Oct 20, 2014
Q1. What is your daily routine when you are training?
Due to the nature of my sport (5 Sports) my daily routine is quite varied. The consistent part is that each day has between 3-5 sessions and of course I eat and sleep A LOT. Usually it will consist of a block of training in the morning and another in the evening. Take Monday for example, I shoot and run in the morning from 9:00-11:30am then rest up and I swim and fence from 17:00-20:30pm
Q2. What are your three most prized possessions?
- Junior Worlds Bronze Medal, I keep it by my bed and use it as a constant reminder that there is another medal out there to be won in two years and that is very possible.
- A signed picture of Roger Banister breaking the 4 min Mile. I was given it by my granddad when I turned 21, who throughout my career has been one of my biggest supporters. I just love it.
- My phone, I feel more naked without that baby than I do in speedos
Q3. If you could invite 3 people to dinner – who would they be and why?
- Jessica Alba
- Rosie Huntington Whitley
- Emily Ratajkowski
I’m pretty sure you would be the envy of every man in the world, think of the photo opportunity…..!
Q4. What do you enjoy outside of sport?
- I love socialising with my friends
- Eating, I’m a bit of a foodie
- Adventures, I love doing something completely random on my day off, it’s usually far from the daily routine which helps keep my mind sound when the going gets tough.
Q5. What’s your favourite film?
Hmm that’s a hard one – Pentathlon, haha yes it’s a movie but no its probably in top 10 worst movies ever made where Dolph Lundgren (Russian Opponent from Rocky) plays a Russian Pentathlete who flees the country, it’s pretty comical. But my favourite movie of all time would have to be the Shawshank Redemption.
Shawshank Redemption (The Federation would have to agree with you here Arthur!!)
Q6. What’s your favourite music?
Too hard to pick one genre, but il give you some of my favourite songs instead:
- Robert DeLong – Global Concepts
- Chase and Status – Alive Feat. Jacob Banks
- Alt J – Breezeblocks
Q7. Any phobias?
Getting old scares me, I no longer look forward to birthdays and I am only just 23.
Q8. Do you have a sporting hero?
- Steve Prefontaine, I think his mentality is courageous and if you haven’t seen his famous quotes check them out they are awesome.
- Michael Phelps, what an athlete enough said!!!
American Olympian Steve Prefontaine
Q9. Favourite actor or actress?
Robert Downey Jnr, he is just a BOSS
Q10. Where would you like to go on holidays – but you can’t have been there before?
Mayalysia, no particular reason just looks really nice
Q11. Any pets?
I love animals, I have a dog at home but couldn’t have a dog in my apartment so I got a cat called Alf….!
Q12. If you could have a superpower what would it be and why?
Fly, I just think it would be bloody awesome…..!
Q13. Favourite restaurant?
Marco Pierre Whites – I LOVE STEAK
Q14. What would you like to achieve outside of sport?
Right now I’m focused on my sporting career and that takes full priority but whatever I do I want it to make a difference, just don’t know what that is just yet…..!
Q15. What’s your favourite TV series?
Suits, it’s just very slick
Q16. If you could have any car in the world, what would you get?
Audi RS5 – I wouldn’t want a supercar because it would just be too hard to be liked with one haha
Audi RS5
Q17. You just won the lotto – what’s the first thing you are buying?
HAHA probably an Audi RS5…! But I would also make sure to treat everyone in the family no fun enjoying it by yourself and of course look into worthy charities.
Q18. What did you want to be when you were a kid?
An Olympic Gold medallist – determined for it to happen.
Determined for Olympic glory!! Arthur in action…
Quick Fire Questions:
Twitter or Facebook
Facebook
Movie or TV
Movie
Chinese or Indian
Indian
Early Night In or Late Night Out
Late night out even if I don’t do it very often haha
Text or Whatsapp
Whatsapp
Crisps or Chocolate
CHOCOLATE
Swimming pool or Sea
Sea every time
Playstation or Xbox
Playstation
Oct 14, 2014
“The Federation of Irish Sport welcome the announcement today that there is to be no reduction in the current funding for sport from the €42.5 million allocated in 2014. The fact that a floor in the funding levels for sport has now been reached provides a positive platform for further investment against a significantly improving fiscal backdrop.
In our pre-budget submission the Federation called on the Government to return the current funding for sport -as distributed through the Irish Sports Council to the Federation’s 100 plus members – to 2011 levels by 2016. The Federation remains’ committed to working with the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport through the revised estimates process and into next year to secure this additional €4.4 million by 2016.
We also welcome the Government’s decision to provide a third round of the Sports Capital Programme. The decision to introduce a third round of the Programme is evidence, we believe, of an increasing recognition of the contribution and role of sport to communities nationwide and the importance of indigenous niche sectors in underpinning our recovery
The Federation had also asked Government to extend the tax relief currently in place for donations to sporting bodies in connection to capital projects to items of current spend. In that context it is our understanding that the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport are establishing a working group to examine the proposal in more detail. We look forward to actively participating in that review process.
Government investment will remain crucial to sport in Ireland but sport also wants to play its part in generating revenue for the sector by unlocking its hidden financial potential which we are confident is there. At present Irish Sport is the only part of the not for profit sector which does not to benefit from a tax relief on “current spend”. We are looking to Government to encourage the development of a culture of giving to sport in line with other areas.
The type of sports programmes that the Federation envisage would benefit from this relief should it be introduced would include programmes that bring different sports to new places; that support our existing and developing athletes as well as programmes that can target hard to reach members of our communities; that can develop our coaches and look after our athletes”.
Bernard Brogan, recently appointed President of the Federation of Irish Sport noted:
“This is the first time in six years that there has been no reduction in the current funding for Irish Sport. That, together with the announcement around the Sports Capital Funding is good news. As a country we now need to look at ways of increasing the revenues available to sport and the Federation will continue to work with Government to pursue our target of getting back to 2011 levels of funding by 2016 as well as ways of increasing levels of private sector investment into sport.”
ENDS
For further information: Sarah O’Connor, Chief Executive Federation Irish Sport 086 8048446. www.irishsport.ie
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Dept of Transport, Tourism & Sport Press Release (Extract), 14th October
Dept of Transport, Tourism & Sport Budget will further support job creation – Donohoe & Ring
Targeted investment in public transport and road network & continuation of 9% VAT rate will support economic activity and enhance job growth
- Retention of the lower VAT rate will encourage employment in tourism sector
- Maintenance of PSO at current levels & targeted investment in public transport and road network will enable economic growth
- New round of Sports Capital Programme (SCP) funding will help support construction industry & improve nation’s health
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, and the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, today (Tuesday) said measures contained in Budget 2015, including the retention of the 9% VAT rate, the safeguarding of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding for public transport and a new round of Sports Capital funding will contribute to the Government’s overall objective of creating 100,000 additional jobs by 2016. The total capital spend for the Department in 2015 will be more than €950 million; an increase of €50 million on 2014 when once-off stimulus funding for this year is factored out.
Speaking this afternoon, Minister Donohoe said: ‘The Irish people have been through a great deal over the last number of years and have made sacrifices to ensure our finances were stabilised and our economic recovery put in place. This Budget is about securing that recovery and implementing the most effective job creation measures to enable the continuation of the growth we have seen under this Government’.
New round of the Sports Capital Programme
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD said: ‘The allocation of a further round of SCP funding this year, which is the third round of funding during our term in Government, will provide opportunities for clubs and organisations around the country to apply for funds. By facilitating essential works to be carried out on pitches, clubhouses, and in respect of things such as lighting, the construction industry stands to benefit. This investment in sport also ensure that greater participation is encouraged, which has hugely positive social, physical and mental implications both for the individual and for broader society.
“In addition to this, the maintenance of current expenditure funding for sport at 2014 levels will allow the Irish Sports Council to continue what can only be described as an exceptionally successful programme for high performance sport next year, which will facilitate our athletes in their preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Minister Donohoe concluded: ‘We owe it to ourselves to ensure that the mistakes of the past are never again repeated and to ensure that our recovery is cemented. A jobs focused Budget such as this is instrumental in achieving that aim. Continuing to set goals so that we, as a country, can reach our true potential, get our people back to work and ensure that the recovery is felt in every corner of the country is our single objective. My Department has a central role in that, which I am determined to see fulfilled.”
Ends
Press Office, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport,
01 604 1090 / 01 6041093 www.dttas.ie pressofice@dttas.ie
Oct 8, 2014
Dublin GAA star Bernard Brogan has been appointed President of the Federation of Irish Sport.The Federation is the umbrella body for all of Irish sports governing bodies. In his role as President Bernard will work with the Federation to create greater awareness of the vital role sport can and does play across so many different areas of Irish life.
In what has been a brilliant sports career to date Bernard has won two All-Ireland and National League titles with Dublin, been an All Star three times, is a 7 time Leinster Championship Winner, was awarded the Footballer of the Year in 2010 and represented Ireland as an International Rules Player. He is a Chartered Accountant and co-founder with his cousin and fellow All Ireland winner, James Brogan of Legacy Sports & Entertainment Consultants.
The Federation has over the last number of years through its, Why Irish Sport Matters Campaign, united Irish Sport under one umbrella and had made significant strides in raising awareness of the multiple dividends sport provides to both the economic and social life of the country. Included amongst its recent successes are securing the inclusion of sport at the Global Economic Forum in October 2013 as well as obtaining a commitment from Government to developing a Cross Government Sports Policy – an initiative first called for by the Federation in its 2012 Annual Review of Irish Sport.
Speaking on his appointment, Bernard said:
“Having being involved all my life as a player of sport, I have seen at first hand the benefits of being involved in sport to my own life, the friendships I have made, the places sport has taken me and the focus it provided me in trying to match my achievements on the field of play to my life away from sport. More recently, I have made the transition into the business of sport establishing Legacy Sports & Entertainment Consultants with my cousin, James evidence of my belief that sport is a sector that does and can play an even bigger role in the economic and social life of Ireland. I am therefore delighted to take up the challenge of being President of the Federation and look forward to working closely with the Federation and its members to further spread the message of the true value of sport to Ireland.”
Commenting on Bernard’s appointment as President, the Federation’s CEO Sarah O’Connor said;
“The Federation are delighted that such an accomplished and decorated athlete as Bernard has agreed to take up the mantle and serve as President. It is hoped that Bernard’s involvement with the Federation will facilitate even greater awareness and discussions around the role of sport in Irish Society. We firmly believe that sport can help Ireland achieve many of our national objectives a process which is already underway in countries such as Singapore through their national sports strategy, Vision2030. Bernard really believes in the power of sport not just because of his experiences as an athlete but also through his recent transition to the business of sport. This makes Bernard the perfect person to work with us as we try to ensure a more strategic approach to sport is adopted by Government to the benefit of all of Ireland’s citizens.”
READ THE FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT BUDGET 2015 SUBMISSION LAUNCHED ON 8TH OCTOBER HERE
Oct 8, 2014
Federation budget submission also calls on government to extend donations tax relief to current spend
The Federation of Irish Sport in their pre-budget submission on behalf of all Irish sport has made two requests of Government. The Federation announced details of their submission at a briefing in Trinity College Dublin earlier this morning Wednesday 8th October. At the briefing the they also announced that Dublin GAA star Bernard Brogan was to be the first President of the Federation.
In their submission the Federation called on the Government to return the current funding for sport as distributed through the Irish Sports Council to the Federation’s 100 plus members, back to 2011 levels by 2016. They also called on the government to extend the tax relief currently in place for donations to sporting bodies in connection to capital projects to items of current spend.
In calling on the government to reinstate current funding to 2011 levels the Federation acknowledged the commitment that government had given to sport in recent budgets and in particular the €40 million the government had given to sports capital projects in the last budget.
They noted that the 9% reversal of the cuts imposed on current funding since 2011 is slightly ahead of anticipated growth rates for the next two years (7.5%). The Federation however believe the €4.4 million increase over two years is however a modest, prudent and realistic increase given not just the 27% decrease in current funding for sport over the last 6 years but the role sport plays in the economic and social life of our country.
The Federation outlined that any increase in the current funding for sport could benefit all of Ireland’s people. The additional monies will allow sport continue to target the 12.6% of Ireland’s population that remain inactive a well as support the 2.5 million that do participate.
The monies would also go to preparing not just the established athletes as they seek to qualify for Rio but ensure those already in development squads eyeing up 2020 & 2024 with the coaching, training and support they require to be the best they can be flying the flag for Ireland right around the world as they do it.
Speaking at the launch, the Federation’s CEO Sarah O’Connor said “Rio 2016 is now right around the corner. 2015 is qualification year in most sports for both the Olympic & Paralympic Games. In truth it is not just Rio on the horizon but Tokyo and even future games whose locations have yet to be determined. Developing sport both at grassroots and high performance levels is a continuous process and consistent investment is crucial”.
“A reversal of a portion of the cuts imposed on current funding as a result of the recession is now vital to ensure that our existing athletes are adequately prepared as they launch into Olympic & Paralympic qualification but also that efforts to grow grassroots participation can continue. Whilst the Irish Sports Monitor 2013 published last week had a lot of very positive findings particularly, in relation to women and those over 65 however, there were also reductions in participation levels amongst certain sections of the population showing that participation in sport is not something that can ever be taken for granted”.
The Federation has also asked Government to extend the tax relief currently in place for donations to sporting bodies in connection to capital projects to items of current spend. Irish Sport does want to help itself an in this regard, is looking to Government to assist in the development of a culture of private sector investment in sport. Irish Sport is the only contributor to the not for profit sector not to benefit from a tax relief on “current spend”.
The type of programmes that would benefit from this relief should it be introduced would include programmes that bring different sports to new places; that support our existing and developing athletes as well as programmes that can target hard to reach members of our communities; that can develop our coaches and look after our athletes.
This works for sport overseas. In the US, on average 25% of a university athletic programme is funded by private donations. The Australian Sports Foundation has raised AUS$230m since 1986 whilst BC Sport rose CAN$ 1.2m in 2013.
The Federation of Irish Sport believe that a developed culture of giving to sport has the potential to make a real and lasting positive impact on the development on sport in this country. It has been estimated that up to €100 million per year across all sports at all levels could be generated within 10 years.
Federation of Irish Sport Budget Submission Oct 2014
SARAH O’CONNOR, CEO,THE FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT – 086 804 8446
Oct 1, 2014
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD, today launched The Irish Sports Council, “Irish Sports Monitor Annual Report (ISM) 2013”. This is the fifth report in the ISM series and provides the Irish Sports Council with a means of accurately monitoring and tracking active and social participation in sport among adults in Ireland.
In launching the report Minister Ring said: “The value of participating in sport and physical activity cannot be underestimated; even small improvements in participation levels will confer health, social and economic benefits both for the individual and for society as a whole. This report shows that Government investment in sport has been successful in boosting sporting activity. We know that this will lead in time to healthier communities’.
The two most recent ISM reports noted significant increases in sports participation and this current report shows a continuation of that trend. Participation in sport has risen from 44.8% in 2011 to 47.2%, which is equivalent to almost 1.7 million Irish adults participating in sport regularly.
Key findings include:
- A higher proportion of females are participating in sport than previously, (increasing by 3.7% to 42.7%) resulting in a narrowing of the gender gap in participation. There has been a notable rise in participation among females aged 25 to 44.
- Personal exercise is now the most popular sporting activity for both genders.
- Almost 9 in 10 adults take part in some physical activity on a weekly basis with both men and women equally likely to be active in this regard.
- Over 45% of those playing sport are meeting the National Physical Activity Guidelines.
- The proportion who are sedentary continues to decline with a 1.2% decrease in 2013 and a 5.6% decline since 2007.
Speaking at the launch, Kieran Mulvey, Chairperson of the Irish Sports Council said: “The Irish Sports Council has made increasing participation in sport and physical activity a key strategic priority. It is vital that we and our key stakeholders have access to this type of research to underpin our efforts in this regard.”
John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council acknowledged “The increase in sports participation since the previous study is undoubtedly encouraging and is likely to be a result of a combination of factors, both in terms of sports policy and activities of Local Sports Partnerships as well as a continued focus on physical activity throughout the population”.
Kieran O’ Leary, Research Director at Ipsos MRBI commented “Recreational walking remains the most popular form of activity with 2.3 million a week taking part. This activity appeals to both men and women, across all age groups and to various other demographics”.
The 2013 ISM report is based on the analysis of over nine thousand questionnaires from a representative sample of the Irish public aged 16 and over. Other publications in the research programme on sport and physical activity are available at www.irishsportscouncil.ie
Irish Sports Monitor Report 2013
Sep 30, 2014
Created in 2003, the BNP Paribas National Tennis Academy is a programme designed by Tennis Ireland to bring the top Irish players to one central location. The programme began with seven players in Westwood in Leopardstown before being moved to Dublin City University (DCU) under the watchful eye of Technical Director Garry Cahill.
The initial squad that took part in the programme included players such as Mark Bowtell, Niall Fitzgerald and John Morrissey – all who have progressed and have each performed at the highest international level.
DCU was selected as the base for the programme in July 2005 as athletes can really improve their skill set at the international standard facilities that our found at the Glasnevin campus. By 2007 the Academy saw an increase in players to what has now become a 50 member squad of both full and part time athletes.
Players can avail of 10 multi-surface all weather courts at the National Tennis Centre that was specifically built in DCU. This allows players to train for international events on a similar surface to the one they will then be competing on. Also at the disposal of the players is the Sports Gymnasium where off the court training such as body conditioning, cardio and ice baths allow athletes to perform at their optimum level. Full-time squad players rack up between 24-30 hours of training a week while part time members train between 6-9 hours
Each programme is tailored to best suit the individual player – with international competitions included so they come up against the best both Europe and the world have to offer.
This hard work, dedication and support has brought huge success recently as Ireland made history in winning all three age groups in the Tri-Nations tournament a few weeks ago.
The under 12’s girls Ali McClean and Olivia Moriotti had to dig deep to win a championship tie-break which sealed victory in their age group. Ammar Elamin and Conor Gannon didn’t look in doubt as the pair never dropped a set on their way to help bring the U12’s title home.
It was edge of your seat action in the under 14’s as going into the final round of the doubles vs Scotland, Ireland needed to either win the boys or girls matches, or, bring one of the matches to a third set – as in the event of a tie, the winner is decided on sets won. With both matches going in Scotland’s favour, the Irish pair of Sofia Derivan and Georgina Drummy dug deep to claim the second set and get the all important point for the girls. Ronan Sweeney and Daniel Vlas put in some solid singles performances the day before.
It was more straight forward for the U18’s as their strong start on the opening day saw them win six of their singles matches. Their captain Stephen Nugent who has worked with them through their junior years expressed his pride and delight for them.
Tennis Ireland sees the ongoing relationship with BNP Paribas and their sponsorship of the national academy as a huge contributor to both the recent and on-going success of tennis in Ireland.
The Irish Team:
Under 12’s Under 14’s Under 18’s
Ali McClean Sofia Derivan Laura Deegan
Olivia Mariotti Georgia Drummy Julie Byrne
Conor Gannon Daniel Vlas Osgar O’Hoisin
Ammar Elamin Ronan Sweeney Sam Bothwell
