Apr 9, 2024
The Alliance for Insurance Reform calls on insurers to immediately deliver substantial and sustained reductions in insurance premiums on the back of today’s Supreme Court decision.
Speaking about the Supreme Court decision handed down today in Delaney v the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) & Ors, the Chair of the Alliance for Insurance Reform, Padraig Cribben said “the decision of the Supreme Court today affirming the constitutionality of the Judicial Guidelines is welcome news for everyone affected by high insurance premiums. The Guidelines are integral to the Government’s plan to deliver cheaper insurance for all citizens, businesses, sporting organisations and the community and voluntary sector.
“Insurers have said that the uncertainty caused by the Delaney case has been a big factor in limiting their ability to reduce premiums based on the new Guidelines. Today’s decision dispels this uncertainty and must lead immediately to substantial and sustained reductions in insurance premiums across all sectors of society.”
“Today’s decision also brings predictability for injured parties and their legal advisors which will reduce the necessity for expensive litigation.”
Mar 26, 2024
Pictured above L to R are: Clare Louise O’Donoghue Head of Commercial & Marketing FIS, Tony Marshall Regional Manager Clann Credo, Mary O’Connor CEO FIS
The Federation of Irish Sport (FIS) is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with Clann Credo Community Finance, solidifying a commitment to supporting sports organisations across Ireland for another three years.
The partnership between the Federation of Irish Sport and Clann Credo Community Finance fosters growth and sustainability within the Irish sports sector. The partnership which began in 2018 aligns with the Federation’s commitment to provide effective and impactful supports to FIS members and engage with partners whose services are in line with their members needs. A valued partner of the Federation Clann Credo provides financial support, expertise and guidance that enables clubs and sporting organisations of all sizes across the country to thrive and make a lasting impact within their communities.
Commenting on the renewal, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, Mary O’Connor said, “We are very pleased to yet again extend our partnership with Clann Credo Community Finance. The projects they are involved in drive positive change at a grassroots level, enrich lives and enable clubs and sporting organisations to overcome financial challenges and achieve their goals.”
Clann Credo Regional Manager, Tony Marshall, expressed similar positivity, stating, “Clann Credo are delighted to renew our partnership with the Federation of Irish Sport. We look forward to continuing to work together to help promote the development of sporting organisations across the country.”
About Clann Credo Community Finance:
Clann Credo Community Finance is a not-for-profit social finance organisation dedicated to providing loan finance and support to community organisations throughout Ireland. With a focus on building strong, sustainable communities, Clann Credo offers flexible financial solutions and expertise to empower organisations to realise their social and economic potential.
Mar 21, 2024
The Federation of Irish Sport welcomed the news today that the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne, announced a record investment of almost €30 million in core funding support to sporting organisations, through Sport Ireland, for 2024. €17.3 million is being invested in the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) this year, an increase of €1.3 million on the 2023 figure. Investment in the network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) has increased by €1 million, with a total investment of €11.4 million being allocated across the 29 LSPs. This is the highest ever level of Core investment into NGBs and LSPs, increasing by almost €11.9m over the lifecycle of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., said: “The National Governing Bodies of Sport and the Local Sports Partnerships are at the heart of Irish sport and are key to achieving our aim of increasing participation in sport across the population. This significant investment of almost €30 million will support the implementation of important programmes and activities across a diverse range of sports throughout the country.
The sport sector has proven itself to be a resilient and vibrant sector, continuing to deliver increased opportunities for people to participate in sport despite the challenges of recent years. The Government’s increased investment in core funding for 2024, and in recent years, will assist in ensuring the long-term sustainability of our sporting organisations.”
Speaking at the 2024 core funding investment announcement, Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne T.D., said: “The overall core funding to National Governing Bodies of Sport has increased by 60% since 2018, from levels of €10.8 million then, to €17.3 million in 2024. The continued increase in core funding for sports bodies demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting Irish sport and will ensure that sport bodies can continue to provide valuable opportunities for everyone to participate in sport, in line with our National Sports Policy.
Around the country, Local Sports Partnerships are doing excellent work in supporting participation in sport and physical activity, at local level. The investment package of €11.4 million announced today will provide continued support to the network of 29 Local Sports Partnership in their local work. The investment of €1 million to support Sport Inclusion Disability Officers at local level will also support the valuable, inclusive work that our Local Sports Partnerships undertake.”
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, Dr. Úna May, commented: “A record level of investment this year and throughout the Life Cycle of the National Sports Policy demonstrates the Government’s sustained commitment to supporting the development of a strong sport sector. Sport Ireland welcomes this additional investment and is confident the NGBs, LSPs and Funded Bodies will continue to play a vital role as we enter the latter stages of the Government’s National Sports Policy.”
Sport Ireland’s Chairperson John Foley said: “On behalf of the Sport Ireland board I would like to welcome this crucial investment which will support the continued development of sport in Ireland. Our NGBs, LSPs and Funded Bodies are better supported than ever to deliver against broader Government objectives and the importance of sport in society is very much reflected in today’s announcement.”
Details of funding allocated to individual NGBs, LSPs and other sporting organisations is available at the Sport Ireland website and here on gov.ie:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/bb256-funding-allocated-to-individual-ngbs-lsps-and-other-sporting-organisations/
Mar 21, 2024
The Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, together with Minister Joe O Brien, have announced a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund.
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.
Sport Clubs are encouraged to contact their local authority for more details and to discuss potential projects to be funded under this new round of funding.
Local authorities, in collaboration with communities, will be funded to develop projects that will deliver long term benefits to those living in the areas selected.
Projects that will be funded include:
- Development or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities including play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens, allotments, and recreational areas;
- Development or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities;
- Enhancement to school/parish facilities which are open to use by all of the community after school hours;
- Purchase of equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations
- Transport infrastructure such as community vehicles
Minister Humphreys concluded by saying;
Feb 29, 2024
Outstanding Achievement Award Recipient for 2023 Announced.
The Federation of Irish Sport today recognised recipients of the 2023 Volunteers in Sports Awards, celebrating their dedication and giving freely of their time locally to make sport happen. Proudly supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships the committed volunteers from all across the country were honoured at an awards ceremony with special guest speaker Minister Thomas Byrne, Minster of State with responsibility for Sport and Physical Education presenting the 32 county awards.
In addition to the 32 county individuals being recognised, Eoin Kelly of Beech Hill Table Tennis Club in Co. Cork claimed the overall Outstanding Volunteer Award. His exceptional impact on the development of the sport of table tennis made him stand out as this year’s overall worthy winner. Eoin is a long standing member of Beech Hill Table Tennis Club in Cork city. His particular area of focus is on disability and in particular how to provide competition for people with disabilities.
The vital role of volunteers in advancing sports participation and community development cannot be underestimated or taken for granted. The economic significance of volunteering has an estimated value of €1.5 billion annually to the Irish economy. This figure underscores the immense social and economic benefits derived from the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the Irish sporting landscape.
Speaking at the awards, Minister Thomas Byrne noted; “Volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport and I am delighted to see their vital contribution recognised and celebrated by these awards. As Sport Minister, I am acutely conscious of the challenges involved with volunteering and I recently welcomed the publication of the Sport Ireland Policy on Volunteering in Sport, which sets out an ambitious vision for a sports sector with the best volunteering culture in the world. The success of Irish sport would not be possible without the many thousands of volunteers that willingly dedicate their time every week, in every part of Ireland, to help others enjoy their sport and I want to thank every volunteer for their valuable contribution.”
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor commented; “We are delighted to bring together the 2023 recipients of the Volunteers in Sport Awards from all over the country to receive their award from Minister Byrne today. Without this army of volunteers in clubs all around the country we would not have the level of grassroots participation that we do. It is important to take this time out and show our appreciation to the many unsung heroes of sport. We have heard today how sport can have such a meaningful and positive impact on our physical and mental health. And these volunteers are the conduit to providing that benefit.”
Commenting on the announcement of the list of recipients, Head of Sport, Louth LSP, Louth County Council and member of the judging panel Graham Russell stated, “The 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards serve as a reminder of the power of volunteering in sport, celebrating individuals whose unwavering dedication enriches lives, strengthens communities, and encourages a culture of active living. It was hugely rewarding to hear the stories shared here today how sport is breaking barriers, significantly benefits both our physical and mental well-being and is a vehicle for driving inclusivity and participation for all ages, abilities and demographics.”
29 February 2024; Eoin Kelly of Beech Hill Table Tennis Club, Cork with his Outstanding Achievment Award during the Federation of Irish Sport Volunteers in Sport Awards at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown, Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***
Outstanding Achievement Award Winner:
Eoin Kelly is a long standing member of Beech Hill Table Tennis Club in Cork city. His particular area of focus is on disability and in particular how to provide competition for people with disabilities. When he quickly realised that while Special Olympics offered a path to disabled athletes it lacked competition. Eoin therefore established the first ever competitive league for Special Olympic athletes. Soon there were 50 clubs throughout Munster and Leinster in the league. Following on from this Eoin next set up mixed ability play in Beech Hill TTC where people with disabilities and mainstream players played together. During the Pandemic Covid halted play for many people with underlying health conditions. At Beech Hill, Eoin introduced weekly social Zoom play-from-home sessions with a coach and Special Olympic players. It was a tremendous success. Since then, Eoin has helped to grow Para table tennis in Munster, particularly for players with intellectual disability (ID). Table tennis players with ID play at Classification 11 in Paralympics. Class 11 players were not being classified in Ireland by Paralympics Ireland, so could not play in International competition. Eoin has been instrumental in changing this – introducing Classification for ID players in table tennis in Ireland. As Chairperson of Munster Table Tennis Association (mainstream and para players), Eoin has re-grown the sport in Waterford, Kerry, Tipperary, Clare, Limerick and Co. Cork. He is introducing the sport in more schools and where necessary has even sponsored tables. Eoin is a most deserving winner of our award for Cork and ultimately the Volunteers in Sport Outstanding Achievement Award for 2023.
Feb 23, 2024
Final preparations are underway for our upcoming awards, celebrating the countless volunteers who make sport happen across the country, week in week out. We are delighted to welcome back Sports Broadcaster Gráinne McElwain as the host of the 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards. An avid sports fan and proud volunteer, Gráinne is the secretary of the local basketball club Cumann Cispheile na nGael ( club for girls and boys U10 and U12). Previously she was the Oifigeach Gaeilge for local GAA club Naomh Anna Leitir Móir and served on the Coiste for 5 years.
A sports and entertainment presenter with over 15 years experience working with Sky Sports, TG4, RTÉ, and BBC, Gráinne is the current anchor of GAAGO and was the presenter of Sky Sports GAA championship coverage aswell as Ladies football Peil na mBan Beo on TG4. A native of Monaghan, she is a fluent Irish speaker and is a columnist with the Irish News and Seachtain in the Irish Independent newspapers.
We look forward to hearing from all our Volunteers and enjoying Gráínne’s warm and unique interviewing style.
22 March 2023; Michael Cox from Park Rangers AFC, Waterford, is interviewed by MC Gráinne McElwain
22 March 2023; MC Gráinne McElwain interviews Marie Thompson from Abbeyleix Hockey Club, Laois.
