Jul 7, 2023
Meeting with Minister for Sport
On June 28th accompanied by Bryan Hughes, Senior Associate, A&L Goodbody our CEO Mary O’Connor met with Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne and department officials regarding proposals for Taxation Reform for the sector under Action 3.7 of National Sport Policy Action plan. The Federation is the lead body on this action as set out in the National Sports Policy, Sports Action Plan 2021-2023. The action states ‘Taxation reform can assist this drive for more funding diversity in Irish sport, not just for high performance sport but also for grassroots sport.’ Examples of how taxation reform could be implemented are:
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- Elimination of €250 eligibility threshold for S. 847A TCA relief on donations to sporting capital projects
- Extension of S. 847A TCA relief to include donations for certain current expenditure.
- VAT cost mitigation and potential for reduced rates
- Granting charitable status to NGBs
- Incentivisation of personal exercise opportunities
A more detailed approach to taxation reform will be set out in the Federation Pre-Budget Submission in the coming weeks.
Jun 29, 2023
28th of June 2023
Press release: Morton Games International Athletics 2023
Morton Games Officially Launched
Morton Games International Athletics 2023 was officially launched today in the Morton Stadium Dublin. Morton Stadium has recently undergone a €3m refurbishment project led by Dublin City University which included the installation of a new Mondo track. Morton Games on July 14th will be the first major event to take place in the Stadium since completion of those works in mid June.
In addition to the Stadium upgrade Morton Games itself has also undergone an upgrade and is now a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze Meet and will now feature additional events in an exciting programme of non stop international athletics climaxing with the iconic Morton Mile. In attendance at today’s launch were athletes Cathal Doyle (Clonliffe Harriers) and Amy O’Donoghue (DSD) both of whom will be competing in next month’s meet.
The international programme on the night will commence with the women’s 100 hurdles which has drawn a world-class entry including Ireland’s Tokyo Olympian, European Games bronze medalist and World and European finalist Sarah Lavin. Also confirmed are top international hurdlers Ebony Morrison (LBR), 2022 African silver medallist and Liz Clay (AUS), 2 time Australian champion and Alicia Barrett (GBR).
Other feature events this year will include the Albie Thomas 5000, and marking the 65th anniversary of Santry’s summer of world records, members of the legendary Australian’s family will be guests at this year’s meet. A top-class field has been put together for this race including Spain’s Abdessamad Oukhelfen, 10th in last year’s European Cross Country, Phil Seseman, who finished top Briton in this year’s London Marathon, Tom Mortimer (GBR) and from the host club Clonliffe Harriers Efrem Gidey.
New this year is the women’s javelin where the field will include Olympian Jo-Ane Van Dyk (RSA) and Jenni Kangas (FIN), both of whom are 60m plus throwers. The men’s high jump also makes a welcome return and again a top-class entry including including Mpho Links (RSA), Juozas Baikstys (LTH) Jef Vermeiren (BEL), all 2.27m men and Stefano Sottile (ITA) 2.33m.
Finally the Morton mile itself where there will be an attack on the Stadium record of 3.51.82 set by Will Leer (USA) in 2014. Confirmed for the Morton mile are Cathal Doyle, who finished 2nd in last year’s epic race, Irish U/20 star Nick Griggs, Ryan Mphahlele (RSA) who has a 1500 pb of 3.32.90 and Jye Edwards (AUS) the fastest miler in the field with a 3.49.27 PB.
Men’s events– 100, 400, 800, the Morton mile, Albie Thomas 5000, High jump, Shot Put.
Women’s events – 100 hurdles, 200, 800, 1500, High jump, Javelin
Morton Games International Athletics – Facts at a glance:
What: Morton Games International Athletics.
Where: Morton Stadium, Santry, Dublin.
When: Friday, 14th July – International programme from 7pm, with Pre-programme from 5.45pm.
Tickets: Available online at www.mortongames.ie at a cost of €10 with U/16s free.
Confirmed Irish athletes include Sarah Lavin, Phil Healy, Louise Shanahan, Georgie Hartigan, Nick Griggs, Paul Robinson, Sharlene Mawdsley, Chris O’Donnell, John Fitzsimons, Fearghal Curtin, Efrem Gidey, Eric Favors, Mark Smyth, Cathal Doyle, Kate O’Connor (in the 100 Hurdles, 200m and Javelin!)
Confirmed international athletes include Kyle Langford (GBR), Izzy Boffey (GBR), Ryan Mphahlele (RSA), Jye Edwards (AUS), Ebony Morrison (LBR), Lynsey Sharp (GBR), Guy Learmonth (GBR), Stefano Sottile (ITA), Richard Kilty (GBR), Liz Clay (AUS), Michaela Meyer (USA), Mpho Links (RSA), Jo-Ane Van Dyk (RSA), Erin Shaw (AUS).
Further details and news updates at: www.mortongames.ie
All Morton Games media-related enquiries including Event Accreditation should be directed to: mortongamesmedia@gmail.com
Jun 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
29th June 2023
Change in the duty of care marks a significant rebalancing of the duties owed to visitors by occupiers and ensures a fairer allocation of personal responsibility across society.
- The Alliance calls for the immediate commencement of this section of the legislation so that hard-pressed policy holders can begin to see the benefits intended by it.
- Minister Carroll McNeill needs to make good on her promise of savings for policy holders.
The Alliance for Insurance Reform welcomes the passage of The Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 through the Houses of the Oireachtas last night. This legislation includes a significant reform of the duty of care which, if commenced quickly and implemented fairly, rebalances duties owed to visitors by occupiers and ensures a fairer allocation of personal responsibility across society. We expect the new rules regarding the voluntary assumption of risk to afford protection to a whole swathe of activities where risks are willingly accepted by people well able to comprehend the nature and extent of those risks.
Flora Crowe, Alliance Board member and grocery stores owner has called for “the immediate commencement of this aspect of the legislation so that hard-pressed policy holders can begin to see the benefits intended by it”.
Having previously highlighted the number of personal injury claims in Ireland, average personal injury awards and insurance fraud as barriers to lower premiums, insurers have in recent times highlighted the need for these amendments to the duty of care as a condition for lower premiums. “Now that this legislation has completed its progress through the Oireachtas, we expect incumbent insurers to deliver lower premiums immediately as the risk associated with every new or renewed policy has just reduced significantly” Flora said.
Recently* asked when policy holders could expect to see savings arising from this change in the legislation, Minister Carroll McNeill was unequivocal:
“When that legislation goes through during the summer, I will be picking up the phone and inviting the CEOs in here to have that very direct conversation with them again. Because the legislation will be passed then, [and] there is literally no excuse after that.”
We call on the Minister to make good on this promise without delay.
*RTE Primetime, 11th May 2023 – Insurance costs crippling adventure tourism, say centre owners (rte.ie)
For further information contact: Brian Hanley, CEO, Alliance for Insurance Reform at brian@insurancereform.ie or 086 862 0974
Jun 13, 2023
In May, we celebrated the 2023 Irish Sport Industry Awards, in association with our sponsors Financial Broker. Up to 200 guests gathered in the prestigious Banking Hall of the Westin Hotel, in anticipation of the award winners being revealed across 11 different categories. With a record number of entries submitted this year, there was a very high standard set and the nominations were hotly contested.
The depth and variety of the initiatives by those shortlisted represent some of the many exciting collaborations and innovations happening in Sport. In hosting these awards, we are privileged to showcase the diverse work being done across the sporting landscape in Ireland and connect those working in the Sport sector.
This was the 6th annual hosting of the awards, which has firmly established it’s position on the social sporting calendar as an important networking opportunity for those in the business of sport. This unique gathering brings together NGB CEO’s, Commercial Partners, Sponsorship Directors, High Potential Start-Ups, LSP Coordinators, PR & Agency Executives, Media and Government representatives.
Sport Ireland research* has shown that the sport economy has grown faster than the economy as a whole over the last 10 years. At the Federation we look forward to continuing to represent our member National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships to highlight why #SportMatters to Irish society and the economy as a whole. In the coming months we will once again be making our annual Pre-Budget Submission to Government to ensure the collective Voice of Irish Sport continues to be represented.
*Economic Value of Sport Report (2021)
May 26, 2023
The winners of the 2023 Irish Sport Industry Awards, hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport in association with Financial Broker, were announced at an awards ceremony at Dublin’s Westin Hotel on Thursday, 25th May. Deputy Niamh Smyth TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Arts, Sport and Media delivered the keynote address to an audience of representatives from across the sports sector.
The 11 award categories recognise the value that sport adds to the Irish economy from the sports industry perspective, in addition to celebrating the ongoing work done by national governing bodies and local sports partnerships to promote sport and physical activity nationwide. The Sport industry in Ireland supports 64,000 jobs and stimulates €3.3 billion in household spending. For the full list of winners see below.
The coveted award for National Governing Body of the Year went to Swim Ireland. Swim Ireland has had a transformational year by taking a new approach to achieve their goal of having an ‘An Island of Swimmers’. They have made great strides in the area of inclusion and prioritised the life skill of swimming with particular focus on increasing opportunities for people regardless of their age, ability, background, or location.
The winner for the Outstanding Contribution to Irish Sport for 2023 is Frances Kavanagh. Over the years, Frances has continued to help create opportunities for athletes with disabilities by pursuing a programme of participation and performance. Frances has worked tirelessly across many organisations and her commitment to Special Olympics Ireland has been second to none.
The Jimmy Magee FIS/ASJI Sports Coverage of the Year Award, was presented to Rónán Ó Coisdealbha. Rónán is head of sport at TG4, a position that he has held for 25 years. Under Ronan’s guidance, TG4 has continued to spearhead the TV station’s outstanding coverage of a wide range of sports – local, national and international.
This year saw the introduction of the inaugural Women in Business in Sport Award, in partnership with KPMG. This award is to. It recognise sustained excellence by a female professional working in business related to sport on the island of Ireland that has delivered innovation, growth, leadership, impactful campaigns or standout services in the industry. The inaugural winner was Dr. Fiona Chambers.Fiona Chambers has been a senior leader in higher education for more than 30 years with a real focus on sport and innovation. Over that time Fiona has developed expertise across many areas of business including in strategic design in multinational educational environments and human-centred innovation.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said, “Congratulations to all the award winners this evening. The awards are a celebration of the ongoing work done by national governing bodies and local sports partnerships to promote sport and physical activity nationwide. They also serve to recognise the invaluable relationship between business and sport in Ireland and the value that sport adds to the Irish economy. It is important to the Federation to highlight this and give prominence to the business of sport.”
Liam Carberry, President Brokers Ireland said, “In a time of digital dependency and excessive screen time, the immense physical and psychological value of sports and active participation in community-based teams and associations is more important now than ever to society. The Irish Sports Awards celebrate and recognise a diverse section of organisations, individuals, and capabilities that influence the structures and development of sport in this country, and I congratulate all award winners on the pivotal role that they play in this process, from the grassroots up.”
Full List of Award Winners
- Best Sports Sponsorship
Electric Ireland, GAA Minor Championship ‘This is Major’
- Best use of Communications Platform in Sport
Basketball Ireland, basketballireland.tv/In Game Digital Scoresheet-Swish All Hoops App
- Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity
Golf Ireland – LevelPar
- Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity
Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown Sports Partnership, Inclusive Cycling For All
- Local Sports Partnership of the Year
Laois Sports Partnership
- National Governing Body of the Year
Swim Ireland
- Best New Sports Business of the year
Output Sports
- Best Sports Business of the year
Irish American Events Ltd., Aer Lingus College Football Classic
- Women in Business in Sport Award, in partnership with KPMG
Dr. Fiona Chambers
- The Jimmy Magee Award for Sports Coverage of the year
Rónán Ó Coisdealbha, Head of Sport TG4
- Outstanding Achievement for Contribution to Irish Sport Award
Frances Kavanagh
About Swim Ireland
Swim Ireland has had a transformational year by taking a new approach to achieve their goal of having an ‘An Island of Swimmers’. They have made great strides in the area of inclusion and prioritised the life skill of swimming with particular focus on increasing opportunities for people regardless of their age, ability, background, or location. The first ever National Swimming Strategy was launched this year and Swim Ireland has played a pivotal role in its activation. There has been a whole host of initiatives headed by Swim Ireland including the first ever Pop-Up Pool as well Swimmin’ Women Menopause Programme, Swim for a Milestone, Sanctuary Swimmers, LGBTQ+ specific programmes and a programme specifically for Gaelgeoirs. As well as this, there has been success on the International stage as athletes at the Commonwealth Games won three medals which were our first medals in history.
About Frances Kavanagh
Over the years, Frances has continued to help create opportunities for athletes with disabilities by pursuing a programme of participation and performance. Frances has worked tirelessly across many organisations and her commitment to Special Olympics Ireland has been second to none. Frances has been a Senior Director with Special Olympics Ireland and also held roles at Federation of Irish Sport and CARA Steering Committee, now Active Disability Ireland. Frances was also named among the Sport for Business Most Influential Women in Irish Sport. Frances has continued to help develop resources to create a more welcoming and inclusive society for all.
About Rónán Ó Coisdealbha
Rónán is head of sport at TG4, a position that he has held for 25 years. Under Rónán’s guidance, TG4 has continued to spearhead the TV station’s outstanding coverage of a wide range of sports – local, national and international. TG4 has gone from strength to strength with the help of Rónán’s leadership and he has been able to continue to help the Irish language to develop through sport.
About Dr. Fiona Chambers
Fiona has been a senior leader in higher education for more than 30 years with a real focus on education, sport and innovation. Over that time Fiona has developed expertise across many areas of business including in strategic design in multinational educational environments and human-centred innovation. For some time now, Fiona has worked in the area of strategic design and has brought this together with sport, physical activity and physical education. Fiona’s interest for both business and sport have complimented each other very well and her work is something that should be recognised.
May 18, 2023
2020 Sports Capital and Equipment Programme Review published by Ministers Martin and Byrne
Recommendations include:
- greater focus on Climate Action, Disability and Gender Balance
- continued focus on projects sharing facilities with other sports
- further investment in areas of disadvantage
- ongoing investment in projects targeting female participation
- prioritisation of projects targeting disability
- rewarding future applications with environmental focus
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’s Review of the 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (‘SCEP’) was published on the department’s website today.
The SCEP is the primary vehicle for government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities, and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. It aims to increase sporting participation across all sectors of the population.
After each round of the Programme, a review is undertaken to identify any changes required to further improve the scheme. The Review published today provides a comprehensive look at all aspects of the 2020 round including statistical data on how the funding was allocated. The 2020 round itself was a record one with over €166 million allocated to sports clubs and organisations throughout the country.
Among the recommendations contained in the Review published today is a continued prioritisation of projects that share facilities with other sports and further enhanced investment in areas of disadvantage. The Review also identified new areas for focus, including:
- rewarding projects which incorporate climate action measures
- rewarding projects which include adaptations for persons with disabilities through ring-fenced scores at assessment stage
- expanding the SCEP remit to include applications for upgrades to swimming pools
- an increase in thresholds for capital grants at both local and regional level
- prioritising applications from areas witnessing significant population growth
Commenting on the publication of the Review, Minister Martin said:
“It is exciting that the Review has a specific section on Climate Action and I look forward to seeing a greater emphasis in this regard when a new round of the Programme opens. The Review also shows that the measures introduced to target female participation have worked well and I want to see this focus continue in future rounds. The record level of funding we secured for the last round is making a real difference in communities right across Ireland and I am committed to see this investment continue in the years ahead.”
“Actively participating in sport is key to our physical and mental wellbeing. To ensure as many people as possible engage, it is essential to have appropriate sports facilities and equipment available in line with population demands. I urge all eligible sports organisations, clubs and schools to start their preparations so that they are ready when the 2023 round of the Programme opens for applications.
“I am determined to see the Programme continuing to target female participation in sport and in this regard, I welcome the Review’s recognition of the need for the National Governing Bodies of Sport to achieve a minimum of 40% representation of each gender in the membership of their Boards by the end of 2023. The adherence or otherwise of the relevant NGB to the gender balance requirement will be a consideration in approving future grant allocations.”
Both Ministers stressed the need for organisations that have not applied for funding previously to register on the department’s online SCEP application system (OSCAR). This can be done on the department’s website.
A new “Guide to Making an Application” for the 2023 round of the SCEP will now be prepared to factor in the recommendations contained in the Review. The exact dates from which new applications will be accepted will be announced by Ministers in the coming weeks.
