Jun 30, 2014
The Department published its annual report on 25th June highlighting the achievements in sport made during the year as well as outlining the priorities for 2014. Minister Varadkar outlined developments at the National Sports Campus (NSC):
“This was also an excellent year for sport with the opening of new multi-sport synthetic pitches and a pavilion for GAA, hockey, rugby and football at the National Sports Campus. These facilities will also be available to the public. Work will start this year on the new National Indoor Arena providing the first facility of its kind for indoor athletics, gymnastics and a host of other sports.”
The four actions commenced by the Department in Sport during 2013 were as follows-
- Develop new facilities at the National Sports Campus including access roads and multi-use pitches and a pavilion
- Promote Sport (Physical Education) as an examination subject
- Report on the feasibility of an Irish Museum of Sport
- Special sports capital programme for boxing and local authorities
Developments at the NSC also included the development of a new sport pavilion, equestrian arena, gymnastics and pentathlon facilities. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has developed proposals to change the way physical education (PE) is delivered at both junior and senior cycle in post-primary schools. ‘These proposals are in line with the Ministers’ priority in this area to promote sport (physical education) as an examination subject’ the report states. A committee, which includes the Federation of Irish Sport’s CEO, has been established by Minister Ring to examine the feasibility of developing a Museum of Sport and proposals are currently being reviewed in this regard. Finally a sports capital programme for boxing clubs and local authorities made awards of €2.98m in total.
‘Statistics at a glance’ provided in the report for 2013 include:
- €1.6m in grants to elite athletes under the International Carding Scheme and €6.8m under the High Performance Programme
- €7.9m to GAA, FAI and IRFU to increase participation by young people
- 67 medals at Olympic, Paralympic, World and European levels in sports supported by the Irish Sports Council
- Over 850,000 visits to the National Aquatic Centre
The report goes into more detail (pages 28-32) on the various areas of sport that the Department made progress on in 2013 and goals being set for 2014. The following headings summarise the achievements:
Sports Capital Programme (SCP)
In 2013, €13.5m was paid out to SCP grantees with a further €40m being earmarked for sports bodies in 2014. €1m was allocated to the IABA for upgrading of facilities in boxing clubs around the country. 37 grants amounting to €1.98m were made to city and county councils under the Sport Nation initiative joint funded by the Department and Irish Public Bodies Insurance (IPB).
Local Authority Swimming Pools
A total of €5.54m was paid out for new, replacement or refurbished Local Authority Swimming Pools in 2013.
Irish Sports Council
The ISC’s budget for 2013 was €43.5m which was a 2.5% reduction on the 2012 figure. 2014 has seen a further reduction to €42.5m which is hopefully the floor from which investment in sport shall be built, as indicated by the Minister at the recent Federation Annual Conference. The investment in the ISC has three central aims according to the report; increasing participation, improving standards in high performance sport and developing the capacity of the National Governing Bodies of Sport.
The Irish Sports Monitor 2013 half-year report highlighted that participation rates are thankfully continuing to increase with:
- 47% of the population participated in sport regularly (weekly) in 2013 compared to 44.5% in 2011.
- The levels of sedentary people have dropped from 13.2% in 2011 to 12.1% in 2013.
- Walking continues to grow in popularity with over 64.7% of Irish adults now walking for exercise on a weekly basis. Participation rates in recreational walking among Irish adults has grown significantly over the past five years and the ISC is continuing to work in partnership with a number of health and sport agencies to further increase participation rates in walking over the coming years.
National Governing Bodies of Sport
NGBs received 50% of all ISC funding in 2013 with a €7.9m investment going to the FAI, GAA, and IRFU to support their work in increasing youth participation. 59 other NGBs received €11.4m which helped them deliver ‘quality sport in Ireland, including administration, coach education and hosting and participating at international events.’
Local Sports Partnerships
31 LSPs received investment of €5.1m to provide national coverage for sports participation programmes and services aimed at increasing participation in sport. The partnership network also facilitated the employment of 16 Sports Inclusion Disability Officers.
Widening Participation in Sport
€600,000 was allocated to the ‘Go for Life’ programmes that aim to increase opportunities for older members to actively participate in recreational sport and physical activity, which included a €285,000 grant scheme. In addition, €800,000 was allocated to ‘Women in Sport’ programmes delivered through the LSPs and NGBs of sport.
Feasibility of Developing a Museum of Sport
The committee established by Minister Ring working on the feasibility of developing a museum has continued its work and the Department and the OPW have worked to identify sites. Failte Ireland has reviewed the tourism potential of a sports museum.
Anti-Doping
The Minister was appointed to the WADA Foundation Board for a period of 18 months from January 2013 and the World Conference on Anti-Doping in Sport endorsed a revised World Anti-Doping Code.
Organisational Capability Building (OCB)
The ISC HR and OCB Unit deliver services in the areas of: project management, governance, risk management, strategic planning, change management, employee performance and organisational leadership. A new strategy was worked on in 2013 and launched in 2014.
Coaching
In 2013, 22,903 coaches qualified along with 104 tutors while 1,921 courses were approved by Coaching Ireland.
National Sports Campus Development Authority (NSCDA)
The NSCDA developed a new pavilion with community sports pitches located adjacent which facilitate four major field sports- GAA, hockey, rugby and soccer. The National Diving Training Centre, Horse Sport Arena and the National Modern Pentathlon Centre now mean that the five sports of modern pentathlon can now be catered for on the site of the NSC, the only such facility in Europe. The completion of a new internal feeder road allows access to the entire NSC site and the refurbishment of an old farm residence allows high performance athletes to now stay and train on the campus. In April 2013 Irish Sport HQ was opened and now houses 19 NGBs. The budget in October 2013 provided funding for the National Indoor Arena which is anticipated to commence construction in 2014 with a completion date at the end of 2016. The ISC and the IIS announced plans for the development of a High Performance Training Centre at the campus which will commence in 2014 and be completed in mid-2015 to allow use before the 2016 Olympics.
NSCDA (Operations) Limited
This subsidiary of the NSCDA manages the National Aquatic Centre (NAC) and Morton Stadium as well as any new facilities coming on stream at the campus. During 2013, 850,000 visits were made to the NAC making it one of the top five paying visitor attractions in the country. Over 9,000 people attended swim academies at the NAC. Morton Stadium hosted a number of national events as well as a European League meet in June 2013.
Appendix 6 (page 43) outlines the ‘Minister’s Priorities for 2014’ which include:
- Contribute fully to the Government’s efforts to reduce the deficit, generate economic growth and increase employment;
- Publish new Tourism and Aviation policies and begin work on a Masterplan for Sport;
- Publish/Enact the following legislation:
- Lay the foundations for a bid for the Rugby World Cup;
- Make new allocations for facilities and equipment under the Sports Capital Programme;
- Develop facilities at the National Sports Campus including the commencement of work on the National Indoor Arena;
The Full Report can be downloaded here
Jun 13, 2014
It is vitally important to keep kids active and the statistics speak volumes. Four out of five children do not meet the Department of Health and Children’s National Physical Activity Guidelines for maintaining and improving their current and future health. With this in mind – why not sign up to your favourite sport now? Alternatively you could try something new. The options are endless and the benefits are great!
With summer fast approaching, the weather improving and the days lasting longer, what better time is there to get out and get healthy? There are over 70 sporting organisations in Ireland as well as a further 30 Local Sports Partnerships. The Federation of Irish Sport has put together some of the camps available across the entire country with something available for everyone.
Athletics Association of Ireland
For an array of different summer camps, locations, cost and all the other info you need for a great time click here
Association of Irish Riding Establishments (A.I.R.E)
Log on to their website here:
where you can information on camps during the summer.
Badminton Ireland
Leinster: Naas BC 16-20 June Connacht: Ballina 7-11 July Munster: Kilmacthomas 21-23 July
Wexford (1) 1-2 July Ballinaheglish (1) 14-18 July Ennis 18-22 August
Wexford (2) 11-12 August Ballinaheglish (2) 18-22 July
Dublin, Baldoyle (1) 30 June – 4 July Roscommon Juv Camp 7-11 July
Dublin, Baldoyle (2) 7 – 11July
Basketball Ireland
- Are running a one week camp to celebrate their ‘15th birthday’ at the National Basketball Arena from Monday June 30th to Friday July 4th 2014 from 10am-3:30pm for kids aged 6-17. The cost is €75 per person. However, there are reduced rates for those who book before the end of May/book with a friend or sibling/book within a group.
Camp Organiser: Aisling – Mobile: 086 8388972 – Email: aisling@arena.ie
For more information please click here
- As well as the one week camp above, Basketball Ireland is holding two separate 1 week residential camps in July.
Camp 1: 6th – 11th July
Camp 2: 13th – 18th July
Price: €375
Venue: Gormanston College, County Meath
For more information, please click here
Bowling League of Ireland
The Bowling league of Ireland holds 2 summer camps each year which they call the Senior and Junior Inter Association series. These involve all 4 associations, the BLI and the 3 Northern Ireland associations. For further information check out their website: www.irishlawnbowls.ie
Camogie Association
- This Gaelic games initiative sponsored by Lenovo is a mixed camp for teenage boys and girls aged 13-15 years. Top inter county players will coach on the Lenovo skills hub for the 4 days. The hurling/camogie camps take place in Carlow, Dublin, Offaly, Clare, Waterford, Cork, Limerick Wexford and Tipperary. Register on www.gaa.ie/lenovoskillshub
- Upcoming summer camps in Dublin & Wicklow
Book you place on the camps below by contacting eve@camogie.ie
| Type of Camp/ Age group |
Location |
Date |
| Player Lifestyle Camp (15-16yrs) |
| Summer Camogie Camp (9-12yrs) |
| Rising Stars Summer Camp (8-12yrs) |
| Performance & Lifestyle Camp (13- 16yrs) |
| Performance & Lifestyle Camp (13-16yrs) |
|
| Ballinakill Wicklow |
| Ballinakill Wicklow |
| Dublin |
| Southside Dublin |
| Northside Dublin |
|
| 19th / 20th June |
| 1st-3rd July |
| 15th-17th July |
| 28th-30th July |
| 29th-31st July |
|
Canoeing Ireland
Canoeing Ireland are holding camps for both Juniors and Adults over the summer months.
Juniors: click here
Adults: click here
Carlow County Council
- St. Fiacc’s Swimming Pool – 059 9140330
Graiguecullen
Summer Swimming Camps
*Monday – Friday 6pm – 6.45pm
*€35 per child
* Camp 1: 30th June – 4th July
* Camp 2: 7th – -11th July
* Camp 3: 14th – 18th July
* Camp 4: – 21st – 25th July
* Camp 5: 28th July – 1st August
* Camp 6: 11th – 15th August
- IT Carlow Activity Summer Camps – 059 9175608
*7-12 years Old
*Fee €60 per Child (€50 for second & subsequent children)
* Week 1: July 14th – 18th
* Week 2: July 21st – 25th
- Carlow Regional Youth Services – 059 9130476
Date Programme Project Age Price Contact
6,13, Fishing Camp The Vault 13-18 N/A Adam 085 2780307
20,27 May
4 June Tag Rugby TBC 3-18 €2 p/s Tracey 0857897288
8 weeks 4:30-5:30pm
9-13 June Ealain OG The Vault 13-18 N/A Jamie 0851397397
20-27 June 4 Friday Day Trips The Vault 13-18 TBC Tracey 0857897288
16-19 June Outdoor Adventure The Vault 13-18 TBC Tracey 0857897288
11am-3pm Biking Camp
23-26 June Extreme Adventure The Vault 13-18 €40 Tracey 0857897288
11am-3pm Camp
23-24 June Hill Walking The Vault 13-18 €40 Jamie 0851397397
Residential
1-3 July Carlow Community All Projects 16+ TBC JJ 0857132751
Summer Camp
7-11 July Carlow Summer All 5-12 €35-45 JJ 0857132751
Camp
14-18 July UBER Camp The Vault 12-16 €40 Jamie 085139739
21-25 July Youth The Vault 15-18 TBC Jamie 0851397397
Leadership
Training
29-31 July School Of Rock The Vault 13-18 €30 Paul 0857897279
Summer Camp
5-8 August Stepping Stones The Vault 6th €35 Jamie 0851397397
Class
11-15 August Graiguecullen TBC 5-12 €35/ €45 Siobhan 0857897339
12-15 August Kayaking Camp The Vault 13-18 €50 Tracey 0857897288
19-21 August Fishing Camp The Vault 13-18 TBC Adam-0852780307
Bagenalstown Events
Start Date Programme Project Age Price Contact
30 June Bagenalstown 13-18 €40 Karen 0876695876
Gleann Na Beru
3 July Extreme Bagenalstown Tracey 0857897288
Camp
Hacketstown Events
Start Date Programme Project Age Price Contact
9-10 July Summer Camp Hacketstown 16+ TBC Aoife 0867713793
10am-3pm Volunteer training Tracey 0857897288
14,-8 July Hacketstown Hacketstown 5-12 €40 Aoife 0867713793
Camp
Borris Events
TBC Borris Teenage Camp TBC 13-16 €50 JJ-0857132751
TBC Borris Camp TBC 5-12 €40 CRYS 9130476
Deaf Sports Ireland
- For all the information needed for the Summer Youth Activity Programme, please click here
Football Association of Ireland
- The Football Association of Ireland is once again holding summer camps all over the country. With both mainstream and goalkeeper camps, look to refine your skills and have fun. Mainstream camps cost €65*, while goalkeeper camps cost €50*. For all information, including how to book your camp and find out the nearest camp to you, please click here
G.A.A
The G.A.A has an array of summer camps which can be found here
Irish Amateur Boxing Association
SCHOOLBOYS SUMMER BOXING CAMPS – Gormanston, Co. Meath
An intensive week in a training camp where you will develop your skills and become technically and tactically more proficient.
2 camps will take place during the summer months and as places will be limited, it will be first come, first served.
The camps cost €300 which includes:
Transport to/from the venue from the National Boxing Stadium
Accommodation
Breakfast, dinner and lunch each day
Use of all the facilities including indoor soccer courts, basketball courts, tennis courts, running track and
swimming pool
This will be the third year of the summer camp and some notable boxers have attended in the past including European Schoolboys Champions Aaron Mc Kenna and Jordan Myers. Other European Schoolboy Championship boxers in attendance included Paddy Donovan, Eric Nash, Marcus Otiede, Brian Kennedy, Matthew Davis and Brian Mc Namee.
The dates for the camps are
Camp 1: Sunday, July 20th – Friday, July 25th
Camp 2: Sunday, August 10th – Friday, August 15th
If you want to book your place on a summer camp, contact one of the schoolboy coaches or camp coordinator Paddy Gallagher 087-6286269
***[Boxers attending must be able to box and have a basic fitness level]***
Irish Amateur Wrestling Association
- Junior summer Olympic wrestling camp in Cavan swimming pool & Leisure complex, Drumalee Cavan at 2pm Saturday 14th June 2014 cover charge of €20. Age of 10 years up to 16 years. Letter of parent consent is required. For further details contact Michael McAuley 0872627452
Irish Hockey Association:
The Irish Hockey Association has camps in Dublin – Cork – Galway – Antrim this summer.
*Age: 9-17
*Boys & Girls
*All Levels
For further information click here
Irish Martial Arts Commission
There are still a number of courses this summer. For further info click here
Irish Orienteering Association
For up to date information on courses, click here
Those with experience, as well as new comers are welcome! So why not give it a go?
Irish Rugby Football Union – (IRFU)
- Connacht Rugby Camps: Can be found here
- Leinster Rugby Camps: Can be found here
- Munster Rugby Summer Camps: Can be found here
- Ulster Rugby Summer Camps: Can be found here
Leinster Rugby are also offering a ‘School of excellence’ – more info can be found here
Irish Sailing Association
Find a sailing club near you and get out on the water! More info here
Irish Surfing Association
If you are interested in hitting the waves this summer then click here to find out the nearest course to you!
Irish Water Safety
- Irish Water Safety holds nationwide courses & events for swimming pool and beach lifeguarding. If you are interested in finding out more information click here
The website is regularly updated with new and exciting courses.
Irish Wheelchair Association – Sport
- The Irish Wheelchair Association are holding two types of camps this summer which are outlined below. For more information just click here
*IWA-Sport Summer Camp, IWA Clontarf Dublin 3, 22nd-24th July, 10am-4pm (5-17 years old)
*IWA-Sport Summer Camp, IWA Clontarf Dublin 3, June 30th – August 15th (5-12 years old)
Mountaineering Ireland
Mountaineering Ireland have so many different options which all can be found here
Swim Ireland
For all the information on courses to better your skills in the water click here
For all the information on courses to become a teacher or coach click here
Rowing Ireland
Belfast:
Dates: (Camp 1)Monday 21 July – Friday 25 July
(Camp 2) Monday 28 July – Friday 1 August
(Camp 3) Monday 4 August – Friday 8 August
Times: 9am – 5pm
Location: Queens Sport, Botanic Park, Belfast.
Website
Where to pay etc. for your summer camps: Contact Pamela Cunningham at clbc49@ntlworld.com or 078 5010 5757 for more information.
Cork:
Date: 28 July- 1 August 2014
Times: 10am-1pm or 1:30pm-4:30pm
Locations: Cork Boat Club, Blackrock Village, Cork
Website
Where to pay etc. for your summer camps: Contact karendunnemccarthy@me.com for application form
Special Needs Parents Association
- The Special Needs Parents Association has a fantastic range of summer camps and courses all over the country. Click here
Student Sport Ireland
DIT: Multi-sport and aquatic summer camps will run from 9:45-12:45pm, Monday to Friday on the following dates during the summer months:
7-11th July 2014
21st-25th July 2014
5-8th August 2014
18th-22nd August 2014
The camps are suitable for children between the ages of 6 to 11 years of age and the cost per child is €45. We also offer a 10% sibling discount off our standard camp rate. For more information please visit the website
Triathlon Ireland
|
Triathlon Ireland |
| Camp Name: |
Splash & Dash Junior Tri Camp – National Aquatic Centre, Dublin |
| Target group: |
8-15 year olds |
| Dates: |
28th July-1st August |
| Times: |
10am – 2:30pm |
| Price: |
€89 |
| How to book: |
TI Online Booking |
| Prizes: |
|
| Max Capacity: |
150 |
|
|
| Brief description of activity: |
The camp will cover all aspects of triathlon including swimming, cycling, running, transition training and more in a fun environment. The camp is suitable for all abilities including those who have no previous experience. It’s about fun, teaching the fundamentals and enjoying the variety that triathlon has to offer.Qualified Triathlon Ireland coaches will lead the activities and give the budding triathletes an opportunity to complete a mini triathlon by the end of the camp. |
See their website here for further information
Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership
Summer Camps for Children with Disabilities
There is 2 weeks of summer camps for children from 6 to 14 years, the weeks of 21st and the 28th of July. The first week takes place in St. Patricks on the Kells Road and runs from 10am to 2pm for the five days. The camp costs €50. The second week takes place in Castlecomer Community College from Monday to Thursday on the week of the 28thand costs €40. Both camps include swimming, inclusive games, foraging and some rest time with arts and crafts.
Camps can be booked online here
Summer Activities for Young Adults with Disabilities
We have also scheduled 3 days of summer activities for young adults, 15 years and over.
We have a Surf Trip planned for the 14th of July (€20 ), Pitch and Putt for the 15th of July (FREE!) and Trail Walk and Picnic for the 16th of July (FREE!). Some of these activities are weather dependent and alternative activities will be organised in the event of unfavourable weather. Contact the office directly to book these trips.
Mayo Sports Partnership
- The Mayo Sports Partnership are holding a camp for children with a disability and their friends from 14th-18th July 2014 at An Sportslann Castlebar from 10am-2pm. For more information, please contact Ray McNamara on: 094 9047023
Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership
The Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership are holding a Summer Activity Camp. For more info click here
Student Sport Ireland
DIT: Our multi-sport and aquatic summer camps will run from 9:45-12:45pm, Monday to Friday on the following dates during the summer months:
7-11th July 2014
21st-25th July 2014
5-8th August 2014
18th-22nd August 2014
The camps are suitable for children between the ages of 6 to 11 years of age and the cost per child is €45. We also offer a 10% sibling discount off our standard camp rate. For more information please visit the website
Tennis Ireland
Dublin Parks Tennis in Fingal
is Serving up a Summer of Fun for 4 weeks in July
- Girls and boys from 5½–17 years can discover hidden talents, make new friends and have lots of active fun.
- Low cost affordable tennis coaching takes place in July.
- For beginners and improvers at local public courts.
- Fee €40 for the month.
- All equipment supplied.
- For four weeks from 30th June to 25th July on weekdays
- Hourly classes between 10am & lpm divided by age
- Some venues marked * operate afternoons 2.pm to 4pm
- Registration at all Venues On Friday 27th June 2 – 4pm
Ph. 8338711 parkstennis@eircom.net
Website
Venues operating in the Fingal County Council areas are:
Swords Town (rear the Castle) *
Balbriggan, Balarothery Tennis Club
Skerries Community Centre *
Donabate Community College
Lusk, Orlynn Park *
Howth, Baltray Park
Baldoyle, Seagrange Park
Malahide Castle Courts
Blanchardstown,Hazel Lawn Courts *
Hartstown Community School
Castleknock Riverwood Estate
Castleknock,Laurel Lodge Community Centre *
Wexford County Council
- The Wexford County Council are running a variety of camps across the county this summer. Firstly, there is six 1 day Multi Sports camps taking place with entry FREE. To find the nearest camp to you take a look below:
*Monday 4th August – Loftus Hall
*Tuesday 5th August – Courtown
*Wednesday 6th August – Curracloe
*Thursday 7th August – Rosslare
*Friday 8th August – Duncannon
*Saturday 9th August – The Hook Light House
- The Loftus Hall summer camp from the 7th – 11th July is being held in New Ross with activities from sports to cookery classes. The cost of the camp is €70 each. For further details check out their facebook page here
- For aspiring Soccer players, the council are running the following camps at a cost of €65 each:
*Ajax Athletic (GK camp) Daphne View, Enniscorthy Week 0 Sat 28th – Sun 29th June
*Campile United, O’Neill Park, Campile, New Ross Week 1: June 30th – July 4th
*Scoil Mhuire Coolcotts, Wexford Week 1: June 30th – July 4th
*North End United (GK camp), Belvedere Road Week 1: July 1st – July 3rd
*Ajax Athletic Daphne View, Enniscorthy Week 2: July 7th – July 11th
*Curracloe United, Ballaghblake, Curracloe Week 2: July 7th – July 11th
*North End United, Belvedere Road, Wexford Town Week 2: July 7th – July 11th
*Rosslare Strand Schoolboys AFC, Rosslare Strand Week 2: July 7th – July 11th
*Scoil Mhuire Coolcotts Week 2: July 7th – July 11th
*Ajax Athletic Daphne View, Enniscorthy Week 3: July 14th – July 18th
*Corach Ramblers, Danescastle, Carrig On Bannow Week 3: July 14th – July 18th
*Duncannon FC, Ryans Park, Mersheen, New Ross Week 3: July 14th – July 18th
*Rosslare Strand Schoolboys AFC, Rosslare Strand Week 3: July 14th – July 18th
*St Cormacs AFC, Luke Foran Park, Enniscorthy Week 3: July 14th – July 18th
*Wexford Albion Schoolboys AFC, Kennedy Park Week 3: July 14th – July 18th
*Wexford Albion: (GK camp), Kennedy Park Week 3: July 19th – July 20th
*Duncannon FC (GK camp) Ryans Park, New Ross Week 3: July 19th – July 20th
*Bunclody AFC, Church Road, Bunclody Week 4: July 21st – July 25th
*Enniscorthy Town, Pearse Road, Enniscorthy Week 4: July 21st – July 25th
*Rosslare Strand Schoolboys, Rosslare Strand Week 4: July 21st – July 25th
*Wexford Celtic FC, Sinnottstown Lane Week 4: July 21st – July 25th
*Wexford Youths, Ferrycarrig Park, Crossabeg Week 4: July 21st – July 25th
*Gorey Rangers, The Showgrounds, Gorey Week 5: July 28th – August 1st
*St Cormacs AFC (GK camp), Enniscorthy Week 5 August 2nd – August 3rd
*North End United, Belvedere Road, Wexford Town Week 6: August 4th – August 8th
*Bridge Rovers , Bogside, Castlebridge Week 7: August 11th – August 15th
*Wexford Youths, Ferrycarrig Park, Crossabeg Week 7: August 11th – August 15th
*Forth Celtic, Murrintown Week 8: August 18th – August 22nd
*Gorey Celtic FC, Mullaunfin, Creagh,, Gorey Week 8: August 18th – August 22nd
*St Cormacs AFC, Luke Foran Park, Enniscorthy Week 8: August 18th – August 22nd
Jun 5, 2014
The Federation of Irish Sport hosted its second annual conference at the Guinness Storehouse on Thursday 29th May with this year’s theme being ‘Shaping Sport’s Future’. Two panels comprised of experts in their respective field’s discussing- 1. The Future Financing of Sport and 2. The Role of Sport in Irish Society.
The day started with over 150 delegates and exhibitors arriving at the Guinness Storehouse for a tea and coffee reception and a great opportunity to catch up and share experiences with other people from the world of sport. Guests gathered in the main conference room at 4pm where the official opening was delivered by the Federation’s CEO, Sarah O’Connor who said:
“I hope you leave today with some new ideas. But perhaps most importantly with some positive inspiration about the reasons you do what you do and why you work so hard at it” . She continued and was clear that “the challenges are worth overcoming” and that as a result “the opportunities both for sport and Ireland are real”.
Keynote speaker, Dr Leo Varadkar, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, gave a detailed look into the sector from his department and government’s standpoint. Commenting on where we should ‘allocate our limited resources’, Mr Varadkar stated that
“ previous decisions on capital funds have been ad hoc rather than plan led and I think we need to see what we can do about that”.
Looking at finances in sport, which of course is a major concern for many of the Federation’s members, the Minister confirmed that the government:
“have already committed to multi-annual funding so that the Sports Council fund NGB programmes on a three year rolling basis”. His approval of such a move was apparent, going on to say that “I think (it) is a much better way to spend money and much easier for NGBs to plan and that’s now (government) :policy”.
Continuing with the upbeat tone, the Minister was quick to pay homage to the work already being done by the NGBs:
“The number of people participating in sport is increasing – by about 1% every year and is now at 47/48%. Still lower than we’d like it to be, but definitely going in the right direction. We as a society are becoming less sedentary which is down to what the NGBs do while the government has a supporting role”
After Minister Varadkar’s address, attention turned to Panel 1- who were tasked with looking at ‘The Future Funding of Sport in Ireland’. An exciting blend, the panel consisted of; Minister Varadkar, Bernard Allen – Board Member, Irish Sports Council and a former Minister of Sport, Hugo McNeill – MD, Goldman Sachs Ireland and Chairman, Ireland Funds and Garrett Kelleher – Executive Chairman, Shelbourne Development Group and owner of St Patrick’s Athletic FC. Caroline Murphy, the RTE broadcaster and MC for the day, asked Hugo McNeill where he thought the funding for sport should come from?
“Firstly I think we need to tell the story of sport better. What sport needs is it needs to be brought together to articulate the impact it can make, think about the funding and learn lessons, and share that best practice because we all have a common interest”, said the former Ireland rugby international.
Asked about his views on the future funding of sport in Ireland, Bernard Allen interestingly reiterated what both the Minister and Hugo McNeill had said, when pointing out that the right structures must be in place to ensure investor confidence:
“One of our responsibilities is to ensure that there is good governance in the sporting organisations. As chairman of the NGB funding I’m satisfied that there is an ongoing improvement in the governance within the major sports bodies” he said.
Allen called for joined up thinking to ensure a more sustainable future:
“I think other departments have to live up to their responsibilities. Until such a time the departments like Justice, Health and Social Welfare come on board with some of their budgets I think we will be struggling to meet the needs of sporting organisations” he said.
Delegates took part in a Q&A at the end of the first panel which was a fantastic opportunity to get a views from the floor which varied from concerns in smaller NGBs to the health sectors view on the contribution that sport make to physical and mental health.
Panel 2 aimed to look at ‘The Role of Sport in Irish Society’ and began with a talk from Andy Reed, OBE, Chair of our equivalent, the UK Sport and Recreation Alliance. What was particularly valuable was Andy’s UK experience on sport and it’s multifaceted benefits. Explaining the idea of an independent ‘sport think- tank’ and the benefits that one brought to the UK, Reed was quick to make parallels with Ireland:
“The think-tank is a place in which we exchange ideas bringing together the partnerships we see here actually. So it is health, tourism, business, local authorities and sports people as well as government in the same room to think some of the unthinkable things”.
Following the same format as before, the panellists were asked questions from MC, Caroline Murphy. The panel was made up of; Andy Reed, OBE, Brendan Kenny (Assistant Dublin City Manager), Fiona Coghlan (Irish Rugby Captain and PE Teacher), Kate O’Flaherty (Director of Health and Wellbeing Programme, Department of Health) and Keith McCormack (Director of Visit Dublin and Head of Events Ireland, Failte Ireland). Again delegates were given a varied viewpoint from the various strands of industry and government that sat on the panel.
Fiona Coghlan, a PE teacher in Lucan Community College recognised the issue with the current format in schools.
“Realistically most of kids days are spent in school so they start in primary school. As they move through school they become more sedentary and there is no specialised PE teacher in primary schools so it depends whether the teacher likes doing PE or sport that they get more time doing that”.
Asked if school is where kids must be active, she conceding the challenges that lay ahead:
“Definitely I think it should be compulsory, everyday it would be amazing, but that’s not going to happen because you’re pulling against numeracy and literacy, physical activity is put on the back burner”.
Kate O’Flaherty with her Health and Wellbeing remit in the Department of Health argued that sport from the Department’s point of view was extremely important in achieving their public health goals:
“We need to show that were a country that values health and wellbeing. When you ask people what’s the most important thing to them in National surveys and what they want for their children it is health and happiness and the framework for delivering this is the ‘National Physical Activity Plan’ which is a key initiative under Healthy Ireland”
The conference session wrapped up at 6:30pm with delegates and guests mingling and chatting at the drinks reception. This was a fantastic opportunity for exhibitors and delegates to get together and share common interests and make new business connections. At the same time, there was an open mic session with Adrian Barry from Newstalk’s Off the Ball with panellists including: Hamish Adams, Liam Harbison, Ciaran Gallagher, Paddy Barnes, Bernard O’Byrne, Kate Feeney, Niamh Daffy & Peter Smyth.
Dinner was attended by the majority of delegates and the networking, talking and sharing of ideas continued into the night…
Watch the full video here- http://irishsport.ie/wpress/index.php/2014/06/federation-of-irish-sport-conference-2014-full-video/
