Sep 25, 2019
Three Irish Women’s teams finished in the Top 8 of the Small Countries Association Senior Championships in Perth, Scotland over the weekend. The results signifying positive progress as Volleyball Ireland looks to increase participation and improve performance on the International stage.
The top ranked pairing of Miriam Gormally & Alex Graves came agonisingly close to a podium finish losing the 3rd place playoff match to the tournament and home favourites Lynne Beattie and Melissa Coutts. The first set was evenly poised at 16 a piece before three errors on the bounce allowed the Scottish pair to take control. The 2nd set was much of the same with several Irish attacks falling the wrong side of the tape. Cheered on by the vociferous home crowd the top seeds ran out winners 21-17, 21-13.
The Yiassoumi sisters of Cyprus had earlier defeated Ireland in the Semi Finals (21-12, 21-14) to setup a winner takes all v Iceland.
Commenting on the tournament Graves said, “it was really great to get back on the sand representing Ireland after the Continental Cup in June. All four teams battled really well and to get three in the top 8 is a good sign.”
Earlier on, Gormally & Graves beat fellow Girls in Green Marie Claire Sabogal and Fiona Lamont 21-14, 21-17. The match showing the competitive, yet friendly spirit of the Irish squad – although it did cause an agonising conflict of interest for Head Coach Luciana Hollanda, who took charge of all 4 competing teams.
Both teams cruised in to the Quarters with Gormally & Graves topping Pool B, before Sabogal and Lamont despatched of third seeds Emma Patterson & Lucy Kavanagh-Dick from Northern Ireland in one of the standout performances of the tournament in the round of 12 (21-17,21-17).
Also representing Ireland and taking home a credible joint 5th were Roisin Roantree and Volleyball Ireland Board Member Regina Halpin. Playing as a pair for the first time, the diminutive duo impressed with wins over NI’s Montgomery and Scott (21-9, 21-12) in the Pools before beating team mates Emily Frazell and Orla Lynch (21-7, 21-11) in the Round of 12. Their tournament ended with defeat to eventual winners Elisabeth Einasdottir and Berglind Jonsdottir (21-2, 21-5).
The competition was a debut on the sand for Emily Frazell, who joined the Irish setup in May as part of the SCA Indoor team that visited Luxembourg. Lynch was also donning the Green Vest for first time, and the debutants return home with their first Intl scalp after a victory over Rankin/Blair of Scotland (21-11, 21-13).
The Beach season now wraps up with the attentions off the court as the Association looks to gain Sports Capital Grant funding to develop the first Inland court in Ireland, whilst supporting the implementation of permanent posts on beaches across the country.
Full Results IRELAND
Rd Day Time Court Team 1 Team 2 Result
Pool Friday 12:10 2 Montgomery/Smith NIR Roantree/Halpin IRL 0-2 (8-21, 12-21)
Pool Friday 12:10 1 Graves/Gormally IRL Kelly/Richardson SCO 2-0 (21-8, 21-6)
Pool Friday 13:00 1 Sabogal/Lamont IRL Morrison/Waldie SCO 1-2 (21-18, 10-21, 6-15)
Pool Friday 13:50 2 Yiasoumi/Yiasoumi CYP Frazell/Lynch IRL 0-2 (21-9, 21-6)
Pool Friday 17:10 1 Beattie/Coutts SCO Roantree/Halpin IRL 2-0 (21-5, 21-10)
Pool Friday 16:20 1 Graves/Gormally IRL Morrison/Waldie SCO 2-0 (21-14, 21-12)
Pool Saturday 10:00 1 Rankin/Blair SCO Frazell/Lynch IRL 0-2 (11-21, 13-21)
Pool Saturday 10:00 2 Sabogal/Lamont IRL Kelly/Richardson SCO 2-0 (21-6, 21-8)
Rd of 12 Saturday 14:10 2 Sabogal/Lamont IRL Patterson/Dick-Kavanagh NIR 2-0 (21-17, 21-17)
Rd of 12 Saturday 13:20 2 Frazell/Lynch IRL Roantree/Halpin IRL 0-2 (7-21, 11-21)
QF Saturday 17:30 1 Sabogal/Lamont IRL Graves/Gormally IRL 0-2 (14-21, 17-21)
QF Saturday 16:40 1 Einarsdottir/Jonsdottir ICE Roantree/Halpin IRL 2-0 (21-2, 21-5)
SF Sunday 10:00 1 Graves/Gormally IRL Yiassoumi/ Yiassoumi CYP 0-2 (12-21, 14-21)
3rd Place Sunday 12:00 1 Beattie/Coutts SCO Graves/Gormally IRL 2-0 (21-17, 21-13)
Sep 25, 2019
Galway lead shortlist for 2019 Camogie All-Stars Awards nominations
All-Ireland champions Galway lead the Camogie All-Stars Awards 2019 shortlist. The final team will be announced at the 16th annual Camogie All-Stars Awards banquet, sponsored by Liberty Insurance in Citywest Hotel on Saturday October 19th. This year’s winning team will also have the added incentive of the second All-Stars Tour to New York in November to look forward to, where they will be joined by the 2018 winners as well.
Galway receive 14 nominations. Goalkeeper Sarah Healy and defenders Heather Cooney, Sarah Dervan, Shauna Healy, Emma Helebert, Tara Kenny and Lorraine Ryan are amongst the nominees for the Tribeswomen. Aoife Donohue and Niamh Kilkenny are nominated at midfield, whilst Noreen Coen, Catriona Cormican, Carrie Dolan, Niamh Hanniffy and Ailish O’Reilly are nominated amongst the forwards.
Runners-up Kilkenny receive 13 nominations. Goalkeeper Emma Kavanagh and defenders Kellyann Doyle, Catherine Foley, Edwina Keane, Claire Phelan and Grace Walsh are amongst the nominees. Meighan Farrell and Davina Tobin have been nominated in midfield whilst Anne Dalton, Denise Gaule, Katie Power, Michelle Quilty and Miriam Walsh are all nominated in the forwards positions.
Tipperary receive nine nominations as a result of their run to this year’s Semi-Finals. Goalkeeper Caoimhe Bourke and defenders Julianne Bourke, Karen Kennedy, Eimear Loughman and Clodagh Quirke are joined by midfielder Mary Ryan and forwards Cáit Devane, Ereena Fryday and Eibhlís McDonald on the nominations list.
Cork receive four nominations having exited the Championship at the hands of eventual champions Galway in the Semi-Finals. Defenders Hannah Looney and Pamela Mackey receive nominations along with forwards Linda Collins and Amy O’Connor.
Waterford, who reached this year’s Quarter-Finals before also losing to Galway have four nominations as well. Lorraine Bray is nominated in defence and Áine Lyng is nominated in midfield. Forwards Beth Carton and Niamh Rockett also receive nominations.
Limerick, who reached the knockout stages for the first time this year, have one nomination in the form of their top scorer Niamh Mulcahy.
Ian Brick (Kerry), Johnny Greville (Westmeath) and Cathal Murray (Galway) are amongst the nominees for Manager of the Year, which will also be announced on the night. Each of them was successful in leading their sides to All-Ireland glory this year.
President of the Camogie Association Kathleen Woods congratulated the nominees stating that “2019 was another exceptional year in the Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Championships and the upcoming All-Stars Awards will celebrate some of the outstanding individual performers who contributed greatly to a thoroughly enjoyable summer in what was a great showcase for our game. An All-Stars Award nomination recognises the outstanding achievements of our players and it is truly deserving for these tremendous role models to receive such recognition for their efforts. I wish to thank our sponsors Liberty Insurance for their continued sponsorship of the Camogie All-Stars Awards and the 2019 All-Stars Tour to New York, which will add even greater excitement to a wonderful night on October 19th.”
Speaking on behalf of Liberty Insurance, Stuart Trotter said: “The Camogie All-Stars Awards celebrate the outstanding performances of the players who have helped to light up this year’s Championship. The skill, commitment and athleticism demonstrated by these players has elevated them to the very pinnacle of their sport. Their All-Stars nominations is deserved recognition for these same performances.
“Our ‘Camogie Made Us’ campaign, launched in July, focused on the important role Camogie coaches play in the development of players at grassroots level.
“The nominations we received articulated not only the skills being taught to the players by their coaches, but also the off-the-pitch guidance and mentoring they are providing to players on a more human level. This includes mindfulness programmes and social media awareness workshops, amongst other initiatives.
“Each of our Camogie All-Star nominees can attest to the pivotal role their coaches have played in helping them to get to where they are today. As our attention now turns towards the All-Stars Tour to New York in November, we wish each of our nominees the very best of luck on October 19th.”
The nominees for the 2019 Soaring Stars Awards for the Intermediate and Premier Junior Championships will be announced later this week.
Nominees for the Camogie Association/WGPA Senior, Intermediate and Junior Players’ Player of the Year Awards sponsored by Liberty Insurance will be announced next week.
Camogie All-Stars Awards 2019 sponsored by Liberty Insurance, nominees list:
Goalkeepers: Caoimhe Bourke (Tipperary), Emma Kavanagh (Kilkenny), Sarah Healy (Galway)
Full-Back Line: Julianne Bourke (Tipperary), Sarah Dervan (Galway), Catherine Foley (Kilkenny), Shauna Healy (Galway), Edwina Keane (Kilkenny), Tara Kenny (Galway), Eimear Loughman (Tipperary), Pamela Mackey (Cork), Grace Walsh (Kilkenny)
Half-Back Line: Lorraine Bray (Waterford), Heather Cooney (Galway), Kellyann Doyle (Kilkenny), Emma Helebert (Galway), Karen Kennedy (Tipperary), Hannah Looney (Cork), Claire Phelan (Kilkenny), Clodagh Quirke (Tipperary), Lorraine Ryan (Galway)
Midfield: Aoife Donohue (Galway), Meighan Farrell (Kilkenny), Niamh Kilkenny (Galway), Áine Lyng (Waterford), Mary Ryan (Tipperary), Davina Tobin (Kilkenny)
Half-Forward Line: Anne Dalton (Kilkenny), Carrie Dolan (Galway), Ereena Fryday (Tipperary), Denise Gaule (Kilkenny), Eibhlís McDonald (Tipperary), Niamh Mulcahy (Limerick), Amy O’Connor (Cork), Katie Power (Kilkenny), Niamh Rockett (Waterford)
Full-Forward Line: Beth Carton (Waterford), Noreen Coen (Galway), Linda Collins (Cork), Catriona Cormican (Galway), Cáit Devane (Tipperary), Niamh Hanniffy (Galway), Ailish O’Reilly (Galway), Michelle Quilty (Kilkenny), Miriam Walsh (Kilkenny)
Manager of the Year 2019 sponsored by Liberty Insurance, nominees list:
Ian Brick (Kerry), Johnny Greville (Westmeath), Cathal Murray (Galway)
ENDS
Sep 18, 2019
We are asking the Government as part of Budget 2020 to deliver the second (of ten) phase of core funding this year, to remain online to double funding over the 10-year lifetime of the National Sports Policy 2018–2027, as per Action 45 of that policy. Sport plays an incomparable role in Ireland when it comes to social inclusivity, people and volunteers, health and wellbeing, financial return and community spirit.
The National Sports Policy, launched by Government in July 2018, has the potential to be transformative for every member, organisation and association involved in sports, and is built upon the pillars that we as a country hold dear.
Delivering upon the commitments outlined in the National Sports Policy will showcase that plans are achievable with funding, and programmes aimed at achieving greater participation and diversity and inclusion are achievable when people have adequate support.
It is vital that our members continue to build on the excellent work they have carried out to date. For this to happen, it is critical that the necessary funding is consistently provided on an annual basis, as 25% of LSP’s and 33% of NGB’s cite funding as the single biggest challenge they face in delivering on their objectives.
The Federation of Irish Sport is calling on the Government to redirect 4.2% of overall Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax exchequer returns specifically to combat obesity and increase participation in sport in Ireland, as part of Budget 2020.
The Sugar Sweetened Drinks (SSD) Tax, specifically introduced as a behavioural change measure, has seen the Exchequer benefit to the tune of almost €32m in its first 12 months of application. By allocating €1.35m (just 4.2%) of this revenue stream, Ireland would see a new programme developed and implemented to combat the obesity issue we are experiencing in this country, while increasing participation in sport, a key objective of the National Sports Policy.
The Federation of Irish Sport is calling on the Government to use revenues generated by the Betting Tax to develop and implement communication and educational programmes on the importance of sport and the protection of those at risk in our sporting community.
The increased betting tax, introduced as part of Budget 2019, is expected to double excise receipts to almost €52m per year. This is a substantial sum which could be used to develop educational programmes to prevent and reduce problem gambling. While participation and support for sporting activity is hugely beneficial in terms of physical, mental and emotional well-being, problem gambling on sporting events is also a huge issue for individuals, families and communities across Ireland.The Federation of Irish Sport is very alive to this issue. However, developing and delivering educational programmes for teenagers, adults and parents who engage with our sporting clubs, requires ongoing resourcing and investment. We are therefore seeking a portion of the Betting Tax revenue to enable our NGBs to develop and deliver dedicated programmes addressing to the threat of gambling.
The Federation of Irish Sport is calling on the Government to ensure that the Sports Capital Programme is open for new applications on an annual basis, and that a measure is put in place to ensure that 1% of every sports capital grant over €250,000 must be used to fund an associated participation project.
In order to continue the growth and development of Irish sport at local level, and for our clubs and athletes to excel on the international stage, it is imperative that the Sports Capital Grant programme is administered on an annual basis, and that it is open for new applications each year. In addition, the ‘Per Cent for Art Scheme’ introduced by the Department of Arts, Heritage and Culture has proven very effective and was recently reviewed to increase its bands and limits. Sport in Ireland, however, has no such scheme. Funding for the Sports Capital Grants was almost €40 million this year. This is incredibly important to building infrastructure and facilities in every community in Ireland and to benefit people in that locality in terms of health, social interaction and physical activity. By committing 1% of any grant over €250,000 into people and programmes means that these state-of-the-art facilities are utilised to engage current members and new audiences.
This will ensure that programmes are developed to increase participation, inclusivity, diversity of gender and ethnic origin.
In order to increase much needed donations to sports capital projects from individuals, the Federation of Irish Sport is calling on the Government to lower the eligibility threshold for capital reliefs on individual donations for sports capital projects to €200.
Currently (under the section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997) a donation is a relevant donation for the purposes of section 847A TCA where it satisfies many conditions, including;
• the donation is the payment of a sum or sums of money amounting to at least €250 in a year of assessment for a donation by an individual; and at least €250 in an accounting period for a donation by a company. Where an accounting period is less than 12 months the €250 is proportionally reduced, e.g. if the accounting period is six months the donation must be at least €125.
Donations can only be accepted for previously granted projects via the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. These projects often require a significant amount of additional funding to complete and equip. If the eligibility threshold for capital reliefs on individual donations to sports capital projects was reduced by 20% this would have a double monetary benefit to sports clubs and associations all over the country, while also increasing possibilities of individuals making more feasible donations of €200 over a 12-month period. Similarly, where the accounting period is less than 12 months, the €200 should be proportionally reduced, e.g. if the account period is three months the donation would only have to be at least €50.
The Federation of Irish Sport is calling on the Government to establish a scheme dedicated to philanthropic financial support for Ireland’s high-performance programme.
BlackGold, a public-private philanthropic initiative was established in New Zealand with a focus on high net-worth kiwis (and international individuals / organisations) who have a passion for sport and who want to invest in New Zealand’s sporting success.
BlackGold matches the passion and interests of potential donors with National Sports Organisation projects, over and above what the Government or Sport New Zealand can fund. It is recognised in the National Sport Policy that Ireland would ‘regard our real competitors as those countries with a population size similar to ours (i.e. less than 10m). New Zealand invested €152.1m in high performance sports funding during the Rio Olympic cycle (2013-2016), compared to Ireland’s investment of €37.6m during the same time period. By establishing a dedicated stream of philanthropic funding specific to High Performance Sport in Ireland, it would excel our facilities, coaches, athletes and associations, delivering increased Olympic and Paralympic success.
Sep 16, 2019
Record Numbers for Ladies Football Finals on TG4
TG4’s coverage of the TG4 Ladies Football Championships culminated yesterday with the live broadcast of the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Finals from Croke Park. A new record was set yesterday with 56,114 people in attendance; the largest-ever attendance to date at Croke Park for Ladies Football, up from 50,141 in 2018. It was also only narrowly beaten by the FIFA World Cup final as the largest audience at any women’s sports event this year which had an attendance of 57,900.
According to official TAM Ireland figures, the TV viewership also made a huge impact. In all, 666,000 tuned into TG4’s coverage of finals day yesterday, with an average audience of 252,500 people watching the live broadcast of the Senior Final between Dublin and Galway a rise of over 70,000 viewers from the 2018 Ladies Football Final. This is the second highest viewing figure for a Ladies’ final on TG4 since it first started to broadcast the games back in 2001.
The match took a 30% share of viewing among individuals, making TG4 comfortably the most popular channel in Ireland yesterday afternoon. Viewing peaked at 5.19pm with 358,400 viewers as Dublin closed in on the three in a row to retain the Brendan Martin Cup.
TG4 Director General Alan Esslemont says ‘TG4 is extremely proud of our partnership with the LGFA and Lidl. Women’s sport is a central pillar of TG4 audience strategy for many years and it is wonderful to see the profile now being given to these world-class sportswomen. We are proud partners in the 20 x 20 Women in Sport campaign and are extremely proud that TG4’s women’s sport alliance with Ladies Football will indeed be 20 in 20. We are already looking forward to marking the lead up our twentieth anniversary with a flourish, both on-screen and with events in the community in Ireland and abroad.’
Ladies Gaelic Football Association President, Marie Hickey, said: “We are very fortunate that TG4 continue to be our Championship sponsors and broadcast our games, not just nationally, but to a worldwide audience. I extend a heartfelt thanks to Alan Esslemont and all of the team at TG4, as we reflect on another record-breaking Sunday. It’s now full steam ahead for the 2020 season, a year that will mark the 20th of our long-standing partnership. The #ProperFan hashtag was trending heavily throughout TG4 All-Ireland Final Sunday and the viewership figures are reflective of our sport’s growing popularity.”
ENDS
Media Contact
Deirdre Ní Choistín – Bainisteoir Cumarsáide TG4
Deirdre.ni.choistin@tg4.ie +861453527
Sep 16, 2019
EY Ireland continues its support for Hockey League
Monday 16 September 2019
EY Ireland announced it will continue its sponsorship of Hockey Ireland’s highest level of domestic competition – the EY Hockey League – for a further three years.
Speaking at the launch, Frank O’Keeffe, Managing Partner for EY Ireland, said: “We are proud to continue our support all of the amazing men and women of this sport, and we look forward to celebrating their continued success this year in both the EY Hockey League and the EY Hockey League Division 2. The all-island sport provides men and women the opportunity to build high performance teams, and develop and enhance their skills, as they compete at such a high level throughout the year. When it comes to leadership, dedication and developing winning strategies, there is a great deal to learn from such high calibre athletes.”
Covering all four provinces, the all-island EY Hockey League (EYHL) will see Ireland’s top ten male and top ten female clubs battle it out to become league champions over 18 weeks of exciting, fast-paced hockey.
The sponsorship will also support the EY Hockey League Division 2 (EYHL2), which currently boasts eight men’s teams and ten women’s teams, the winners of which will progress to the EYHL for the following season.
The EYHL and EYHL2 showcase some of Ireland’s top players, with a notable number of Ireland’s international female players returning from European Clubs this year, taking up player/coach roles within EYHL clubs.
Jerome Pels, CEO of Hockey Ireland, said “We are delighted to have the continued support of EY as the sponsor of the League. Their support is invaluable to us in assisting with the organisation and promotion of the EY Hockey League, its high quality of matches, and ensuring clubs across the island are able to compete at the highest levels.”
The first round of the Men’s EYHL gets underway this weekend on the 21st of September, while the Women’s EYHL returns to action in November after the Olympic qualifiers for Toyko 2020. Seen as an integral part of Hockey Ireland’s athlete development, the EYHL provides an opportunity to further develop high performance players for the challenge of international hockey.
The EYHL2 matches take to the pitch in mid-October with the eight men’s and ten women’s teams all vying for promotion to the EYHL for the following season.
The EYHL launch took place at the UCD National Hockey Stadium, home to both UCD’s men’s and women’s squad. The women’s team finished in a competitive third position in last year’s league, while the men succeed in gaining promotion from EYHL2.
Sep 10, 2019
The income tax return filing deadline is 31st October 2019.
Taxpayers can avail of an extension to the normal filing date of 31st October 2019 and instead file by 12th November 2019 if they file both their return of income and make the appropriate payment though ROS for:
- Income tax balance due for 2018, and
- Preliminary income tax due for 2019,
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.
What details do you need to send in to OSK to prepare your income tax return?
- Details of your income from all sources for the year ended 31st December 2018,
- Details of any dividends or deposit interest received in 2018,
- Rental income and expenditure details including mortgage interest certificate for the year ended 31st December 2018,
- Receipts in respect of any medical expenses incurred during the year 2018,
- Details of pension contributions paid,
- Details of any assets acquired or disposed of in 2018 (Capital Gains Tax),
- Details of any gifts or inheritance in 2018 (Capital Acquisition Tax).
How long do you need to keep books and records?
It’s important to note that you are obliged to keep records relating to the return for a period of 6 years after the period to which the information relates.
What reliefs are available against your income tax liability?
There are a number of deductions / reliefs you can claim against your income tax liability. These include, but are not limited to, the following –
- Tax relief at the standard rate (20% in 2018) for medical expenses paid is available.
- A tax credit of €490 is available in 2018 where a taxpayer or his / her spouse / civil partner is at least 65 years of age during the year of assessment.
- Tax relief at the standard rate (20% in 2018) is available in respect of certain third-level tuition fees paid to approved colleges.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
If you miss the October 31st tax return deadline you may be charged interest for each day you go over, along with a surcharge.
1. Where your 2018 return is submitted after the 31st October 2019 but before 31st December 2019 the surcharge will be calculated as the lesser of a 5% surcharge of the tax due or €12,695.
2. Where your 2018 return is submitted after the 31st December 2019 the surcharge will be calculated as the lesser of 10% of the tax due or €63,485.
The surcharge is calculated on the full tax payable for the year and does not take account of any payments on account.
The surcharge for a proprietary director is calculated before deduction of PAYE paid during the year.
What are the penalties of you don’t pay tax your liability?
Interest on overdue tax is calculated at a rate of 0.0219% (From 01.07.2009) per day or part of a day.
Any underpayment in income tax will result in interest penalties.
The amount of preliminary tax paid must be sufficient and must be paid on time in order to avoid any interest on overdue tax.
If the payment amount is correct, however, it is paid late there may still be an exposure to interest.
Contact Róisín McDaid in OSK Tax today to get your tax return filed before the income tax deadline.
