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
Mar 15, 2012
| Job Title: |
Sports Operations Manager |
| Division/Unit: |
Management Team, NSCDA (Operations) Ltd. |
| Reports to: |
Director of Operations |
| Status: |
3 Year Contract |
| Hire Date: |
March/April 2012 |
Principle Purpose and Duties:
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Service Delivery Manager will provide a hands-on role in the successful delivery of the company’s sports, leisure and daily operations. The candidate will ensure that all of the company’s sports and leisure operations are delivered to the highest standards, in a safe and welcoming environment. This is a Service Delivery Role.
The candidate will work with the Sales & Marketing Manager, Head of Maintenance, Human Resources & Training and the Finance unit to make sure the company’s Sports Delivery Operations targets are met.
Key Job Responsibilities:
Lead and Manage the Operations Team. Directly manage the Duty Managers in the National Aquatic Centre and in Morton Stadium and any other sites associated with NSCDA (Operations) Limited.
Responsible for the day-to-day Sports Delivery of the Aquatic Centre and Morton Stadium.
Responsible for Customer and Staff safety at all times. First point of contact for any Health and Safety issue including Security, Fire and Customer Issues.
Develop and implement a business model for the overall growth and development of the Sports Delivery element of the company.
Ensure the operating procedures are in line with industry regulations and best practice.
Improve and develop operational systems that will help improve and drive the business forward.
Ensure that all necessary operational systems are in place to enable the business targets to be met.
Analyse and improve all existing policies, procedures, operational methods and development plans of all delivery aspects of the business.
Develop appropriate targets & KPI for the Sports Delivery of the Business including Performance Management and Staff Development.
Organise, develop and assist in the coaching and development of the Duty Managers and their teams.
Managing and directing staff briefings and staff training.
Customer Relationship Management. Taking responsibility for all Customer Related queries and incidents and ensuring efficient processes are in place to deal with all customer queries.
Assist the Sales and Marketing Team with relevant Marketing initiatives on both sites.
Coordination of management and staff rosters including forward planning for peak business times.
Drive the business in seeking National and International Operational recognition and awards.
Assist and insure the successful delivery of events hosted by the Centre and Morton Stadium.
Improve staff flexibility between departments by providing cross departmental training and development opportunities for both Managers and Staff.
Develop and Manage budgeting process at year end and throughout the year.
Direct and oversee supplier invoices/payments for all services relating to the operations budget.
Liaise with Governing Bodies of Sport in relation to events and planning of activities at the Campus (Swim Ireland, Athletics Ireland).
Liaison with all Department Heads on matters that affect the running of the Centre.
Experience:
A proven leader with 10 years’ experience in the Sports & Recreation Business.
Direct experience of both aquatics and athletics required.
Ability to work autonomously but also as part of a strong team member.
Understanding of financial management is desirable.
Proven record in achieving income and service delivery targets.
Sports Health and Safety Operations experience.
Strong Communication Skills and experience of Managing a large team is essential.
Financial Management and Public Procurement knowledge.
Senior Operations Management experience of a Large Sport & Recreational facility with both Wet & Dry training facilities.
Gym & Fitness Club experience.
An understanding of High Performance Delivery to Athletes.
Experience in Event Management and in particular Sporting Events.
Qualifications:
Degree or Post Graduate Qualification in a relevant discipline a distinct advantage.
Raymond Hoare,
Head of Human Resources,
NSCDA (Operations) Limited,
Abbotstown, Dublin 15.
Email: rayhoare@nac.ie
Closing Date: Wed 4th April 2012
To view the full advert click here
Mar 5, 2012
The ISA (Irish Sailing Association) 6th Annual Awards Ball was held on Saturday the 3rd of March in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin where five nominees became winners of the five prestigious ISA Awards. Minister for Sport, Leo Varadkar was there to present the awards at the biggest social event of the year for the sailing, motorboating and windsurfing community.
One of Ireland’s Olympic sailors, Annalise Murphy, won the overall ISA Sailing Achievement of the Year award for 2011. She faced tough competition from the other three nominees, George Kenefick, Martin Byrne and Noelle Doran who all had found international glory throughout the year but ultimately it was Annalise’s tremendous successes in 2011 that clinched it for her. She firstly finished 4th at the Miami World Cup in January followed by a podium finish at Sail for Gold in Weymouth where she took home the bronze medal. She then travelled to Perth in December for the ISAF World Championships where she finished 6th overall and qualified Ireland for the 2012 Olympics.
Following in the footsteps of the elite athletes are a generation of incredibly talented youth sailors. The Young Sailor of the Year Award is a highly coveted accolade, one which was won by Tralee’s Sophie Browne. While we were all enjoying our Christmas dinner young Sophie was in New Zealand preparing for the Optimist World Championships. Sophie was determined to cap a great year off in style and that is exactly what she did. She finished 13th overall from 210 boats and picking up a Silver medal for 2nd Girl. It was this result that ultimately put her ahead of her fellow nominees, Patrick Crosbie, Peter McCann, Philip Doran and Seafra Guilfoyle.
The other winners included Michael McCarney from Co. Tipperary who won the ISA Volunteer of the Year award, Rachel Hoolahan from Greystones who won the ISA Instructor of the Year award and Rusheen Bay Windsurfing from Co. Galway took home the prize for ISA Training Centre of the Year.
The black-tie Awards Ball was a wonderful success with over 200 guests attending from all corners of the Irish boating community with RTE’s Fergal Keane acting as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Also in attendance were two of the three Irish Paralympian sailors, John Twomey and Ian Costello. The team of three have already qualified for the 2012 Paralympics but John Twomey as this year he will be celebrating his 10th Paralympics. ISA President Niamh McCutcheon remarked “The ISA Awards Ball provides us with a platform to officially acknowledge and commend some of the outstanding contributors to our sports. I would like to congratulate all the awards nominees and award winners and wish John Twomey, our Paralympian sailor, the best of luck with his 10th Paralympics this summer”.
As watersports enthusiasts, ISA members are aware of the tremendous work the RNLI do each and every day. In order to support their tireless work the event also held a collection in aid of the RNLI which raised €875.
