Feb 28, 2020
The finals of this season’s Ladies Inter Zone competitions have been completed with Armagh and Monaghan Zones coming out on top.
In the premier competition, the McElroy Cup, Armagh met Donegal in the final. Armagh were the favourites to pick up their 8th ladies title and in the early stages it looked as if they would run away with the final as they built up an early lead and appeared to be in complete control. On mat 2 Donegal were having a particularly difficult time failing to score until the 9th end out of 10 losing 17 – 1. The other 2 games saw Donegal winning one game 11 – 5 and losing the other 9 – 8 to leave Armagh 31 – 20 up at the half way stage. In the second half, Armagh continued to keep the lead but the Donegal rink on mat 3 with a 19 – 8 win gave them hope. Unfortunately for Donegal they lost on mat 1 15 – 6 and could only draw on mat 2 to leave Armagh 61 – 52 winners.
In the Plate competition it was a Monaghan – Mid Ulster final. This was a very close encounter with little separating the teams and it was a game which could have gone either way. At the interval, Mid Ulster led 30 – 29. The second half ebbed and flowed with the lead changing hands on a regular basis. In the end it was Monaghan who squeezed through 53 – 51.
Feb 26, 2020
The Federation of Irish Sport have launched their plan for the organisation for the next three years which includes their mission to be an authoritative and independent voice for Irish sport. The plan, developed in consultation with the Federation of Irish Sport board, member base and staff, highlights the key goals and actions that will see the organisation through an exciting three years as an umbrella body for 108 sporting organisations.
Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor said, “The launch of our new strategic plan solidifies our vision for sport in Ireland and showcases the effective actions we will take to help sport and physical activity achieve all it can over the next three years. Furthermore, the goals outlined for the organisation itself will assist us in continuing to deliver quality representation and service to all our member organisations. The plan is a significant positive step for all at the Federation, our members and key stakeholders as we move into the next phase of our own development”.
Speaking at the launch of the plan, Federation Chairperson Roddy Guiney explained, “the landscape of sport and physical activity has changed substantially since the Federation’s last strategic plan in 2014. The introduction of the National Sports Policy by government in 2018 was a considerable step forward for the sector and the Federation is committed to ensuring its implementation as one of our key strategic priorities for the next three years. While the landscape changes, our own mission and values remain largely the same as we continue to strive to be an independent voice for Irish sport”.
The Federation will continue to focus on representing its members and lobbying government on their behalf. As part of this work the Federation strives to showcase the many reasons that sport and physical activity matter to Irish society – from health to social inclusion to economic return through campaign led communications and centrepiece events throughout the year.
In summary, the plan details the Federation’s three key goals as
1) successful implementation of the national sports policy
2) enhance the operational capacity of members through support services
3) represent members effectively.
Read the plan in full here
The Federation of Irish Sport have launched their plan for the organisation for the next three years which includes their mission to be an authoritative and independent voice for Irish sport. The plan, developed in consultation with the Federation of Irish Sport board, member base and staff, highlights the key goals and actions that will see the organisation through an exciting three years as an umbrella body for 108 sporting organisations.
Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor said, “The launch of our new strategic plan solidifies our vision for sport in Ireland and showcases the effective actions we will take to help sport and physical activity achieve all it can over the next three years. Furthermore, the goals outlined for the organisation itself will assist us in continuing to deliver quality representation and service to all our member organisations. The plan is a significant positive step for all at the Federation, our members and key stakeholders as we move into the next phase of our own development”.
Speaking at the launch of the plan, Federation Chairperson Roddy Guiney explained, “the landscape of sport and physical activity has changed substantially since the Federation’s last strategic plan in 2014. The introduction of the National Sports Policy by government in 2018 was a considerable step forward for the sector and the Federation is committed to ensuring its implementation as one of our key strategic priorities for the next three years. While the landscape changes, our own mission and values remain largely the same as we continue to strive to be an independent voice for Irish sport”.
The Federation will continue to focus on representing its members and lobbying government on their behalf. As part of this work the Federation strives to showcase the many reasons that sport and physical activity matter to Irish society – from health to social inclusion to economic return through campaign led communications and centrepiece events throughout the year.
In summary, the plan details the Federation’s three key goals as
1) successful implementation of the national sports policy
2) enhance the operational capacity of members through support services
3) represent members effectively.
Read the plan in full here
Background:
The Federation of Irish Sport is the representative organisation for the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and the Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) in Ireland. The Federation’s membership consists of over 100 NGBs and LSPs from all 32 counties, including the GAA, FAI, IRFU, Swim Ireland, and Athletics Ireland.
The Federation last launched a strategic plan in 2014 and developed the most recent plan throughout 2019 in consultation with members and stakeholders.
Recent work of the Federation including General Election 2020 activity and the 2019 Investec Economic Research report commissioned by the Federation can be found at
https://www.irishsport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Federation-of-Irish-Sport-General-Election-2020-Manifesto-Sport-Matters.pdf
https://www.irishsport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Investec_ONLINE_VERSION_v3.pdf
ENDS
For further information contact sinead.conroy@irishsport.ie or call 01 6251155
Feb 20, 2020
It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Garrett Fitzgerald last week. As Gerry Thornley put it in the Irish Times it is doubtful if anyone has given more to Munster rugby in the professional era. I had the absolute privilege of presenting Garrett with an award for his contribution to the business of sport in Ireland at last years Irish Sports Industry Awards ceremony in Dublin. It truly was a privilege to honour a man I had admired for many years. He was the guiding hand that transformed Munster into one of rugby’s great brands which is recognised all over the rugby world. Under his stewardship he transformed Munster into a serious business that today employs some 70 people ( excluding players). He oversaw the redevelopment of Thomond Park . the re-energizing of Musgrave Park, the creation of a world class High Performance Centre at UL and the small matter of two Heineken Cup triumphs along the way. Garrett was a rugby man through and through. A talented player at school he played club rugby for many years. He coached CBC Cork to five Munster Schools Cup victories before going on to coach Munster for three years during which period he guided them to victory over the then World Cup champions Australia. A further measure of the man was convincing the All Blacks to play Munster to officially open the redeveloped Thomond Park. As former Munster and international player Jerry Flannery put it ” What he has done for Munster Rugby is incredible. He lived the values of the province, always putting people first. A truly great man he will be dearly missed’. Garrett was above all a gentleman. We will miss him. Our thoughts, prayers and sympathies go out to his wife Aine, and his children Megan, Jamie and Michael.
May he rest in piece.
Roddy Guiney
Chairman
Federation of Irish Sport
Feb 13, 2020
Rowing Ireland has launched ROWKYO in preparation for the 2020 Olympics.
13.02.20
What is Rowkyo?
Rowkyo is a Rowing Ireland initiative, designed to support clubs and help manage the inevitable interest in the sport in the run-up to the 2020 Olympics. Rowing in the Olympics is scheduled for the last week of July 2020. We want to assist support you for this increased attraction to our sport.
Ireland has currently qualified four boats for the 2020 Olympics, and we are expecting significant interest in Rowing as a result. This will be a hectic time for all of us as the Games will inevitably generate interest in our sport.
Why should clubs get involved?
In all previous Olympics, there has been a surge in sport. In 2016, we saw significant interest in Rowing from the success of all our athletes. This time we know, it will happen again, and we want to help clubs prepare for this with the resources that we have available.
How Will Rowing Ireland Support Clubs?
Rowkyo Support
For signing up to Club Rowkyo, Rowing Ireland will provide;
- Advance workshops and introductory coaching courses in specific areas.
- Support throughout 2020 activating women in your club under our Women in Sport (coaching and officiating) programme.
- Branded promotional material – posters, leaflets etc.
- Planning and support for Work with clubs who sign up to Rowkyo 2020 to support/organise and plan learn to row sessions. In certain areas of the country and where clubs want assistance we can facilitate through the Community coaches (Get Going..Get Rowing)
- Support over Rowkyo Club Festival of Rowing (8th of August)
- Media packs for clubs
- Club and events promotion through the Rowing Ireland Website and direct links to Rowkyo clubs.
- Partnership with #20×20 as they launch their club charters
Promotion through Rowing Ireland’s Website & Social Media
As a part Rowkyo, Rowing Ireland will provide clubs promotion on our website and social media. Members of Rowkyo will also be promoted on a new club finder, to help the general public to access Rowkyo clubs and find contact details easily.
How to Sign Up
- Identify your Club Rowkyo Leader
- Sign up for Rowkyo here.
Deadline to sign up: 30th April
Feb 11, 2020
The Federation of Irish Sport today launched their 2020 Irish Sport Industry Awards. This is the fifth year of the awards which were set up to highlight the important role sport plays in the economic life of the country in addition to the many other ways in which it enhances the quality of life and health in Ireland.
The awards focus on the invaluable relationship between business and sport in Ireland. The Sport industry in Ireland supports 40,000 jobs, stimulates €2.4 billion in household spending and generates €1 billion in tourism receipts each year. The awards recognize and reward excellence in the business of sport, while simultaneously highlighting the contribution of sport to Ireland Inc.
This year to reflect the growing importance of sport in an ever greater number of areas the Federation has opened up a number of new award categories . These include awards in the areas of sustainability, inclusion and innovation. The awards also reflect the important roles played by sports National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships whose programmes drive increased participation in sport and also deliver sport at its highest level in this country.
An experienced and knowledgeable judging panel, drawn from both the sport and business communities, will determine the winners of the fifth annual Irish Sport Industry Awards. The judging panel will be Chaired by Sport for Business founder Rob Hartnett.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said, “I am delighted that the Irish Sport Industry Awards are returning for another year. The Awards were set up to highlight the overall impact sport has on the economy from a variety of sources including sports businesses, sporting equipment, the construction of facilities, jobs, marketing spends, tourism and so on. These awards recognise the value that sport adds to the Irish economy while also acknowledging the work done by those National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships who deliver on the continued investment from business. I would encourage everyone involved in sport to submit an entry to the variety of open categories available.”
“We are also delighted to have both Marsh Insurance and Rob Hartnett on board to support the awards this year. Marsh, who are partners of the Federation are a perfect example of a business supporting the sport and physical activity sector in Ireland. While Rob Hartnett’s Sport for Business is a former category winner at the awards and has gone from strength to strength since then to showcase the invaluable work being done by businesses in the sporting field” O’Connor continued.
Speaking at the launch, Ciaran Whelan of Marsh Insurance ““Marsh Ireland Brokers Ltd are proud to be supporters of the Irish Sports Industry Awards in 2020. These awards recognise the great work done by both the National Governing Bodies and Locals Sports Partnership in delivering value to the Irish people and the excellence in the business of sport. The competition each year continues to increase within all categories and we look forward to congratulating all those who have contributed to another year of great Irish Sport”
The 2020 awards are bigger and better than ever with 16 categories encompassing everything from Best Sporting Event, to New Sports Business, to NGB and LSP of the year and beyond. In a change from previous years, the 2020 awards will be comprised of 10 open categories for which the public can apply and/or nominate and 6 closed categories which will be chosen based on the in-depth knowledge of the expert judging panel.
The judging panel will again be chaired by Sport for Business founder Rob Hartnett. Speaking at the launch, Hartnett said “Last year it was great to see so many strong nominations come forward from the business that is so essential to the present and future of our sporting passions. I am very much looking forward to raising the bar again in 2020. It is a massive year for sport and being able to recognise real excellence across so many areas is one of my favourite undertakings of the year.”
The event will be held on Thursday 16th April in Croke Park Stadium.
Nominations are now being accepted for all open categories and can be made via www.irishsportindustryawards.ie. Closing date for applications is Friday 20th of March 2020.
Full category list:
- Best Sports Marketing Campaign [open for public entry]
- Best Use of Communication platforms in Sport [open for public entry]
- Best Sports Participation Campaign [open for public entry]
- Best Use of Brand Ambassadors from Sport [open for public entry]
- Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport – The 20×20 award [open for public entry]
- Special Award for Inclusive Sport Initiative [open for public entry]
- Local Sports Partnership Initiative of the year [open for public entry]
- National Governing Body of the year [open for public entry]
- Jimmy Magee/ASJI Sports Coverage of the Year
- Best Sustainability Initiative [open for public entry]
- Sports business of the Year – New
- Sports business of the Year Established
- Best Sporting Innovation of the year [open for public entry]
- Best Sports Event of the year
- Best Sports Sponsorship of the year
- Outstanding Contribution to Sports Industry in Ireland
For more information visit www.irishsportindustryawards.ie or contact Sinead Conroy on 01 6251155 or via sinead.conroy@irishsport.ie
ENDS.
Feb 7, 2020
Alliance welcomes first meeting of Judicial Council and urges the Council to work swiftly and with the common good in mind.
The Alliance for Insurance Reform has welcomed the first ever meeting of Ireland’s Judicial Council and wished it every success in its work.
Established under the long-awaited Judicial Council Act 2019, the Council or Comhairle na mBreithiúna as Gaeilge, is an independent body consisting of all the judges in the State.
Peter Boland, Director of the Alliance said “We have no doubt that the Judicial Council will have a profound impact on the administration of justice in Ireland in areas such as judicial education ,sentencing guidelines, judicial excellence, judicial conduct and the day-to-day workings of the judicial system.
“But it is the work of the Personal Injuries Guidelines Committee (PIGC) of the Council that is of most interest to us. Already up and running as a Committee Designate, the PIGC is tasked with drafting new personal injuries guidelines to replace the unfair guidelines currently in place in the Book of Quantum.
“As outlined in the legislation, the PIGC has until this November to produce draft guidelines and the Judicial Council has a further 12 months to adopt and publish those guidelines, subject to amendments.
“We welcome the sense of urgency already instilled in the process by the Chief Justice in establishing a Committee Designate ahead of schedule and we urge the Judicial Council and the PIGC to move swiftly and with the common good in mind in order to have fair guidelines adopted well in advance of the outer limits allowed for in the legislation.”
ENDS
NOTES:
The Alliance for Insurance reform is campaigning for the reduction of unfair general damages to reflect international norms and the principles already established by the higher courts – including that ‘minor injuries attract modest damages
The timings applicable to the PIGC are outlined in Sections 18 (establishment of the PIGC and drafting of guidelines) and Section 7(2)(g) (adoption of draft guidelines by the Council).
The scope of the role of the PIGC is detailed in Section 90.
The Alliance now brings together 36 civic and business organisations from across Ireland, representing over 38,000 members, 667,000 employees, 499,000 volunteers and 374,000 students in highlighting the negative impact of persistently high premiums and calling for real reforms that will quickly reduce liability and motor insurance premiums to affordable levels and keep them that way.
Contact: Peter Boland
