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
Aug 28, 2013
Please contact the office for details, 01-6251155
Aug 28, 2013
A new Better Boards, Stronger Sport toolkit has been launched to help sport and recreation organisations improve their governance across Europe. It comes as part of a European Commission project, which the Federation of Irish Sport and the Irish Sports Council has been a key part of.
What is Better Boards, Stronger Sport?
The Better Boards Stronger Sport project has been carried out by the Sport and Recreation Alliance in partnership with seven other countries to improve governance across Europe.
Led by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the group has produced a toolkit to empower European sports organisations to take responsibility for governing their future successfully.
It has been built on three underlying principles:
- The board is the key: The board is the core from which all good governance flows.
- Sports governance is unique: Any lessons learnt from corporate governance need to be adapted for sport’s specific needs.
- Governance is not a tick box exercise: Real improvement will only be achieved if the sports movement is allowed to drive themselves forward.
The toolkit is organised into three key sections:
- The ten features of good governance – outlines the key features of good sports governance as identified by the sports movement.
- Case studies – sharing best practice examples of how organisations have implemented the ten features of good sports governance.
- Tools and resources – tools to help organisations implement the ten features of good sports governance.
If you would like to discuss how this toolkit might help your organisation please contact Conn McCluskey, Federation of Irish Sport: E: conn.mccluskey@irishsport.ie P: 01-6251155/083-1285169
Download the online optimised Better Boards, Stronger Sport toolkit
Download the print Better Boards, Stronger Sport toolkit
Aug 28, 2013
Mayo Sports Partnership Profile
Background
Established in November 2004 the Sports Partnerships main aim is to increase participation in sport and physical activity among all sectors of the community.
It has three main functions:
Information – To establish a consultation process with sport clubs and organisations and to identify their needs and resources. Initiate research and compile a sports directory. One stop shop for sport in Mayo.
Education– Provide quality opportunities for training courses for volunteers held locally.
Implementation – To develop sports policy within the county through a strategic plan for sport in Mayo and select participation programmes to suit local needs.
We are also involved in facilitating and co-ordinating a number of targeted programmes, projects and initiatives at local level. Target groups include Disadvantaged, Youth at Risk, People with a Disability, Teenage Girls / Women, Older People and Unemployed.
Staff
The Sports Partnership office managed by Sports Co-ordinator Charlie Lambert also contains Administrator Padraic Durcan, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer Ray Mc Namara and Community Sports Project Worker Anne Ronayne.
During 2012 some of our major projects and initiatives included:
Middle Aged Men
Men on the Move
The Mayo Men on the Move Initiative arose from an allocation from the HSE to deliver a physical activity programme for men aged over 35. 
More than 150 men all aged 35 plus from the Ballina, Belmullet, Claremorris and Westport areas are engaged in this unique physical activity programme co-ordinated by the Mayo Sports Partnership.
This programme has now been extended to other locations in the County with approximately 200 men now participating on a continuous basis in this programme.
Teenage Girls and Women
3rd West of Ireland Womens Mini Marathon:
On 
Sunday 5th May 2012 3,000 women ran, jogged, walked and strolled the 10km route in the third annual West of Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon in Castlebar. As a ‘women in sport’ project the Western People West of Ireland Womens Mini Marathon is a prime example of sustained increases in participation by women in local sports. Examples are that Mayo, Westport, Ballina, Swinford ACs all have increased their membership each year after the mini marathon as well as their associated groups in Ballinrobe, Ballyhaunis, Castlebar and Claremorris. In all 8 Meet and Train Groups are now in operation which has doubled in the last 2 years.
Jobseekers
Goal to Work East Mayo
Mayo Sports Partnership was involved in the organisation and delivery of “Goal to Work” sports coach training programme in Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo. T
his training programme gave 12 unemployed people an opportunity to become trained soccer/gaelic and rugby coaches.
Progression rates were impressive for newly trained coaches, of the twelve who took part in the 14 week training programme (2 days per week and 3 weekends) two progressed into full-time employment, two into part-time employment, one into 3rd level education, two on to internships, and another onto a community employment scheme.
People with a Disability:
Handcycling Programme
The Hand and Tandem Cycling eight week programme established by Mayo Sports Partnership in conjunction with IWA Sport, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland and Cairdeas, Kilmovee Family Resource centre and supported by Mayo County Development Board proved a huge success. The programme run by Gerry Towey and Donal Harington from Ballaghaderreen Cycling club, giving instruction and showing lots of young cyclists and Para-Cyclists the way forward. A hand cycling programme took place every Thursday over the summer months.
Club Development Work:
Recreational GAA
In November 2012 MSP helped to fund a series of Camán Abú adult recreational hurling workshop sessions in Mayo. From the workshops – three clubs sprouted – registering with CrokePark for Camán Abú – and who now host regular Camán Abú sessions. These clubs – in Claremorris, Ballina James Stephens HC and Ballyvary – can now offer a recreational hurling outlet for adults in a fun and safe environment.
Pic: A group from Claremorris participating in the Caman Abú sessions
The Sports Partnership office is situated at the CedarBuilding ( Beside Roadstone) Moneen, Castlebar however if you need more information contact the Partnership at 094-9047025,e-mail msp@mayococo.ie or log onto www.mayosports.ie
Factfile
– 15,000 people participated in locally delivered programmes in 2012
– Represents 500 sports clubs / organisations in the county
– Co-organises the largest participation event for women in the West of Ireland namely the West of Ireland Womens
Mini Marathon
– In 2012 5,000 people contacted the Sports Partnership to access general or specific sport-related information
– Over 50% of total funding is leveraged locally through partner contributions and benefit in kind
Aug 26, 2013
AFL Europe Championship – Dublin 2013
Location:
DCU Sports Ground
DATE:
3rd to 10th August 2013
PARTICIPATING TEAMS/ATHLETES:
National teams representing Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland and Sweden
Host:
Australian Rules Football League Of Ireland(ARFLI)
About ARFLI:
The Australian Rules Football League Of Ireland was founded in 2000 to administer the sport of Aussie Rules on the Island of Ireland and have been at the forefront of the sport internationally since foundation.
EVENT HISTORY:
The first AFL Europe Championship was held in the Oresund region of Denmark and Sweden, with matches held in Copenhagen, Farum and Malmo. Ireland’s national team won the championship, coming from behind to beat Denmark in the final.
EVENT PREPARATION:
ARFLI bid to host the event in November 2010 and were awarded hosting rights shortly afterwards having held a tender process among Irish Universities for facilities provision. Following that process DCU was selected and submitted as the facilities provider during the bid process.
Once the championship was awarded an organising committee was formed by ARFLI and corporate and state support was sought, with Fáilte Ireland become the main partner, The Score.ie becoming the main media partner, Uniphar providing medical support, Livestream Digital/Asgard Media as production partners and AerTV Sports as a broadcasting partner and the Australian Embassy as an awards partner. Several months before the championship commenced, the staff of DCU Sport began planning the facilities provision for the event and ultimately Ireland’s first full size football oval, dressing rooms for all teams, medical facilities, tournament headquarters and lecture facilities were delivered. A tournament website www.dublin2013.org <http://www.dublin2013.org> went live in September 2012, with all design and branding elements provided by Internationally renowned sports branders Lockerroom 51.
THE EVENT:
Venue
DCU Sport couldn’t have been more helpful, from their administration to ground staff. They were, from the outset in a position to provide two tournament ovals and warm up areas if required and the surface of the oval earned widespread praise as the best ever provided for an event in Europe.
Spectators/Attendees
More than a thousand people attended the four match days, with close to 400 in attendance for the final day’s play. There were also more than 160 participants in the event itself.
Volunteers
A number of volunteers were provided from within the league’s membership base and also from that of the Ireland Australia Association.
How was the event structured?
The six teams were drawn in two groups of three according to performance at the previous event in 2010, with each team playing against the other teams in their pool and one crossover match against the equal seed in the opposite group. These matches took place on Saturday 3rd, Tuesday 6th and Thursday 8th. Following the group stages, the winners of each group met in the Grand Final on Saturday August 10th, that being Ireland and Great Britain. Denmark and Sweden played off for third, while Croatia and Germany played off for fifth. Ireland came from behind to win the Grand Final with the very last kick of the game, a goal which can be seen here http://youtu.be/b5pz4jNs3OM
Where next for the Irish Team?
The Irish Team will now turn their attention to defending the sport’s World Championship, the AFL International Cup in Melbourne next August and look to extend a competitive unbeaten run, which stretches back to 2008. Those interested in taking up the sport can find details at www.arfli.com <http://www.arfli.com> . For ARFLI the next major challenge is the development of a permanent full size oval in Ireland which can be utilised by our clubs and national teams.
How the event went, Cian Quigley, President, ARFLI:
Following years of planning and months of preparation, the event was a massive success. All of the visiting teams enjoyed the experience, our sport received media attention which was a multitude greater than anything else we’ve ever received and our team continued their winning ways, but significantly in front of friends and family who would rarely have had the chance to support the team.
Aug 22, 2013
The Irish Sailing Association (ISA) and Minister for Agriculture, Marine & Food, Simon Coveney, today (Thursday 22nd August) officially launched ISA SafeTrx; a revolutionary free Smartphone app designed to save lives on the water. Developed in association with the Irish Coast Guard and DeCare Systems Ireland, ISA SafeTrx allows boat and leisure craft owners to log their voyages directly from their Smartphone which can then be accessed and monitored by their chosen emergency contacts as well as the Irish Coast Guard.
Speaking at the launch today Minister Coveney commented “The concept of safety at sea and on our network of rivers and lakes must become as commonplace as that of safety on our roads. We need to create a culture of safety first for those travelling on our waters for either commercial or recreational reasons. With loss of life continuing across the maritime spectrum, those who make their living from the sea and those who utilise the sea primarily for leisure purposes must ensure that safety becomes a top priority.”
By the end of July this year, Irish Coast Guard statistics showed a 45% increase in the number of emergency missions bringing the total figure of individual incidents to 1,572. Throughout the history of the Irish Coast Guard the record of annual incidents has never surpassed 2,000 but it is anticipated that this number will be exceeded by as early as the autumn. ISA Chief Executive Harry Hermon remarked “Last year over 1,000 people were assisted from difficulty by the Coast Guard and the RNLI with over 160 lives saved. Unfortunately not all seafarers returned safely. I believe that ISA SafeTrx, which has been designed by Coast Guard professionals and built right here in Cork, will help to reduce the number of fatalities on the water even further. I have no doubt that this will save many lives”.
In no fewer than five out of the ten MCIB reports published so far in 2013, it has been recommended that “Details of an intended trip be left with a responsible person ashore along with the latest time of return and that the person ashore should contact the emergency services shortly after the expected time of return has passed”. ISA SafeTrx will not only facilitate this recommendation, but will also help the Coast Guard to identify the location of the stricken vessel, assess details such as craft description, contact details ashore, previous activity, where the boat was last visible to the network and where headed, persons on board and other information all targeted at reducing the time that seafarers spend in the water waiting for a lifeboat or helicopter.
Chris Reynolds, Director of the Irish Coast Guard commented “SafeTrx helps take the search out of search and rescue. It encourages all sea users to plan and execute their trips better, safer and gives assurance to friends and partners ashore”.
Available for both Android & Apple iOS devices (iPhone, iPad), ISA SafeTrx logs position reports every kilometre (or every 5 minutes if stationary). Should the user fail to return on time their emergency contacts will be automatically alerted via SMS and advised to initiate the appropriate action. Voyage position reports are displayed on the SafeTrx Monitoring Console so where an emergency contact calls the Irish Coast Guard concerning an overdue trip, the Irish Coast Guard will have access to the user’s location and SafeTrx trip data through a secure SafeTrx server. As the ISA SafeTrx app periodically sends location data back to the servers, the Coast Guard’s response team can get help directly and quickly. Whilst the app is not intended to be used as a replacement for statutorily recognised safety devices (marine radios, marine emergency positioning beacons, AIS etc), it is a resource that in some instances may help to raise an alarm earlier and assist emergency services to locate casualties more accurately. The majority of small crafts particularly sea kayakers, anglers, jet-ski users, powerboaters and small sailing boats do not carry the AIS tracking device.
ISA SafeTrx is free and simple to use. Just follow the 4 easy steps:
- Download the app for free
- Register your boat and emergency contact details
- Enter your trip details and ETA. Tap ‘Set Sail’
- Arrive at destination. Tap ‘End Trip’
For more information and to download the app for free go to www.sailing.ie/SafeTrx.
