Mar 26, 2012
Swim Ireland, the national governing body for swimming, water-polo, diving and associated aquatic sports in Ireland, is seeking to appoint a part time (25 hours per week) Women in Sport Officer. Swim Ireland, supported by the Irish Sports Council and would be pleased to receive applications for the above post.
Please refer to the job description and specification document for a comprehensive summary of the candidate requirements.
The successful candidate will report to the Swim Ireland Finance & Commercial Manager with Support from the Director of Education for delivering the following initiatives detailed in the 2012 Swim Ireland Women in Sport, Irish Sports Council grant submission. You will also be expected to support the delivery of other Swim Ireland programmes.
- Meet & Swim: The creation of sessions in facilities throughout Ireland where Irish Women can meet and swim together. The sessions would be aimed at persons who can swim a little and with expert advice and the support of others could progress significantly.
- Swim-Fit Clinics: Clinics aimed specifically at people who can swim a little and do not feel lessons are for them or those who learnt to swim a number of years ago now but have not really been swimming since. The purpose of the clinics would be to offer them advice on their technique, standard, goal-setting and opportunities in order to get them started into more regular participation in swimming.
- Swimathon Series: The creation of a Swimathon Series consisting of a number of swims, namely the 250m, 500m, 1,000m & culminating in the 1,500m in a series of pools around the country.
- Masters Swimming – The Fun Option: Seeking to work with Masters Swimming to redevelop their offering and to focus on the recreational element of their sport to support an increase in their membership.
The successful applicant will be expected to plan, implement and maintain a vibrant, relevant and informative communications and public relations strategy around the above initiatives including inter-alia a Swim Ireland Women in Sport website, social media, advertising and branding.
Applicants must demonstrate their experience and provide evidence in successful project work. They must also demonstrate strong organisational, communication, administrative skills and demonstrate ability in building partnerships/working as part of a team.
The initial contract is for 12 months part-time. We are hopeful that the position will be continued thereafter subject to receipt of relevant Sports Council funding.
The post is part-time working 25 hours per week. The successful candidate would need to be in a position to commence employment within approximately a month of receipt of the job offer.
Prospective applicants should seek further information on the post from Ed Wyeth at the contact details below.
Applications should include a detailed yet concise CV and a detailed letter of application for the post including: 1. Reasons for why you want the job and 2. Experience that you have in relation to the Job Specification. Finally please also include any other relevant information that you may have in relation to the post. Applications will not be considered unless both a letter of application and full CV are included
View the full job description here.
The closing date for applications is 11th April 2012
Applications should be marked ‘Private and Confidential’ and addressed to:
Ed Wyeth, Finance & Commercial Manager
Swim Ireland, Sports HQ, Park West, 13 Joyce Way, Dublin 12,
finance@swimireland.ie
00353 87 419 3055 (Mobile)
Swim Ireland is an equal opportunities employer
Mar 23, 2012
The International Rugby Board (IRB) has insisted that New Zealand’s staging of the 2011 Rugby World Cup exceeded expectations, after revealing encouraging initial financial results for the competition.
Tournament owners Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) on Thursday said New Zealand 2011 is on track to achieve a net surplus of more than £90 million, £10 million more than previous estimates, making it the second highest revenue-earning event in the history of the tournament. Gross commercial revenues of £142 million were within 3% of the total achieved for the record-breaking France 2007 event. The IRB believes the figures are a major achievement for the tournament, which took place amidst the global economic downturn in a smaller domestic marketplace and in a non-European timezone.
“These excellent results represent a strong endorsement of the Rugby World Cup brand and rugby brands generally in the global commercial marketplace,” said RWCL chairman Bernard Lapasset. “The game is currently in excellent health, we now have 5.5 million men, women and children playing in more countries than ever before and there is no doubt that the success of Rugby World Cup has been a major contributing factor to this growth.”
The 2011 World Cup was the largest event ever hosted in New Zealand. More than 1.35 million fans took their seats at 48 matches with revenue from ticket sales surpassing the NZ$268.5 million (US$218 million) target set by tournament organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011. This equated to more than 10 times the gross revenue generated by the next biggest sporting event hosted by New Zealand, the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour. In addition, more than 133,000 fans travelled to New Zealand from overseas, nearly double original forecasts. The tournament is estimated to have boosted economic activity in New Zealand by more than NZ$500 million.
“The financial results also reflect the significant commitment and support of the tournament by our Unions and are a strong endorsement of our long-term hosting strategy,” said Lapasset. “The awarding of Rugby World Cup 2015 to England and Rugby World Cup 2019 to Japan at the same time has provided certainty for our commercial partners and broadcasters and has ultimately enabled the IRB to take a 10-year strategic view to global investment to ensure that our Tier 1 base is strong while maintaining our investment in Tier 2 and 3 and developing rugby markets.”
He added: “This is particularly encouraging given that Rugby World Cup 2007 was hosted at the height of the global economic boom, while Rugby World Cup 2011 was hosted amidst an uncertain economic climate in a smaller domestic marketplace and in a non-European time zone.” The full IRB group results for 2011 will be announced in May following the completion of the reporting process to the IRB Council.
Source: http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/185279/new-zealand-s-rugby-world-cup-exceeds-financial-expectations
Mar 23, 2012
Four major sporting governing bodies have signed up to a new Government plan to develop the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown, with work set to start this year, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar announced today (Tuesday).
Under the new plan:
- GAA, Hockey, Rugby & Soccer have signed up to accept and develop their
own facilities on site;
- Campus infrastructure and technical services will be installed before the end of
2012;
- All-Weather Field Sports Facilities will be developed over the next two years,
and will be open to the public;
- 19 National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of Sport will join FAI on Campus within a
year;
- NSCDA will seek private funding for a National Indoor Sports Arena;
- Work is starting on a new HQ for the Irish Sports Council.
Minister Varadkar was joined by the chief executives of the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Irish Rugby Football Union, the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Hockey Association to launch the new plan, as well as by representatives of the National Sports Campus Development Authority (NSCDA).
Minister Varadkar said: ‘This marks a new beginning for the National Sports Campus and I am delighted that these four sporting organisations have come on board under this new plan – the Development Through Partnership plan. Despite the current economic situation the Government, the NSCDA and the sporting organisations have worked together to drive this exciting project forward. I expect to see good progress being made over the next 12 months’.
“All four bodies have agreed in principle to develop their sections of the Campus. For its part, the Government has allocated funding to develop the vital access route and provide serviced infrastructure this year. The Government has also provided a limited and equal financial incentive of matching funding for each body to commence development as soon as possible.
“The Bertie Bowl is no more, but the National Sports Campus lives on. The FAI, the National Aquatic Centre and the Irish Institute of Sport are already on site. The new Irish Sport HQ will provide a home for around 19 other sporting organisations. Multi-purpose all-weather pitches and training facilities for GAA, Soccer, Rugby and Hockey will follow.”
Speaking on behalf of the NSCDA, Mr Sean Benton, the newly-appointed Chairman of the Authority, welcomed the Minister’s comments. He said that the Authority was equally confident that a vital piece of Irish national sporting infrastructure will be established at Blanchardstown.
“We are totally committed to the creation of a world-class facility which will provide our sportsmen and sportswomen with the facilities which they deserve as they continue to do us all proud. We are delighted with the Government’s renewed commitment to the project. We are also delighted with their attitude which has enabled us to bring the project forward in a new spirit of partnership, flexibility and cooperation.”
Heads of Agreement
The FAI, GAA, IRFU and IHA have signed Heads of Agreement to accept and develop the areas allocated to them on the Campus, in line with the overall Master Plan design for the 520 acre site. Significant work will take place on the Campus over the next 12 months, despite the constraints imposed by the economic situation. Equal grants of matching funding will be awarded to each body to further develop the facilities on their sites.
Essential access works
Work on the access road and serviced infrastructure will begin in September, and will be completed by the end of 2012. This will allow the FAI, GAA, IRFU and IHA access to serviced sites, enabling the development of their own facilities within the overall Campus Development Control Plan.
Irish Sport HQ
Work on refurbishing an existing building on site as a new Irish Sport HQ for around 19 National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport is underway and is scheduled for completion by November this year. They will join the FAI which relocated its HQ to the Campus in December 2007, and the Irish Institute of Sport which is already based in the Campus.
All weather pitches
Work will start on a series of all-weather, multi-sport pitches and a pavilion adjacent to the National Aquatic Centre. These will be available for use by the major field sports as well as the public, on sustainable commercial terms. This will also ensure there is real community gain from the project. The pitches and the pavilion will be completed over the next two years.
Philanthropy
The NSCDA will shortly launch a campaign to seek private funding for the National Indoor Training Arena on the site. Proposed facilities would include the National Indoor Athletics Track, the National Gymnastics Centre and a Multi-Sport court for the major indoor sports.
Abbotstown House
Essential work has been conducted on Abbotstown House. The building is expected to be the new HQ of the Irish Sports Council following its proposed merger with the NSCDA, within three or four years.
Mar 23, 2012
Appointment Details:
- THIS IS NOT A SALARIED POSITION
- Volunteer status – Expensed
- The manager must live in Ireland
- Available to attend camps in Ireland and abroad
- Offered on a fixed term basis 16/4/12 – 31/12/12
- Responsible to: IOHA Senior Men’s National Team Coach
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational management-Supported by the IOHA Office
- Ensure clear and efficient communication of arrangements to all key personnel internally and
- externally
- Efficiently manage all arrangements and attend all selection and training camps, tours and
- matches both in Ireland and abroad.
- Efficient management of all kit and resources
- Act as a liaison between the coach, team and tournament organisers and attend all technical
- meetings during tournament participation.
- Adjudicate any problems that may arise amongst team members, the coach and support staff
- during camps and competitions
- Ensure reporting procedures are completed at the end of each camp
- Regularly liaise with the High Performance Committee of the IOHA
- Follow the IOHA International Squads’ Reporting Procedures
Application Process:
Stage 1 – Closing date for applications: 2/4/12
Stage 2 – Interview, dates to be confirmed. Dublin.
Potential candidates, who wish to find out more information about the post, contact the IOHA
General Manager. generalmanager@olympichandball.org
Please email the completed official application form to the IOHA General Manager.
View the full job description here
Mar 16, 2012
The President of the Camogie Association Joan O’Flynn was part of a delegation which visited Áras an Uachtaráin this afternoon (Friday, March 16th) to present a copy of A Game of Our Own: Camogie’s Story to President Michael D. Higgins.
Mary Moran, author of A Game of Our Own: Camogie’s Story, Jackie Brien, Chair of Connacht Camogie Council; Kathleen Woods, Chair of Ulster Camogie Council; Eamonn Browne, Chair of Munster Camogie Council and Catherine Neary, Chair of Leinster Camogie Council were also amongst those in attendance.
A Game of Our Own: Camogie’s Story was officially launched by the Camogie Association at Croke Park on December 15th 2011.
The book charts the development of the Association from its foundation in 1904 through to the present day. It contains a rich array of photographs and fantastic archival material, stretching back over many decades.
The book will be officially launched by Connacht Camogie Council in Claregalway on March 23rd with special guest Professor Gearoid O’ Tuathaigh. A Mayoral Reception is also taking place in Cork City Hall on March 29th at which the Minister of State for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People, Kathleen Lynch will attend.
- A Game of Our Own: Camogie’s Story is available to purchase from the Camogie Association by logging onto www.camogie.ie and contacting Siobhan Lafferty at 01 865 8652, Email: Siobhan@camogie.ie. The book is priced at €25 plus €5 post and packaging.
Mar 16, 2012
(written on behalf of the Irish Hockey Association by Stephen Findlater)
One of six survivors from Canada four years ago, Alex Speers and her Irish panel, sponsored by Electric Ireland, are taking nothing for granted.
Ireland’s last Olympic qualifying campaign blew up in smoke at the hands of lower ranked Italy, something scarcely envisaged in the build-up. Korea were the form team with an experienced Irish side the potential hares in the pack, hoping to spring forth and cause a shock.
But, with a draw required, a 2-0 loss to the unfancied Italians in the final game of the six-team group denied Ireland a final place.
It was a harrowing experience for Speers but one which her side must draw from as they open their Olympic qualifying campaign with three ties against the so-called minnows of Mexico, France and Russia. Any slip could jeopardise their campaign prior to the huge mini-league with Spain and Belgium that kicks in on day four of the competition, a situation the Railway Union club woman cannot bear to contemplate.
“Four years ago, we looked up a lot to Korea and never really thought of Italy,” she said. “When it came to it, they were the side who did the damage. There are enough of us there to remember that heartache. It is something we never want to experience again.
“It is very important we take each game as it comes. On paper, we have the three lowest ranked teams in the tournament in the first three matches and then go into the harder ones. We take nothing for granted. We need to perform to beat each team and need to build performances toward the fourth, fifth and sixth matches when they come and be right up there.”
Cliodhna Sargent, Shirley McCay, Nikki Symmons, Lisa Jacob and Emma Clarke were all there in April 2008. All are centurions now, reflecting the large experience base in Gene Muller’s panel despite the tender average age.
And it is a bank of knowledge that has received notable extra deposits in recent times, fruitful trips to Argentina just before Christmas (with thanks to their sponsors Electric Ireland and the Irish Sports Council) and South Africa for six international ties with the host nation and Belgium.
“Post-Europeans we turned a corner. Training, matches, everything. We have got something from all of it. The pieces of the jigsaw are there. We just have to put it together. If we do, we will get the result.
“Since Argentina in December, the last three or four months have been very exciting. Coming out in the second half against Argentina in Parana with the crowd singing their national anthem; it was kind of surreal but it was very good trip. We got a lot out of it with a lot of different players growing into it.
“I would definitely say there is a lot more excitement looking forward to the qualifiers [than the Europeans]. After the two trips away when we got results, we go into the tournament having scored lots of field goals against France, not just from short corners, so we go in with lots of confidence.”
They were timely strikes, nine goals from play adding a diversity of scoring options after the vast majority of other warm-up games saw the likes of Sargent, Audrey O’Flynn and Shirley McCay score from set-pieces.
“The forwards need to win the corners for us to score them. It’s important to have a high corner rate. We need that as well but it was nice for the confidence of the forwards to get field goals.”
Ireland start their campaign on St. Patrick’s Day March 17th against France at 13.30 local time.
Saturday 17 March 2012
11.00 Spain v Mexico
13.30 Ireland v France
16.00 Belgium v Russia
Sunday 18 March 2012
11.00 Spain v France
13.30 Ireland v Russia
16.00 Mexico v Belgium
Monday 19 March 2012 Rest day
Tuesday 20 March 2012
13.00 Mexico v Ireland
15.30 Russia v France
18.00 Belgium v Spain
Wednesday 21 March 2012 Rest Day
Thursday 22 March 2012
14.00 Russia v Mexico
16.30 Ireland v Spain
19.00 France v Belgium
Friday 23 March 2012
14.00 France v Mexico
16.30 Spain v Russia
19.00 Belgium v Ireland
Saturday 24th March 2012 Rest Day
Sunday 25th March 2012
11:30 5th in Pool v 6th in Pool
14.00 3rd in Pool v 4th in Pool
16:30 1st in Pool v 2nd in Pool
