Aug 29, 2013
Federation CEO, Sarah O’Connor featured alongside Kelli O’Keefe, Director of Sport at Slattery PR and Keira Kennedy, Commercial and Marketing Manager at Leinster Rugby on RTE’s 2fm Game On earlier this month. The slot was part of Mick O’Keefe’s , MD of Pembroke Communications, weekly “Business of Sport” show and examined the issue of women working in sport.
Conclusions reached were that there are an increasing number of women in senior roles within Irish Sport. This was largely attributable to the reality that with sport professionalising gender was becoming less of an issue and it really was the best person for the job. Reference was also made to the growing number of women getting involved in sport as well as the significant role of women in making key household spending decisions not to mention sporting decisions!
There was also an opportunity to discuss the key role sport plays in Irish life in particular, the wider contribution of sport in terms of business, tourism and public health. The podcast of the show is available at link below:
http://www.rte.ie/radio1/podcast/podcast_gameon.xml
Aug 29, 2013
The Department of Health in the UK recently announced an investment of £5 million in sport aimed at getting children and their families to get more active. The funding is part of the UK Government’s plans to increase investment in preventative healthcare. It is estimated that preventable conditions such as diabetes, stroke and diabetes cost the NHS £1 billion a year. In Ireland, it is estimated that physical inactivity costs the HSE some €1.68 billion annually.
The UK funds are to be channelled three ways with the Youth Sport Trust receiving £3 million to develop new school sports clubs as part of the Change4Life School Sports Programme, in areas with the highest rates of childhood obesity. A further £1 million is to go to Play England which is to be used to help children and families to play together on their streets whilst, the remaining £1 million to local authorities for walking initiatives.
Announcing the investment, public health Minister, Anna Soubry said;
“We want to do everything we can to help people lead longer, healthier lives, which is why for the first time ever, we’ve given local authorities increased and ring-fenced budgets to tackle public health issues in their local areas.”
This latest funding announcement comes on the back of the commitment earlier in the year to give £300 million directly to primary head teachers to spend on improving sport, PE and encouraging healthy lifestyles for their pupils over the next two years.
Meanwhile, PrimeMinister David Cameron has confirmed that a number of English cities and parks are to benefit from a £94 million cash injection to promote cycling. The UK Government has said that the money amounts to the single biggest ever investment in cycling.
Prime Minister David Cameron said the announcement includes a commitment to cut red tape that can “stifle cycle-friendly road design and to encourage changes to the way roads are built or altered”. UK Councils will be also expected to up their game to deliver infrastructure that takes cycling into account from the design stage.
These funding announcements are evidence of the reality that many government departments impact on sport and indeed, that sport can help meet multiple policy objectives particularly, in the area of public health. The GAA’s ASAP & Club Healthy initiatives are good examples of what is possible when sport and public health officials come together in partnership. It is hoped that increased interaction and co-operation between the Department of Health and Irish Sport will become increasingly commonplace.
For more please see www.sportsmanagement.co.uk
Aug 29, 2013
Federation of Irish Sport Featured Member: Horse Sport Ireland
Background/History: Horse Sport Ireland was established by the Government in 2008 to bring the sport, breeding and leisure aspects of the sport horse sector together.
Number of Membership Organisations: Horse Sport Ireland currently has 23 affiliated organisations.
Number of Participants in Horse Sport in Ireland: A study by UCD identified that almost 50,000 took part in sport horse related activities in Ireland each week. The sector is Worth of €700 million to the Irish economy and supports over 12,000 full time jobs. Some 29,000 people depend on the sector for some part of their income.
2012 Highlights: Cian O’Connor winning Bronze at the Olympic Games. The Paralympic Team winning team bronze and Helen Kearney winning two individual medals. In addition the Showjumping Team won the Aga Khan trophy at the Dublin Horse Show and we won 7 underage European Championship medals.
2013 Highlights (so far):
A New Chairman Professor Patrick Wall was appointed by Minister Varadkar in Februray. So far Ireland has won 4 underage European medals in underage eventing and Showjumping. The senior showjumping team won the Nations cup in Spruce Meadows in Canada. A High performnace Training facility will be formally opened at the National Sports campus in Abbotstown shortly.
What are the key events for HSI in 2013/2014?
The Dublin Horse Show and the Tattersalls International Horse Trials are the two major international events each year.
How can people get involved in Horse Sport?
People can participate at their local riding school or their local Pony Club. Horse Sport Ireland also ran a Schools programme in 2013. Full details of how to get involved can be found on the HSI website www.horsesportireland.ie
Social Media Channel Links:
Team Ireland Equestrian on Facebook has over 15,000 fans, while our TeamIRLeq on twitter has over 5,000 followers. In 2013 Horse Sport Ireland was nominated fro an equestrian social media award across Ireland and the UK.
Any interesting facts or statistics for inclusion in our Fact File
- Sector worth €700 million to the Irish economy
- Equestrian is the only sport where men and women compete against each other on an equal basis.
- Equestrian is the only sport in which Ireland won medals and the London Olympics and Paralympics
Aug 29, 2013
FIS talks to Andrew Meredith, National Men’s Hockey Coach, Irish Hockey.
Fresh from delivering Olympic gold to the German Men’s Hockey team at the last two Games, as Assistant Coach, Andrew Meredith was appointed as National Men’s Coach in November 2012. Andrew competed at international level for Australia and played professionally in Europe for 15 years before finally taking up a full time role in Coaching, being an accredited FIH High Performance Coach.
It has been a really busy and successful summer for your team, what have been the highlights for you?
I think probably the main highlight of 2013 is the fact that we have been able to maintain the same level of results and ranking while transitioning the athletes involved in the program post the 2012 Olympic qualification process. There are a number of players who have been extremely committed to the Senior Men’s program, who are now finding it difficult to combine work , and meeting the demands of a full international year. The Europeans is a good example where we were missing 6 of some of Irelands most experienced players, who combine to make 654 caps. You cannot replace that overnight, but the fact we were not only competitive, but missed a place in the semi-finals in the Europeans by only 1 goal, against teams ranked inside the world’s top 4, is certainly very encouraging and a good way to finish the international calendar for the year.
What changes did you make or systems did you put in place when you first took up your role with Irish Hockey?
I think that whenever you enter a new role, it is vitally important to understand what has been in place prior to your arrival, what has worked what areas you identify as needing improvement, and what potential roadblocks are in place. I am working hard to get the athletes as much support as possible and expand the High Performance program as much as possible.
After taking up the job, I thought it important to understand where we were in regards to what players could deliver in an international environment, and using that as a benchmark, we started to look at how we could begin evolving the squad towards the qualification process for Rio.
What challenges or opportunities do you see in Irish Hockey?
We have an extremely dedicated group of players with a fantastically strong mindset, who amongst the other sacrifices that all elite athletes make to compete for their country, currently have to pay their own way to travel to training camps and home host each other, and try to extend the group contact time as much as possible and therefore give themselves the best opportunity to be competitive internationally.
The major challenge is how do we continue to be competitive with teams that are ranked in the top 10. Post London a lot of programs are in a rebuilding phase, and we currently measure up pretty well given our recent results, but to progress it will all come down to funding. Other countries above us have full time programs, have athletes that receive funding, have extensive support services for their athletes, and have a budgetary capacity to play an extra 15-20 international games per year.
As an example, we have lost 2-3 and drawn 2-2 with England in the two last international tournaments, a program that is rebuilding, but have a current ranking of 4 in the world. For both their HP programs they have funding in excess of €20 million towards 2016. That’s a massive platform to build a sustainable High Performance program from, and in comparison, we are reliant on the funding we receive from a single source in the Irish Sports Council, have no Major Sponsor for the men’s team, and have had very little in the way of support services up till now.
The question is how we can go about to continue to develop players on the same curve as our competitors, given the fact that we are extremely limited in our funding, and do not have that financial capacity to have a lot of group time together outside of when we compete in international tournaments.
The Men’s Hockey team are on a pathway to Rio in 2016, how are they progressing towards reaching that goal?
As I have said, I think we have started to lay some pretty strong foundations, have some exciting talent coming through, but the next 14 months is pretty critical in regards to what we can deliver to the athletes, and how we continue to progress and achieve our goal to qualify for the Olympic Games. The level of support we receive will be key to that process.
Are there any particular challenges with many players having to play professionally abroad?
No question that from a program perspective, while there is significant individual athlete development from playing in some of Europe’s top leagues, is it is incredibly difficult to have (currently 15) players based outside of the country, and still maintain collective group development through a cycle. The Domestic (European) clubs see things from the perspective that any Irish player contracted to their particular club, are there as an asset for them to manage, and for the club commitments to take priority whenever possible. Due to an expanding international calendar, we are now seeing players not being released by their clubs for the few limited training camps we can put in place, which of course affects group development. I think that one possible way forward is to target specific foreign clubs, that are onboard with what is important for an international athlete in terms of preparation, and look to support that as much as possible. It is important that we look at ways that we can still look to manage athletes and their programs who are based outside of the country. This is one example of the use of technology and its specific application can assist us to provide transparency for anyone involved in the program.
How does the high performance system in Ireland compare to what you have experienced in Germany?
I am not sure that the two are comparable. The difference in the level of government support, through the Deutschen Olympischen Sportbundes (DOSB), is probably most reflected by the current economic situation of both countries. Every High Performance program is structured in a different way, but the Support services ( sports science for example) and systematic approach to youth development is certainly a major element as to why German teams have that stability throughout international competitions, particularly toward the critical phase when playing for semi-finals and medals.
What advice would you give to any young athlete aspiring to play at the top level with Ireland?
Watch as much elite level competition as you can and keep working hard! There are no short cuts to the elite level; it’s about what sacrifices you are prepared to make to achieve your goals. Good international athletes are people who can execute basic skills, at speed, in a pressured environment. The better the basic skill level base, the better foundation you have to compete as an international athlete.
Many thanks for taking the time to talk to us, finally what are your hopes for 2014?
To be able to put in place a program that maximizes the very promising talent that is currently coming through in the men’s program. We have the Champions Challenge in April, where again, we will look to sustain our current performances, and continue our qualification process for Rio (through the World Leagues) which will start toward the end of 2014.
For more information on Irish Hockey, read here: www.hockey.ie or follow Irish hockey on twitter and facebook.
Aug 29, 2013
Offaly County Council (on behalf of Offaly Sports Partnership) invites applications for the position of:
Position of Part-time Sports Inclusion Development Officer
1 YEAR FIXED TERM CONTRACT – 3 day week
Salary: €24,127.8 – €29,097 per annum
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons. Application forms together with qualifications and particulars of post are available from the Human Resources Section, Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly or they may be downloaded from our website www.offaly.ie/jobs
Completed applications should be lodged with the Senior Executive Officer, Human Resources not later than 3.00 p.m. on Thursday 12th September 2013.
Applications may be shortlisted by reason of the number of persons seeking admission to the competition on the basis of qualifications, relevant experience and information submitted.
Offaly County Council is an equal opportunities employer.
Ann Dillon
Senior Executive Officer
Human Resources
Aug 29, 2013
We talk to Barry O’Brien, CEO, National Sports Campus Development Authority about his time in charge of the campus development, the challenges they have faced and upcoming developments.
What was the situation when you took up post in 2008?
The National Aquatic Centre (NAC) was already well established and back under State control; the FAI HQ was already opened; the Irish Institute of Sport was under construction; the Design and project teams for the overall Campus project were appointed; and there was a budget of up to €160 million in the National Development Plan for the complete development of the Campus. However, around that time Minister for Sport Seamus Brennan T.D. passed away; the State’s finances collapsed; the Current Budget was halved and the Capital Budget had all but disappeared.
It was a time to keep focussed on the overall Master Plan and to keep everybody on board.
Full Planning Permission was achieved and remains in place. Ever since then we have “chipped away” at delivering elements of the plan; refurbishing existing buildings; upgrading facilities at the NAC and Morton Stadium Santry thereby enhancing our operational reputation; and retaining the confidence and support of the NGBs of sport, the Department of Sport, and successive Ministers.
Were there any particular challenges that you had to overcome in the intervening period?
Retaining confidence and support was the biggest challenge. In this respect we are forever grateful to the NGBs in general and the Federation of Irish Sport in particular who always pressed our case.
Eventually, when the State realised it would no longer afford the original plan, it fell to us to come up with an affordable incremental development strategy – which is what we did.
Another critical element was land ownership. In this respect we insisted that ownership of all the State lands and buildings at Abbotstown be transferred to the Authority. This was done by the Government at the instigation of Leo Varadkar T.D. soon after his appointment as Minister. This proved to be a “game changer”. It meant that when we went to the major field sports (GAA, FAI, IRFU and IHA) with the bad news of diminished State funding, I could at least offer to give them their sites fully serviced and at a nominal rent. This offer was gladly accepted and has released a whole new set of energies and funding sources. As a consequence, it is expected that both the GAA and FAI will commence ground-works on site before the end of September 2013, with the other two following as soon as this own funding circumstances permit.
In the meantime, we continued with our building refurbishment programme, converting the former Marine Institute building into Irish Sport HQ which is today the administrative home for 20 NGBs including the Federation.
What projects are coming on stream soon?
We are delighted to confirm that new High Performance Training facilities for Equestrian, Fencing, Pistol Shooting and Diving will be completed in September this year. This is a huge boost for those athletes pursuing medals at international competitions. In addition, floodlit multi-sport, all-weather Pitches and Pavilion are also nearing completion and these will be open to the public and the NGBs for hire before the end of 2013.
How about long-term projects?
The National Indoor Training Centre for Athletics, Court Sports and Gymnastics continues to be our prime target. It is designed, approved and “ready to go” as soon as funding becomes available. We are hopeful that the Government will see fit to include it in its National Stimulus Plan or some other investment programme.
In the meantime, we also have developed costed plans for both an extension for the Irish Institute of Sport and also a Coaching and Conference Centre for all the NGBs. We are hopeful that the Government will see fit to sanction both of their projects in the forthcoming Budget in October. If it does so then both facilities can be delivered within 2014 and will be of immense benefit to all Irish Sports on the run-up to the Rio Olympics.
What’s your overall impression of Irish Sport?
- I am hugely convinced of its importance to the health, psyche and spirit of our nation. It plays a vital role which is hard to encapsulate in financial terms.
- I am amazed by the on-going determination and commitment of all involved especially athletes, parents, volunteers and administrators.
- Irish sport deserves a sufficient and sustainable funding support mechanism with tax revenue on those who make money from the sporting performance of others and tax relief for those who support clubs and make donations.
Any final comments?
Yes – a very big “thank you” to the NGBs, the Federation of Irish Sport, Chairman Sean Benton and the Members of the Authority for all their commitment and support.
Similarly – a big “thank you” to all my colleagues at NSCDA, notably David Conway and Stephen Ryan for all their determination and hard work.
Finally, – a big “thank you” to Minister Leo Varadkar T.D. and Michael Ring T.D. for their unstinting support for Irish Sport in general and the National Sports Campus in particular. We are blessed to have 2 Ministers – all we need now is one more major capital allocation to deliver the world-class National Sports Campus which Irish Sport deserves.
National Sports Campus Development Authority
