Minister Ring publishes Bill to merge the Irish Sports Council and the National Sports Campus Development Authority

Aug 29, 2014

Provisions included to statutorily underpin the national Anti-Doping Programme and the Irish Anti-Doping Rules

Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring TD, has today (Thursday) published the Sport Ireland Bill 2014 following approval by the Government.

The purpose of the Bill is to provide for the establishment of a new statutory sports body, Sport Ireland, which merges the two existing sports bodies – the Irish Sports Council and the National Sports Campus Development Authority. The merger of the two bodies is part of the Government’s programme for the rationalisation of State agencies.

The Sport Ireland Bill is available on the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport website at: http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=27180&&CatID=59

Minister Ring said: ‘This Bill brings responsibility for the implementation of Irish sports policy under a single agency, Sport Ireland. The new agency will take over responsibility for the relevant functions currently performed by the Council and the Authority. Sport Ireland will continue the work currently being done by the Council in promoting, developing and co-ordinating sport in Ireland and also the work of the Authority in developing the National Sports Campus at Blanchardstown. I hope to have the Bill enacted during the next Dáil term and to establish Sport Ireland as early as possible’.

The Sport Ireland Bill combines the main provisions of the Irish Sports Council Act, 1999 and the National Sports Campus Development Authority Act 2006. It also includes new provisions relating to doping in sport, which ensure the statutory underpinning of the national Anti-Doping Programme and the Irish Anti-Doping Rules.

Minister Ring added: ‘Anti-doping is a key area of work in sport aimed at ensuring that all athletes are competing on an equal footing. The Bill includes new provisions which will help Sport Ireland in its work in combatting doping in sport, and in continuing the work done by the Irish Sports Council in this area. The Bill provides a statutory basis for Ireland’s Anti-Doping Programme and the Irish Anti-Doping Rules. It also provides for sharing of information between Sport Ireland and relevant organisations, including the Irish Medicines Board, the Gardaí and Customs, which is an essential element in the fight against doping in sport’.

NGB Profile: Softball Ireland

Aug 27, 2014

Softball was introduced to Ireland in the early 1980’s and Softball Ireland was established in 1989. Softball Ireland is the governing body for all variations the sport of softball in Ireland. Softball Ireland is internationally aligned with the European Softball Federation and the International Softball Federation.

The primary objective is to promote and develop the sport at every level from recreational softball through to Irelands High Performance Programme. Currently headquartered in Dublin Softball Ireland is run by an elected voluntary board who are responsible for the organisation, development and growth of the game in Ireland.

What is Softball?

Softball is a variant of baseball played with a larger ball on a smaller field. Women’s fastpitch softball became a Summer Olympic sport in 1996, but it (and baseball) were dropped in 2005 from the 2012 games. It is hoped that Softball will be reintroduced to the 2020 Olympic Games.

There are two types of softball. In the most common type, slow-pitch softball (which is played by the majority of players in Ireland), the ball, must arch on its path to the batter; there are 10 players in a team; and bunting and stealing are prohibited. In fastpitch softball, the pitch is fast, there are nine players on the field at one time, and bunting and stealing are permitted. Softball Ireland has launched Women’s fastpitch in 2014 as part of its policy of getting more women playing sport.

Membership:

There are 37 affiliated clubs in Ireland with a combined membership of just under 700 players.

Fact File:

• Softball was invented in 1887 in Chicago as an indoor game. It was at various times called indoor baseball, mush ball, playground, softbund ball, kitten ball, and, because it was also played by women, ladies’ baseball. The name softball was given to the game in 1926.
• The standard distance between bases for slow-pitch softball is 65feet and for fastpitch softball is 60ft. In fastpitch softball the ball is pitched underarm and can reach speeds of up to 60mph
• Ireland has been participated in European Championships since 1998 and is currently ranked fourth in Europe in slow-pitch softball. Ireland has previously won both silver and bronze medals at the European Championships

Key Events in 2014/2015

World Series Softball Tournament, September 13, 2014, London

European Softball Federation Annual Congress, February 2015, Dublin

ESF Slow-pitch Championships, July 2015, Bulgaria

ESF Fastpitch Championships, 2015, TBC

Contact Info

www.softball.ie

Twitter: @softballireland

E: info@softball.ie

LSP Profile: Meath Local Sports Partnership

Aug 27, 2014

Meath Local Sports Partnership

Meath Local Sports Partnership (Meath LSP) was established in 2002 by the Irish Sports Council to plan, lead and coordinate the development of sport and physical activity in County Meath. This is achieved through engagement with sporting bodies, community and voluntary organisations, local and national agencies and statutory bodies.

Meath LSP provides a leadership role for the co-ordination, development and delivery of sport and physical activity opportunities in County Meath within the framework of our strategic plan and the resources available. Our work includes the provision of information on sport and physical activity, the facilitation of education and training opportunities and supporting the development and implementation of programmes and events that encourage greater participation.

Meath LSP works with and supports the work of the staff and volunteers of our partners and stakeholders in promoting participation in sport and physical activity. We are supported in this role by local and national agencies, statutory bodies, sporting organisations and community and voluntary organisations.

Following an extensive review of our second strategy in 2013, “Sport and Physical Activity – a Way of Life” 2007-2012, we launched our new 4 year strategy “Active Meath – More People, More Active, More Often” 2014-2017 earlier this year.  This strategy consolidates the work achieved to date and sets about building the framework for a broader range of activities which will incorporate and encourage participants of all sporting and physical abilities.

In order to achieve this aim, we have identified three priority goals as part of our strategy:

1. Active Communities – more people, more active, more often.  Meath LSP will continue to support a range of sport and physical activity pathways, programmes and facilities in Co. Meath.
2. Active Partnerships: Meath LSP will engage with and support the partner organisations and National Governing Bodies of Sport, who make sports and physical activity possible in our County.
3. Active Processes: Meath LSP will operate in an effective and transparent manner, grow the capacity of our staff, research our impact, communicate effectively and make best use of our data and IT systems.

Examples of programmes delivered by Meath LSP under the priority goals listed above:

Sports Hall Athletics – a primary school indoor athletics programme focussed on running, jumping, and throwing activities which support agility, balance and co-ordination development.

In Meath over 250 children from 3^rd through to 6^th class are trained annually in this discipline. Format for delivery includes schools participating in a 6 week training programme, followed by county final with representatives from the different events going forward to represent Meath at the National finals.

The programme is delivered jointly between Meath LSP and Meath Athletics. For some the programme offers an entirely new experience introducing them to athletics in both team and individual events; for others it`s a chance to showcase the skills they have learned with their local clubs.

Games for Life – programme of activities for older adults and people with disability. Programme involves training and developing club and group representatives to deliver a series of activities (Bowls, Kurling, Boccia and Flisk) back to their host organisations. Leagues and competitions in each discipline are run between groups and on county wide level.  Since its implementation in 2010, over 800 people in Meath have been impacted upon by the Games for Life Programme. It has changed the face of physical activity for older adults and people with disability.

In 2014 the programme was expanded to include a new activity – Box Hockey. Through the Men`s Shed initiative, equipment for the new activity is constructed and distributed to the local groups. This activity will follow the same format as others above in terms of roll out and delivery.

 Be Active ASAP is a national programme introducing 2^nd class children to physical activity in a safe, familiar, structured setting, with an emphasis on fun, enjoyment, and learning through a variety of activities. It aims to improve the attitudes of both children and their parents towards physical activity and lay the foundation for positive, lifelong physical activity habits.

The Be Active ASAP echoes the Physical Education Curriculum for Primary Schools. The programme consists of five 6-week blocks of activity (Games, Gymnastics, Athletics, Dance and Outdoor & Adventure Activities).The initiative is led by volunteer teacher leaders and facilitated by volunteer parent leaders.  The programme is supported by the Department of Health Promotion and Improvement HSE Dublin North East.

The programme is currently rolling out in 26 Local Sports Partnership`s nationwide. To date, a total of 331 schools, 1,271 teachers have received the training and over 28,000 children and 2,527 parent volunteers have participated in the programme.

Sports Inclusion Disability Programme – overall aim of Sports Inclusion Disability Programme is to support the strategic development and implementation of sport and physical activity for people with disabilities in County Meath.

Key elements of the SIDP include programming, training and education, information provision and a collaborative inter-agency approach to create an inclusive sporting and physical activity environment in County Meath where everyone participates irrespective of ability. To date, the programme has grown from strength to strength with over 400 people with disabilities currently participating in a variety of sporting activities. Activities include soccer, horse-riding, powerchair football, rugby, hockey, fishing, athletics, boccia, new age kurling, walking and tennis to name a few.

A quality training and education programme is also in place which aims to increase awareness and encourage coaches, volunteers, teachers and those involved in the provision of sport and physical activity to have the confidence to provide an inclusive sporting environment where everyone is welcomed irrespective of ability.

The positive impact of the SIDP is not only evident amongst participants on the various programmes but the benefits have been documented by parents, organisations and clubs involved.  Many quality collaborative inter-agency programmes currently exist in County Meath – an example of which is the Meath Powerchair Football team.  Meath LSP developed  Meath Powerchair in conjunction with the FAI, Navan Irish Wheelchair Association and Muscular Dystrophy Ireland. This action-packed team sport combines the skill of the wheelchair user with the speed and power of the chair itself, to participate in an extremely challenging game of soccer. The programme is now in its fourth year of existence in Meath with one player (Thomas Winters) currently part of the Irish senior Powerchair Football squad.

Annually we organise and deliver a wide range of training courses, workshops and physical activity programmes across the County for all ages and abilities.

Training & Development  Events Include:

• Workshops in Child Protection, Sports First Aid, Disability Inclusion
• Club Seminar on Garda Vetting Legislation
• Coaching Conference – Pre season conference held in January
• Club Development Resource pack
• Funding information & guidance workshops
• Sports day training for primary school teachers
• Summer camp leader training

Participation Programmes & Events Include:

• Meath Mental Health week – run in association with Local Authority, HSE, Agencies, Community Groups and NGB`s
• Mass participation events -Royal County 5k & All County 5k events, An Post Meath Heritage Cycle tour; Bike week family spin; Operation Transformation walk
• Programme of activities for women and men to include Walk4Fitness; Learn2Run to 5k; Meath Running Group; Mature Movers
• Girls in Action – physical activity programme for secondary school girls

Above is just a sample of the activities and programmes run by Meath Local Sports Partnership. Anyone interested, should contact the office at 046 9067337 or check out www.meathsports.ie or email mlsp@meathcoco.ie

Interview: Saskia Tidey – Irish Sailing Association

Aug 21, 2014

The Federation caught up with Irish Sailor, Saskia Tidey recently. Saskia is relatively new to the Olympic campaign circuit and is hoping to qualify the nation in the 49erFX class this September in Spain. Check out how it went below.

Q1. What is your daily routine when you are training?

I always start the day with a massive breakfast! Our training sessions on the water are usually 3 – 3.5 hours long which we then debrief about when we come back ashore. I usually take an hour or two off to refuel before my gym session in the evening. After dinner I prep all my food for the next day of training and pack my bags.

Q2. What are your three most prized possessions?

Three things which I could not campaign without would be:

1)      Cooking Utensils, spices, baking products and recipe book.

2)      My toothe brush (panic when I can’t find that!)

3)      My Nike runners

Q3. If you could invite 3 people to dinner – who would they be and why?

Alanna Blanchard, Maria Sharapova, Lindsey Vonn – All  of these women are incredible athletes. I would say they are three of my favorte sports people. It would be really exciting to meet each one and know more about their life as a full time athlete.

Q4. What do you enjoy outside of sport?

I really enjoy being out in the fresh air. In sailing you’re not only competeting against your opposition but with the elements as well. But it’s a very rewarding feeling to come home after spending all day outside and sit down on a sofa with a cup of tea!

Saskia out on the water

Q5. What’s your favourite film?

It would have to be ‘Never Back Down’

Q6. Any phobias?

Terrified of insects!

Q7. Do you have a sporting hero?

If I were to pick one, Lindsey Vonn Professional Skiier

Q8. Favourite actor or actress?

Blake Lively

Q9. Where would you like to go on holidays – but you can’t have been there before?

I would love to go to the Maldeves. My dream holiday is to spend all day on white beaches and in the sea!

Saskia chose the Maldives as a place to visit!

Q10. Any pets?

Two Yello Labradors called Flora and Bella. Im a big doggie fan! I rarely walk by a dog and don’t say ‘awwwww’.

Q11. If you could have a superpower what would it be and why?

Flying Powers – It would be awsome to be able to fly instead of taking transport!

Q12. Favourite restaurant?

Hartley’s  Restaurant – Dun Laoghaire, Dublin

Q13. What three things would you bring to a desert island?

Food

Food

More Food

Q14. If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be and why?

Richard Branson – He seems like an awsome guy!

Richard Branson – “an awesome guy!”

Q15. What’s your favourite TV series?

The Good Wife

Quick Fire Questions:

Twitter or Facebook – Facebook

Movie or TV – Movie

Chinese or Indian – Indian

Early Night In or Late Night Out – Early Night In

Text or Whatsapp – Text

Coke or Pepsi – Neither

Crisps or Chocolate – Chocolate

Swimming pool or Sea – Sea

Music Festival or Comedy Gig – Music Festival

Ireland Women's Rugby Team at the Rugby World Cup – Review

Aug 21, 2014

The Woman’s Rugby World Cup took place from 1st-17th August 2014 in Paris

The Irish Woman’s rugby team set out for France, knowing that three wins from three in the group stage would probably be needed to progress into the semi-final. With only a total of four teams progressing from the 3 groups, the top team from each group, plus the next best ranked team, it was never going to be straight forward.

Ireland were drawn in Pool B with the USA, New Zealand and Kazakhstan.

The Three Pools at the WRWC where Ireland were seeded in Pool B

The first match for Ireland was on Friday 1^st August v the USA in Marcoussis. Having lost their previous encounter with the US by 40-3, Ireland coach Phillip Doyle named a strong side with Niamh Briggs at full back.  Nora Stapleton and Tania Rosser made up the half backs while Lynne Cantwell and Grace Davitt were partnered at centre. Captain Fiona Coghlan packed down at loose head with Ailis Egan and Sophie Spence making up the rest of the front row. Ireland’s lineout options were increased with the inclusion of Marie Louise Reilly in at second row.

The game was a tough opener for the Irish Woman with their American counterparts a physical opponent. However tries from Ailis Egan and full back Niamh Briggs saw the girls in green lead 20-10 at half time.

Ireland on the defence, in their opening WRWC match versus the USA

America were the first to strike in the second half but Ireland kept the pressure on with a 60^th minute penalty from Briggs which helped Ireland win their opening game 23-17.

One down… Two to go!

Ireland’s next encounter was the much anticipated match with New Zealand. The Black Ferns, like their male counterparts, were the defending Champions and had just come off a convincing first round 79-5 win over fellow group opponents Kazakhstan.

There was one change for this crunch fixture which saw blindside Paula Fitzpatrick drafted in to the starting XV. Ireland didn’t start like they would have hoped. The Black Ferns, like all good New Zealand sides, turned defence into attack superbly when a loose ball was gathered on the halfway line en route to scoring the game’s first try. Their ability to put quick width on the ball was pivotal and full back Selica Winiata scampered into the left corner. Ireland needed to score next and that they did. The green army drove around the fringe which saw them gain valuable metres. Powerful no.8 Heather O’Brien with the final assault on 34 minutes as Ireland deservedly took seven points.

Tania Rosser, winning her 50th cap, looks to clear the ball from a ruck during the second round match v New Zealand.

With only one point separating the sides at half time, Ireland were in a good place. Jenny Murphy came on at centre for Davitt as Ireland looked to establish their presence once again. New Zealand kicked another penalty as the Black Ferns continued to put width on the ball. However, Ireland’s defence was nothing short of heroic as the game hung in the balance. Rosser, who earned her 50^th cap, held Winiata up over the Irish line in what was surely one of the defining moments.

The highlight of the match, at least from an Irish perspective, saw Full Back Briggs make an incredible run down the left flank after a sloppy kick from New Zealand. After swerving and beating two defenders, she drew another and popped a great pass to her winger Alison Miller who still had plenty of work to do. Miller scooted down the touch line with the attention from the covering defence not enough. Even at this stage of the competition, it was a serious contender for try of the tournament!

Wonder Try! Ireland celebrate one of the tries of the tournament against the Black Ferns

Both teams traded penalties in the final few minutes of time, with Briggs trusted boot playing a pivotal role. Referee Leah Berard, to the delight of the green fans, blew the whistle for the last time and Ireland won 17-14, a historic victory.

Ireland were now really well placed to get to the semi-final of the World Cup for the very first time. There were ten changes to the side that started their final pool match against Kazakhstan. Leading 14-5 at half time, the game was by no means a straight forward win. However with some tactical substitutions in the second half by coach Phillip Doyle, Ireland won by 40 points to 5 with a total of 6 tries.

Shoulder to Shoulder! The Irish fans were fantastic in Paris

That victory saw Ireland top their group with 13 points, the second highest finishers after the host nation France, and gave them a semi-final versus England.

Ireland were in great form coming into this encounter. The starting XV reverted to the same as the one that played the Black Ferns in round two. A repeat of that performance was going to be needed against an English side who had beaten Ireland 17-10 in the Six Nations back in February.

Ireland got off to a fantastic start with some clever work at the base of the ruck from Rosser, who had been reinstalled at scrum half after her run at fly half in the previous round.

Ireland look to attack in their semi-final encounter with England

However, really strong running from the England 13 Emily Scarrett, helped her side to two quick tries in the 25^th and 36^th minutes.

England played with huge intensity and physicality and it was ‘as you were’ in the second half for the Red Roses. Late tries meant the score line looked more flattering than it actually was but there was no doubt the English were deserved winners with the final score 40 points to seven.

No way through! Ireland try to hold up the ball during their semi-final match

And so the dream of a World Cup Final was over. However, Ireland would still have a huge fixture in the way of France, the host nation, in the 3^rd/4^th place playoff. Having lost their previous match with les bleus (19-15) in this year’s Six Nations, and with both sides wanting to finish on a high, this game was always going to be an extremely close affair.

Team Spirit! Ireland have time for one last pep talk

Niamh Briggs continued her sensational form with another try in the tournament. Grace Davitt also doting down for a five pointer to give Ireland a 15-12 lead at half.

Home advantage played its part and France, led by their brilliant out half Sandrine Agricole ran out eventual winners 25-18.

So Ireland finished fourth which is an exceptional achievement. Along the way they beat the World Champions, topped their group and progressed into the semi-final, for the very first time.

The achievement was not lost on Coach Phillip Doyle who said: “It is the end of an era but the start of a new one. I’m telling you, there is a huge chance to push on and really put woman’s rugby in Ireland on a new standing. I just hope everyone involved grasps it and moves forward”.

The team arrived home to a hero’s welcome at Dublin Airport on Monday 18^th August. Irish winger Alison Miller commented upon arriving home: “Before we came to this tournament the best an Irish women’s rugby team had finished was 7th in the last World Cup so to get to a semi-final was an amazing achievement. It’s great for women’s sport that we’ve gathered this much attention. It’s fantastic, it’s great for the game and it’ll increase the profile of women’s rugby, and more people will get involved because of it”. The achievement was best summed up by Phillip Doyle who proclaimed: “I’m immensely proud of what we’ve done for women’s sport in Ireland”.

Homeward bound! The girls in green were given a warm welcome upon arriving home

Three Irish players’ individual performances at this year’s tournament were rewarded with selection on to the 2014 Woman’s Rugby World Cup Dream Team.

15. Niamh Briggs (IRE)

14. Magali Harvey (CAN)

13. Emily Scarratt (ENG)

12. Andrea Burk (CAN)

11. Honey Hireme (NZL)

10. Sandrine Agricole (FRA)

9. Stephanie Bernier (CAN)

8. Kelly Russell (CAN)

7. Maggie Alphonsi (ENG)

6. Safi N’Diaye (FRA)

5. Assa Koita (FRA)

4. Marie Louise Reilly (IRE)

3. Hilary Leith (CAN)

2. Gillian Bourke (IRE)

1. Marie-Pier Pinault-Reid (CAN)