Sep 29, 2020
American born to Irish parents, Sheila O’Brien moved to Ireland in 1997 from Boston Massachusetts. She lives in Cavan with her partner Darren and has 4 children and 3 grandchildren. A health care worker by trade, she works as a care assistant in her community. Now almost 52, this mother and grandmother describes herself as “overweight, with a dodgy knee and a degenerative disc disease” …yet she can cycle.
In May 2019, she decided it was time to get a bike, and was able to purchase one through the bike2work scheme – this allows a person to pay for a bike over a 12mth period through their salary, so you don’t have to come up with the money all at once. Not knowing much about cycling, Sheila purchased a hybrid and her cycling journey began…with an occasional trip to Crover House Hotel for a ‘light refreshment’! Over the following few months, the bike became more of an ornament, as although Sheila wanted to cycle, finding the motivation was difficult.
In December 2019, Sheila came across a Facebook advert promoting AXA Community Bike Rides. “When I saw it, it didn’t make me feel like I needed to be super fit or need a flashy bike…it looked like something I could be a part of and although I was overweight, the advert didn’t intimidate me, which can often be the reason for not taking part in something”.
Sheila had spotted an AXA Community Bike Ride which was being led by Noel Garrahan, a local volunteer leader in Cavan. Noel is a member of the Sheelin Flyers Cycling Club and had got involved in the programme to support people to get back on their bikes in his area. And so Sheila began registering online and taking part in his group rides. “I love to meet people. Although I’m usually at the back of the group, there’s never any pressure put on me and Noel and the support leaders are so encouraging. I learned loads in those first few group rides; how to change my gears; how to ride safely on the road and they just helped me build my confidence”.
January 2020 brought bad weather and lots of it, and a number of group rides had to be cancelled. This was also the month that brought devasting news to Sheila’s door, as her younger sister Tara (48) living in Boston, was diagnosed with motor-neurone disease (or ALS as it’s known in America). “This was a really difficult time. I became a bit disillusioned with things, and before I knew it, Covid hit and whatever bit of cycling I was doing came to a stop, as no group rides could take place”
In May, as restrictions were eased, solo bike rides were introduced and for Sheila, “they couldn’t have come at a better time. These rides pushed me to get out. I love registering and getting a reminder email, as this keeps me accountable”. Signing up to take part provided the motivation Sheila needed to get back out cycling. “Tara can’t cycle, but I can. We often take our bodies for granted. When I’m on my bike I’m always thinking of her as she fights her battle”.
With a mix of easy going and challenging solo bike rides on offer, Sheila was able to pick the rides that best suited her depending on her workload and how much time she had to spare. “Cycling takes me further than my feet…I’ve been able to explore way more of my local countryside and I always come home in a good mood”. With the opportunity to participate in solo rides four times a week, Sheila began clocking up the bike rides. “I love to see how many rides I’ve done and it’s great to get the rewards…you feel like you’ve earned something”.
Cycling has provided Sheila with the opportunity to support her sister Tara in raising money for research into a cure for motor-neurone disease/ALS. Sheila has created fundraisers through cycling to support the 4youIwillfight campaign.
She’s lost 16lbs in the process. “When I started my goal was to try and get all three rewards (buff, waterbottle, t-shirt), but I had no idea where it would take me. I hope people can see how accessible these rides are and more people take part, as I wish people could feel like I feel!!”
During the spring, Sheila contracted the coronavirus. “My doctor said because I was fitter and in better health than I had been a year previously, I possibly recovered much quicker from the virus. You really never know what the outcome will be of that first step…turning up last December to take part in an AXA Community Bike Ride has had a massive effect on my life.” Sheila is now keen to get trained up as a Ride Leader, so she can bring like minded people on bike rides in her area.
“I’ve never been the first at anything and definitely never thought I’d be the first at anything physical! I’m so proud of myself and wouldn’t have done it without AXA Community Bike Rides. Look what I’ve accomplished! I feel empowered. To be the first woman to complete the 100 rides…it really shows you can be any size and cycle!”
The AXA Community Bike Rides team would like to acknowledge that a number of others have also recently completed the 100 rides and congratulate Charlie Parsons (Kilkenny) on being the first member to hit the milestone.
Why not join Sheila, Charlie and all the other members who are currently participating in the programme – click Find a Ride and register today!
For more information, please contact
Mary Corry (Coordinator) mary.corry@cyclingireland.ie
Nicole Evans (Development Officer) axacommunitybikerides@cyclingireland.ie
#4youIwillfight #20×20 #ibike
Sep 25, 2020
Sport Ireland has today announced an investment package of €7.3m in Dormant Accounts Funding for a wide range of sport and physical activity measures countrywide.
The investment aims to engage with communities across the country, focusing on people with disabilities, people who are educationally disadvantaged and from disadvantaged communities.
Speaking about the new round of Dormant Account Funding, Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Catherine Martin TD, said: “A key priority for Government is the targeting of resources at programmes that seek to address inequalities in sports participation, in particular socio-economic disadvantage. Similarly, we are keen to ensure that interventions are in place to boost participation levels among people with disabilities. The range of measures funded through the Dormant Accounts Fund is helping to make sport and physical activity more inclusive and accessible for many people right across Ireland.”
Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers TD, added: “The positive impact of sport and physical activity on our physical and mental wellbeing cannot be overstated. The current pandemic has confirmed the critical importance of sport to Irish society and the uplift it provides to people’s spirits. While keeping us fit, regular physical activity is an excellent social outlet for many. The investment package announced today will have a positive impact on the health of the nation, and support the growth of community and social cohesion through sport.”
Among the successful Dormant Accounts Fund projects announced are thirteen new Innovation projects.
Chairman of Sport Ireland, Kieran Mulvey, commented: “Sport Ireland is delighted with the significant investment of €990,000 in Innovation for Sports Inclusion. These creative Innovation projects have the potential to create solutions to the problems that exist in sports participation. The announcement of thirteen innovation projects is very welcomed, stimulating collaboration within and beyond the sports sector.”
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, commented: “The increase in Dormant Accounts Funding will enable Sport Ireland, supported by National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of communities throughout Ireland. Key to the work of Sport Ireland is the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to partake in sport and physical activity, no matter what their circumstances.”
As with previous funding announced, the investment is closely aligned with the National Sports Policy and the National Physical Activity Plan. A particular emphasis is placed on implementing programmes to promote physical activity, making sport and physical activity accessible to people with disabilities and the development of programmes to address transitions and drop out from physical activity.
Sport Ireland Director of Participation and Ethics, Dr Una May, said: “This year we are delighted to roll-out the Active Cities concept across five cities in Ireland. The aim of this exciting new project is to create, maintain and increase the numbers of citizens, regardless of age and ability, participating in sport and physical activity in their city. The ultimate goal is for people to lead healthier lifestyles in the context of sport & physical activity. A lot of ground work has been put in by the Local Sports Partnerships in our five main cities and we are looking forward to these projects getting going.”
See the full list of funded projects here.
Ends.
For Further Information:
David Gash
Communications Manager, Sport Ireland
dgash@sportireland.ie
087-2277643
Sep 24, 2020
The income tax return filing deadline is 31st October 2020.
Taxpayers can avail of an extension to the normal filing date of 31st October 2020 and instead file by 12th November 2020 if they file both their return of income and make the appropriate payment though ROS for:
- Income tax balance due for 2019, and
- Preliminary income tax due for 2020,
The responsibility is on the individual taxpayer to file the return, calculate the liabilities due and pay these liabilities on time.
Don’t leave it too late – gathering your documents can take time so act now to avoid missing the deadline and incurring penalties.
We advise you to seek guidance from OSK when preparing your return in order to ensure the correct liabilities are calculated.
More information here https://www.osk.ie/blog/posts/income-tax-deadline-2020-faq/
Sep 23, 2020
FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT’S PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSION CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO HONOUR FUNDING COMMITMENTS MADE IN NATIONAL SPORTS POLICY 2018-2027
The Federation is also calling for funds from the Sweetened Sugar Drinks Tax and Betting Tax to be redirected to sport to tackle the obesity problem and implement educational programmes
SEPTEMBER 23rd, 2020: The Federation of Irish Sport is today calling on the government to ensure the survival of sport and physical activity in Ireland by honouring the commitments made in the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 in respect of the current funding levels for sport. The call was made in the Federation’s pre-budget submission, which highlights the need for such commitments to be met following the devastating impact that Covid-19 has had on Irish sports’ finances.
While the business and employment supports made available by government, coupled with the sport-specific rescue package of €70m announced in June, assisted in keeping organisations afloat, the Federation states that further investment is now needed to ensure that organisations not only survive, but are able to adapt, rebuild and grow in 2021. Sport is an important business sector in Ireland contributing approximately 1.4% of Gross Value Added, generating €2.7 billion in household spending per annum and employing 39,5000 people.
Participation in sport also plays a key role in maintaining physical and mental well-being, which is important not only in the battle against Covid-19, but also in reducing health spend on chronic illnesses and death caused by inactivity, with 62% of the Irish population overweight or obese, costing our health service an estimated €1.5 billion each year. It is estimated that there are 4,000 preventable deaths in Ireland every year due to physical inactivity.
In addition to a call to increase current funding to sport, the pre-budget submission also seeks €1.35 million, or 4.5%, of the proceeds of the Sweetened Sugar Drinks Tax be redirected to fund a specific campaign to tackle the obesity problem in Ireland. The Federation is also requesting that the Government invests €2.34 million, or 4.5%, of the increase to the Betting Tax, to develop and implement communication and educational programmes on the importance of sport and the protection of those at risk from gambling in our sporting community.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, said: “Earlier this year, we welcomed the introduction of the Covid-19 Resilience Fund for Sport and Physical Activity announced by Government. However, as the pandemic continues to permeate every element of society, it is imperative that National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and clubs all around the country continue to receive financial investment from Government. At a time when all other sources of revenue are under sustained pressure, Government investment in sport has never been so important. This investment is necessary to ensure the continued delivery of sports programmes nationwide and the benefits to health, wellbeing and community solidarity that this will bring.”
The Federation of Irish Sport’s full pre-budget submission can be read at:
https://www.irishsport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Pre-Budget-Submission-2021.pdf
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact:
Claire Shannon, Wilson Hartnell claire.shannon@ogilvy.com 087 126 0924
Mary McGuire, Wilson Hartnell mary.mcguire@ogilvy.com 087 951 6651
About Irish Sport:
Sport’s share of the economy
Sport contributes approximately 1.4% of Gross Value Added in Ireland. It employs 39,500 individuals (1.7% of total employment).
Sport in Ireland also generates €2.7 billion in household spending per annum
Value of sports volunteering
The economic value of volunteering for sport is approximately €1.1 billion per annum. This figure is based on the average industrial wage.
Sports tourism
Sports tourism is worth approximately €500million per year to Ireland. This figure rises in years where the country hosts major international sports events.
Government return
Recent research by the European Commission suggests that the State may recoup up to €195 in tax revenue for every €100 invested in sport-related activity. Such a return on investment is clearly very attractive, the same European Commission research concluded that an active sport-related economic policy can help counter unemployment. This in stark contrast to the previous estimation of every €100 in State investment in sport in Ireland, the Exchequer receives €149 back in taxes.
Health cost
Investment in sport can help reduce public health expenditure. Department of Health research states that 62% of the population are overweight or obese. This is estimated to cost the State over €1.5 billion annually. Separate research has estimated that there are 4,000 preventable deaths in Ireland each year due to physical inactivity.
About the Federation of Irish Sport
The Federation of Irish Sport is the representative organisation for the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) in Ireland. Its membership consists of over 100 NGBs and LSPs from every corner of the country.
Sep 16, 2020
The closing date for nominations is Friday, September 25th, 2020
SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2020: Irish sprinter, Phil Healy, and volunteer Shane McCormack, were on hand today to launch the final call for nominations for this year’s Federation of Irish Sport Volunteers in Sport awards, proudly supported by EBS.
Nominations for the awards – which were launched in July – will close on September 25th, with clubs, individuals and sporting bodies all being urged to nominate their local everyday hero to give them the opportunity to be recognised by the Federation of Irish Sport and EBS at the 2020 Volunteers in Sport Awards on November 16th. This year’s awards will once more champion and celebrate the thousands of volunteers in sport and physical activity in local communities nationwide. This 450,000-strong army of volunteers dedicate some 37.2 million hours of volunteering across the country’s 13,000+ sports clubs and associations each year. To nominate a deserving volunteer in your local club or community, simply visit http://www.volunteersinsport.ie/ before September 25th, 2020.
Speaking as the countdown to the closing date looms, Darren Duignan, Head of EBS Network Management commented: “The excitement is really building up now as we get close to the final stages of the nomination process for the 2020 Volunteers in Sport awards. EBS is delighted to partner with the Federation of Irish Sport once more to celebrate and recognise the many everyday heroes around Ireland who are truly the backbone of Irish sport and without whom, sport in Ireland simply would not happen. We have been involved in communities in Ireland for over 80 years and are delighted to continue our activity in communities around the country with this partnership with the Federation of Irish Sport. We are really looking forward to celebrating these volunteers and giving them the recognition they deserve for the fantastic work they do for sport in Ireland.”
Also speaking ahead of the closing of the nomination period, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, Mary O’Connor, said: “We are urging everyone to log on to http://www.volunteersinsport.ie/and nominate their local volunteer. Sport plays a central role in villages, parishes and counties, and now, more than ever, the role of the volunteer is essential. The value of volunteering in sport in Ireland is unimaginable, with an estimated 37.2 million hours of unpaid voluntary work performed every year. It is these people who make sport happen in Ireland and it is essential they are recognised, which is why the Federation of Irish Sport established the awards and continue to champion and reward the work of volunteers, now with the invaluable support of EBS. ”
For full information on how to nominate your volunteer in sport for the 2020 Volunteers in Sport Awards visit http://www.volunteersinsport.ie/
ENDS
EBS d.a.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
For further information contact:
Claire Shannon, Wilson Hartnell, claire.shannon@ogilvy.com, 087 126 0924
Mary McGuire, Wilson Hartnell, mary.mcguire@ogilvy.com 087 951 6651
Robert White, Wilson Hartnell, robert.white@ogilvy.com, 086 126 1644
Sep 14, 2020
- 46% of the Irish population (approximately 1.7 million people) participated in sport at least once a week in 2019
- Personal exercise remains the most popular activity (16%) followed by swimming (9%), running (7%), and cycling (4%)
- Significant reduction in the number of inactive adults
Approximately 1.7 million Irish adults participated in sport at least once a week in 2019 according figures published by Sport Ireland today. The Irish Sports Monitor 2019 shows that participation rates have grown by 3% since the publication of the 2017 edition, which equates to an additional 150,000 people.
Personal exercise remains the most popular activity for Irish adults at 16%, followed by swimming (9%), running (7%) and cycling (4%).
The Irish Sports Monitor has measured adult participation in sport and physical activity since 2007. The latest report, produced in conjunction with Ipsos MRBI, presents findings based on interviews with over 8,500 adults aged 16 and over conducted between January and December 2019.
Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Catherine Martin TD, welcomed the positive upward trend: “The Programme for Government and the National Sports Policy set ambitious targets for increasing the number of adults regularly playing sport; the 3% increase in participation rates announced today is a solid start to that journey. The Government has committed to prioritise increasing female participation in sport as participants, coaches, referees and administrators. The decline in the gender gap in active participation to the lowest it has ever been at 3.4% is very welcome. This is testament to the increased number of opportunities being provided by our National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and sports clubs around the country. The low number of sedentary people is encouraging, while the decrease in the disability gradient gap is also a positive development.”
The report finds that those who participate in sport and other forms of activity – both physically and socially – exhibit higher levels of positive mental health. Aside from the increase in active participation, improvements were also reported in the numbers attending events, taking up club membership or involved in volunteering – up to 47% from 45%.
Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers TD, added: “As we have seen over recent weeks and months, the community spirit and social capital generated by sport has played a valuable role in helping Ireland through the Covid-19 pandemic. It is heartening to see such strong numbers active and socially engaged, benefitting from the physical, mental and social dimensions of sport and physical activity. Volunteers are the lifeblood of sport in Ireland and it is encouraging to see such strong numbers dedicating their valuable time.”
The report found that there was significant reduction in the number of inactive adults i.e. those not regularly taking part in sport or recreational walking.
Chairman of Sport Ireland, Kieran Mulvey, commented: “It is very encouraging to see an increase in the number of people participating in sport and also in social participation through volunteering, club membership and attendance at sporting events. While the figures announced today are positive, there is always more that can be done to make sure everyone, no matter their age or background, has the opportunity to participate in sport in some capacity. The Board of Sport Ireland will continue to prioritise our efforts to increase participation right across all groups in our society. The insights gained from the Irish Sport Monitor are key to informing future actions in this regard.”
While the reports highlights many positives, a persistent social gradient in the proportion that is highly active exists in terms of socio-economic status, with those from lower socio-economic groups being both less likely to be highly active and more likely to be sedentary.
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, said: “The findings announced published today are encouraging overall and results are moving in the right direction. In particular, it’s welcome to see sustained participation rates in the younger age groups in the 16-34 bracket, with over 90% of people participating in sport citing improving health and fitness as a motivating factor. Personal exercise remains the main driver or participation at 16%, which was reinforced by our recent reports on participation during Covid-19 restrictions that showed unprecedented numbers taking part individual activity. The challenge now is to provide opportunities to sustain and further grow this level of activity. The work of the National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships is vital in achieving this.”
A copy of the 2019 Irish Sports Monitor Full Year Report and summary report can be downloaded here.
A summary for the key findings of the report can be downloaded here.
Key Findings Include:
- 46% of the population regularly take part in sport representing 1.7 million regular participants. This is an increase of 150,000 additional participants since 2017.
- Gender gap in participation continues to decline from 4.5% at end 2017 to 3.4% for 2019 report. This is the lowest gap reported, when the ISM was introduced in 2007 the gap was 15.7%.
- 47% are involved in a social form of sports participation (attending events, club membership or volunteering), this has increased from 45% in 2017.
- Those who do not participate in sport or recreational walking has decreased from 22% in 2017 to 20% in 2019.
- The disability gradient gap has decreased for those participating in sport to 17% as compared to 18% in 2017.
- The most popular sports to participate in are personal exercise (16%), swimming (9%), running (7%), cycling (4%) and dancing, yoga and soccer (3%) in the top 5 activities.
- Those that participate in sport and other forms of activity both physically and socially exhibit higher levels of positive mental health via energy and vitality.
ENDS.
For Further Information:
David Gash, Communications Manager, Sport Ireland
Email: dgash@sportireland.ie
Tel: 01-8608800
Mobile: 087-2277643
Notes to the Editor:
About the Irish Sports Monitor Full Year Report:
- The full year report provides insight on data collected January- December 2019.
- The ISM is based on telephone interviews conducted with 8,504 adults age 16 and older in the Republic of Ireland between January and December 2019.
- The ISM is written by Ipsos MRBI on behalf of Sport Ireland and provides information on active participation in sport and physical activity, club membership, volunteering and attendance at sporting events.
