the match performance against South Africa in the 29-15 victory at the Aviva Stadium and Sexton had his best year yet in the Ireland jersey. The Dubliners year was also recognised worldwide as the only northern hemisphere player to be shortlisted for the ‘Player of the Year Award’. Leinster fans will certainly be happy to have him home!
Katie Taylor
Katie Taylor has long been a favourite in Ireland and last year was another to remember for the Bray native. On 24th November, Taylor won her fifth straight lightweight title in South Korea at the 2014 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, defeating Yana Allekseevna of Azerbaijan, finishing with a final scoreline – 40-36, 39-37, 39-37 – in her favour. That makes Taylor the current Irish, European, World and Olympic Champion in the lightweight division – definitely one of Ireland’s best!
Team Performances
Donegal (3-14) – Dublin (0-17), Croke Park, Dublin
Many wrote off this semi-final encounter as simply a warm up for Dublin and the men in blue would walk into the final. How wrong those predictions were as Donegal, who were under intense pressure from Dublin for the first 20 minutes, steam rolled their way to victory with a really strong second half. Dublin kicked 10 wides in the second spell which was a story in itself. What’s most telling is at one stage it looked as if Donegal might be heading for a thrashing, similar to what they endured against Mayo in the 2013 All-Ireland quarter-final. Much credit must be given to Jim McGuinness for his organisational and tactical nous. This was certainly one of the best performances Croke Park has seen in some time!
Germany 1-1 Ireland, Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen
When thinking of performances in 2014 it is hard to look past this one. Ireland, who at the minute are ranked 65th in the FIFA World Rankings, travelled to Gelsenkirchen in Germany tasked with taking on Germany in a qualifier for Euro 2016 (who are currently ranked number 1 in the world). Oh and they are the World Champions. We forgot to mention that! A fantastic defensive effort from Ireland as well as some stuttering attack from the Germans saw both teams go in at half time all squared. However, Toni Kroos broke the deadlock in the 71st minute. Ireland battled hard but couldn’t seem to break the German defence until John O’Shea, who was earning his 100th cap on the night, equalized late into injury time to earn Ireland a valuable point. The three point turn around – Ireland earning a point and Germany losing two – could prove crucial in a group that is so tight in terms of qualification. This performance will live long in the memory and every Irish soccer fan will remember that night in Gelsenkirchen!
Ireland 26-23 Australia, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Ireland were in a good place when the Wallabies came to town on the second last weekend in November. Having beaten the Springboks and Georgia over the previous two weeks, Ireland were looking for a clean sweep of the Guinness Series for the first time since 2006. The home side couldn’t have asked for a better start – racing to a 17-0 lead inside the first quarter thanks to tries from Simon Zebo and Tommy Bowe, the latter running from coast to coast after a beautifully read intercept on the Irish line. Australia obviously hadn’t read the script however and came straight back with a flurry, with tries from Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley. Both sides were locked at 20-20 at half time and the game looked like it could go either way but Ireland kicked two penalties to Australia’s one in the second period to see it through in the end. The atmosphere was magic!
Teams of the Year
Cork Ladies Football Team
It was another strong year from the Woman’s Cork team that saw them lift the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship against Dublin in Croke Park in late September. Winning by a single point 2-13 to 2-12, Eamonn Ryan’s side looked all but finished as they trailed by 10 points with only 15 minutes left on the clock. However, the resilience shown in turning over that deficit and going on to win the Brendan Martin Cup illustrates that they are a class above the rest. The Rebels dispatched Mayo and Armagh en route to the final and are deservedly one of the teams of 2014.
Ireland Cricket Team
The Irish Cricket team came up with some fantastic wins in 2014 with victories over the West Indies and Zimbabwe who are both test countries. The test against the West Indies, who were the reigning ICC World Twenty20 Champions, took place back in February in Jamaica. The home side started strongly with an early pair of sixes from powerful batsman Dwayne Smith before Ireland began to stem the tide with Clontarf’s Alex Cusack claiming a key wicket off Chris Gayle for 18. The West Indies lost experienced batsman Marlon Samuels as he was stumped by Ireland’s Gary Wilson as the visitors sensed an opportunity. Kevin O’Brien and Tim Murtagh both finished strongly for Ireland as they restricted the West Indies to 116 for 8 from their 20 overs and knew they needed less than 6 runs an over to topple the hosts. Andrew Poynter came to the crease and combined well with Ed Joyce in a 58 run partnership that brought victory within sight for Ireland. O’Brien was introduced next to see out the win as Poynter fell for 32 from 30 balls as Ireland recorded one of its finest ever victories. A few weeks later in March – Ireland again faced a test country in the form of Zimbabwe. Paul Stirling hit 60 off 34 balls with nine fours and a six, and despite a late flurry of wickets Ireland edged to 164-7 with a bye off the final ball after Zimbabwe scored 163-5. Ireland’s recognition as a test nation is surely just around the corner after another fantastic year!
Ireland Rugby Team
2014 was certainly one of the best enjoyed by the men in green for a number of years. Many wondered how it would pan out with 2014 being Brian O’Driscoll last year (he retired in March from international duty). But while last year signalled ‘life after Brian’, 2014 was also the first full year of ‘life with Joe’. In Joe Schmidt, Ireland possess the best coach the world over. Mix that with an exciting squad capable of genuinely beating anyone on their day and you’re on to a winner. Having the world’s best coach and an exciting team is all well and good, but how did Ireland rank last year? Not bad actually. Not bad at all! In March they wrapped up the Six Nations Championship beating France in Paris for the first time since 2000. In June they travelled to South America where they beat Argentina twice in a two test series. In the November Internationals Ireland really showed how good a team they have become under Schmidt when they put both the Springboks and the Wallabies to the sword! This team has serious credentials heading into 2015 and are definitely one of the teams of the year for 2014.
Irish Woman’s Rugby Team
In what was a fantastic year for woman’s sport in Ireland another team shone brightly on the world stage – Ireland’s Woman’s Rugby Team. The season started strong with a resounding 59-0 victory over Scotland followed by a win over Wales (14-6). The first loss of the season came away against England in Twickenham (17-10). They picked themselves up however and put in another good performance against Italy winning 39-0. The tournament finished away in France where Ireland narrowly lost 19-15. In July Ireland racked up another good performance in their World Cup Warm up match against Wales running out comfortable winners 27-7. In August Ireland went to France for the Woman’s Rugby World Cup. An impressive win against a strong USA team (23-17) was backed up by the single best performance of not only the year but possible by any Irish team when they beat New Zealand (ranked number 1 and favourites for the trophy) 17-14. In their final group match they saw off Kazakhstan 40-5 which saw them top their group and into the semi-final. Unfortunately Ireland were beaten by a really impressive England (7-40).
Coach/Manager Performances
Paul McGinley
Paul McGinley was Europe’s captain as they retained the Ryder Cup against the USA in Gleneagles last year. While McGinley’s role was in the capacity of captain, he makes our cut as team captains don’t play in the tournament itself, but rather act like a Manager would and supports them in all other facets of the game. Defeating the Americans who have players on their team sheet such as Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Jim Furyk & Phil Mickelson is no easy feat and in doing so McGinley gets our nod as one of the managers of 2014.
Joe Schmidt
Joe Schmidt has long been hailed as one of the best in the business – guiding Leinster to two Heineken Cup victories as well as Pro 12 glory. Last year was Schmidt’s first full season in charge of the national team and wow was it a year to remember. The New Zealander guided Ireland to the Six Nations Championship in March after overcoming France in Paris on the last day of the tournament in a thrilling 20-22 win. Ireland won two from two in South America against a tough and vastly improved Argentina since their inclusion in the Rugby Championship in June. Ireland emphatically broke down the Boks in a comfortable 29-15 win at the Aviva Stadium. However one of Schmidt’s best victories came in the last game of 2014 against Australia. It was a classic that will long be remembered be all who were there (see Top Team Performances above) and illustrates Irelands ability to mix it with the best. While victories are easy to quantify – Ireland played 10 games in 2014 and won 9 of them, a 90% win ratio! What isn’t so easy to quantify is the impact a coach can have on a team. Schmidt’s appointment has been exactly what Ireland have needed to reach their best. What is most pleasing about the man from the land of the long white cloud is the extended squad he has now built. The two tests in June against Argentina were used to blood many good and exciting players such as Luke Marshall, Rhys Ruddock and Kieran Marmion. Fast forward five months later and Rhys Ruddock played a starring role in Irelands November clean sweep. Schmidt has built an extensive squad for the first time in Ireland’s history and in doing so he has guided them to the top table of international rugby. Expect Schmidt to be a highly sought after commodity for the top job on the Lions tour to his native New Zealand in 2017!
Eamonn Fitzmaurice
The former inter-county footballer guided Kerry to yet another All-Ireland Football Championship beating Donegal 2-9 to 0-12 in Croke Park in this year’s final. Fitzmaurice isn’t a stranger to success with the Kingdom, winning the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship as a player in 2000, 2004 & 2006. In his first year in management, Kerry won the All-Ireland in 2009 with Fitzmaurice a selector under the then manager Jack O’Connor. 2012 was his first year at the helm and he guided Kerry to a Munster title. However it was his achievements in 2014 that make him one of the Managers of the Year, guiding Kerry to win the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time since 2009.
Jan 21, 2015
Q1. What is your daily routine when you are training? (Week day)
Fitness at 7am-8am, school from 8:50 – 2:10 , tennis training from 3-5, then home, homework dinner!
Q2. What are your three most prized possessions?
iPhone, Tennis Racquet and Bracelet
Q3. If you could invite 3 people to dinner – who would they be?
Andre Agassi
Katie Taylor
Graham Norton
Q4. What’s your favourite film?
The North Face
Q5. Do you have any phobias?
Nope
Q6. Do you have a sporting hero?
Katie Taylor
Rafael Nadal
Brian O Driscoll
Q7. Favourite actor or actress?
Morgan Freeman
Q8. If you could have a superpower what would it be and why?
The ability to heal!! To prevent injuries and to constantly feel fresh
Q9. Favourite restaurant?
The Greenery Donnybrook
Q10. What’s your favourite TV series?
Breaking bad or Prison break
Quick Fire Questions
Movie or TV?
TV
Chinese or Indian?
Indian
Early Night In or Late Night Out?
Late Night Out
Swimming pool or Sea?
Swimming pool
Music Festival or Comedy Gig?
Music festival
Dog or Cat?
Dog
Burger or Hot Dog?
Burger
