TEAM IRELAND LAUNCH EUROPEAN GAMES CAMPAIGN TODAY

Jun 21, 2019

TEAM IRELAND LAUNCH EUROPEAN GAMES CAMPAIGN TODAY

*All interviews on soundcloud*

21 June 2019

The second edition of the European Games officially opens in Minsk today. The Games run from the 21-30 June, and Team Ireland will be represented by 63 athletes across nine sports, including many of the top names in Irish sport, such as boxer Kellie Harrington, cyclist Ryan Mullen and Canoe Sprint racer Jenny Egan.

Day one will be a quiet one for Ireland with Maeve Reidy being the sole Irish representative, competing in Archery. Three boxing events had originally been scheduled for the 21 June, but the strength and talent of the Team Ireland boxers has bought them several byes to later rounds.

Speaking ahead of the event Performance Director for boxing, Bernard Dunne, said,

“Everybody is happy. Preparations for this competition have been superb. We trained in Belfast for a few weeks, it was fantastic, and great preparation for our guys. We are ready, we are as prepared as we can be. Now it’s just a matter of going out and fighting. Our guys are eager to get in, we want to get some action. We have a couple of byes, but eventually we are going to have to fight the best. It doesn’t matter if we fight them tomorrow or in a few days time; we are ready and just want to show our best. That’s what our guys want to do.”

Archery will see Reidy compete in the preliminary rounds of the Women’s Recurve Individual at 11:15 Irish time. The results from today will provide the seeding for the 1/32 Elminiation Rounds on the 25 June for the Dubliner.

Team Leader for Archery, Martin Cunningham explains what to expect today,

“In the Preliminary Rounds archers shoot 72 arrows, their score from these rounds will rank them one to forty eight, basically this will then give them a seeding which will see them compete in brackets, like you see in football or boxing. Archers then go head to head in five round matches, where they shoot three arrows in each match. At the end of the match the winner gets two points, loser gets zero points, and a draw gives you one point. The first person who reaches six points goes through to the next round.”

The Opening Ceremony takes place in the Dinamo Stadium tonight at 18:00 Irish time. Coverage of the European Games is on eir Sport for the duration of the Games, with previews and interviews with the Irish athletes featuring throughout the competition also.

The European Games take place in Minsk, Belarus, from the 21 – 30 June, with athletes competing across nine sports, five of which are part of the Tokyo 2020 qualification journey.

DAY ONE SCHEDULE (IRISH TIME):

11:15 – Archery Maeve Reidy (Preliminary Rounds Women’s Recurve Individual)

18:00 – Opening Ceremony

-ENDS-

For more information please contact:

Olympic Federation of Ireland Public Relations Officer

Heather Boyle,

heather@olympicsport.ie,

+353 87 337 1954

TEAM IRELAND ATHLETES

SCHEDULE FOR 21 JUNE (Irish Time)

SCHEDULE FOR 22 JUNE (Irish Time)

In Minsk (GMT +3:00):

Real Time Updates 

The Olympic Federation of Ireland will be sharing real-time updates, results and content from Minsk, Belarus across its social channels.

Twitter: @TeamIreland

Instagram: @team_ireland_olympic

Facebook: @teamirelandolympic

YouTube: OlympicIRL

Soundcloud: Team Ireland

Notes to Editor

*Reserve list required by Minsk for Athletics

Daily Updates

The OFI will issue a daily press release each morning including results, quotes from the athletes and backroom team, audio interview clips, and general updates from the European Games.

Please contact Heather Boyle on heather@olympicsport.ie  to be included on the distribution list.

Broadcast Coverage

Eir Sport will be providing full coverage of the European Games, with live footage as well as highlight packages.

Photography

Sportsfile and Inpho Sports Photography will be travelling to the European Games and will be issuing photography.

Interviews

Interviews with Team Ireland athletes, coaches and support staff may be facilitated where possible on request.

Please contact Heather Boyle on heather@olympicsport.ie for specific requests.

Notes to Editor

*Reserve list required by Minsk for Athletics

Summary Team Ireland Schedule

VACANCY: Inclusion and Disability in Sport Sub

Jun 18, 2019

O.N.A.K.A.I. is seeking to fill position of the Inclusion and Disability in Sport Sub-Committee member. Successful applicants will be required to undertake Safeguarding 1 and undergo Garda vetting upon selection.

JOB DESCRIPTION

LOCATION – nationwide

DUTIES

• Represent the rights and interests of our inclusive members in karate
• Actively work on implementing Inclusion Policy by enhancing visibility, accessibility, inclusivity and participation within karate
• Work with other IDS Sub-committee members on creating opportunities for active participation and inclusion in sport in line with the National charter
• Provide feedback to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive
• Report formally to O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive at AGM through production of an annual report and/or presentation
• Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

CORE QUALITIES

• Basic IT knowledge
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Trustworthy and respected, with the ability to maintain confidentiality about sensitive matters
• Strong organisational skills, the ability to plan and organise meetings as well as diary management
• Commitment to the role, passionate about opportunities for Inclusion in Sport

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Maintain effective relationships with the Executive Board of O.N.A.K.A.I. and those members of other organisations or volunteers who are also contributing to the development of karate within the region.
• Carry out duties and responsibilities within limited supervision.
• Portray a competent and professional image.
• Be available and willing to undertake training necessary for the post.

APPLICATION Please send a CV and letter of application to Martin Clynch, Secretary to O.N.A.K.A.I. by email to info@onakai.ie  by the 21.6.2019

May ‘Investec 20×20 Media Awards’ winner announced

Jun 13, 2019

Release date: Thursday 13^th June 2019

May ‘Investec 20×20 Media Awards’ winner announced

Freelancer Brendan Coffey wins the monthly Investec 20×20 Media Award with feature on the rise of an exciting talent in Irish motorsport

Brendan Coffey is the Investec 20×20 Media Awards winner for the month of May.  Brendan (34) is a sportswriter from Maynooth, Co Kildare. His work appears regularly across Ireland’s leading publications including the 42.ie, The Times (Ireland Edition), Irish Examiner and Irish Racing Yearbook.  Brendan’s winning article entitled: “Once you go out on track, you’re on your own… you don’t have time for thinking out there’” is an in-depth reflection on Tipperary’s Nicole Drought and her incredible career in circuit racing.

Anna Kessel, Investec 20×20 Media Awards judging panel Chair, said: ““This was such an insightful read, I loved how Brendan captured Nicole’s description of what it feels like to drive a race car “like dancing” – he brought her skills to life in a way I hadn’t read before. Women in motorsport are massively under-represented in mainstream media and so it is brilliant to see Nicole’s talent recognised on this platform.”

Michael Cullen, CEO, Investec said: “Brendan Coffey’s interview with Nicole Drought illustrates what these awards are all about, profiling emerging talent in exciting sports which we don’t regularly see featured in the media. Nicole’s passion for circuit racing and her commitment to push herself and her car to the limits is brought to life in this captivating read.  According to Nicole, “It’s not just a boy’s sport” and Nicole is certainly proof of that.” 

Mary O’ Connor, CEO, Federation of Irish Sport added: “Brendan Coffey’s feature on Nicole Drought brilliantly captures the heavy emotional and physical toll that drivers endure in their quest to execute that perfect drive.  From the indescribable adrenalin rush to the crushing disappointment and sense of isolation knowing that once you take to the track, you’re on your own. Nicole’s ability to reflect and learn from each race stands her in good stead going forward in what promises to be an exciting career in Irish motorsport.”

The Investec 20×20 Media Awards recognise and reward excellence in Irish journalism focused on Women in Sport. Investec is a proud sponsor of 20×20, an initiative presented by The Federation of Irish Sport which calls on the people of Ireland to provide more support for women in sport. In demonstrating its commitment to the initiative, Investec has created this new awards scheme to help change the perceptions of women’s sport.  The Investec 20×20 Media Awards recognises that increased visibility will lead to greater cultural recognition of girls and women in sport.

// ENDS

For media enquiries please contact The Reputations Agency, (01) 661 8915: Gareth Field, 087 897 5484 gareth@thereputationsagency.ie or Catherine Walsh, 087 268 9532, catherine@thereputationsagency.ie.

The winning article can be found online at: https://www.the42.ie/nicole-drought-irish-motorsport-4611076-Apr2019/

To put forward an entry for the June Investec 20×20 Media Award please visit: https://www.investec.com/en_ie/welcome-to-investec/press/2019-investec-media-awards.html.

Ireland Take Bronze in Bettystown Sunshine

Jun 4, 2019

Bettystown, Ireland, June 2ns 2019

Ireland Take Bronze in Bettystown Sunshine

Ireland reached the silver match in the CEV Continental Cup in Bettystown, Ireland.

The Irish due of O’Regan and Kaczmarek lost 21-12, 21-18 in a competitive encounter against Sotland’s top team. Alex Gibbons and Oisin McArdle then wowed the crowd with some impressive blocking at the net, before Scotland claimed the first 21-18. Ireland came back strong and dominated from now on winning the second and third 21-9 and 15-7. That win in glorious Co. Meath sunshine and packed stands setup a silver medal match Vs Ukraine.

The Ukrainians were a class above and won the first Match 21-6 and the second 21-8. O’Regan battling through the pain barrier to represent his country. Gibbons and McArdle gave them a scare in Match 2 but the Yellow & Blues ran out 21-15 winners in both matches. Sergei Popov particularly impressive.

In the Women’s pool Estonia and Denmark fought for 2nd place after Estonia beat Ireland 2-0. After yesterday’s heroics Izzy Carey and Alex Graves ran the Estonians close losing out 21-19, 21-17.

Estonia kept their form going and avenged their defeat yesterday against the Danes in comfortable 2 match win. The increased wind speed aiding their game.

It was a wonderful first event for Ireland and has set a benchmark for growing the game in the country. Crowds were consistently good throughout the weekend with many first time Volleyball spectators converted into fans.

Volleyball Ireland would like to thank all players, referees, volunteers and sponsors for their support in this historic event.

Final Standings:
MEN
LITHUANIA
UKRAINE
IRELAND
SCOTLAND

WOMEN
SLOVAKIA
ESTONIA
DENMARK
IRELAND

Link to full results:
MEN > https://www.cev.eu/BeachVolley-Area/BeachVolley_2BOX.aspx ID=1130&mID=2482&sID=&pID=1645&chID=6103&phaseID=1645&champID=6103&Mod=C

WOMEN > https://www.cev.eu/BeachVolley-Area/BeachVolley_2BOX.aspx?ID=1132&mID=2509&sID=&pID=1646&chID=6111&phaseID=1646&champID=6111&Mod=C

Link to Pictures:
MEN > https://www.cev.eu/BeachVolley-Area/BeachVolley_PHOTO.aspx?ID=1130&mID=2531&sID=&pID=1645&chID=6103&phaseID=1645&champID=6103&Mod=C

WOMEN > https://www.cev.eu/BeachVolley-Area/BeachVolley_PHOTO.aspx?ID=1132&mID=2549&sID=&pID=1646&chID=6111&phaseID=1646&champID=6111&Mod=C

The Good Times Roll – celebrating a successful year with Rebel Wheelers Basketball

May 30, 2019

What a year it’s been for Rebel Wheelers Basketball. Saying the wheelchair basketball wing of the multi sports club has lots to celebrate is something of an understatement. In only its second year under the Rebel Wheelers banner, the former Fr Mathews crew progressed from third place in the league to winning all three national titles so far this year – the Hula Hoops National Cup, the Irish Wheelchair Basketball League and the Paddy Byrne Cup. Most impressive, however, is the fact that Rebel Wheelers has remained unbeaten all season, with 22 games and over 1200 points under their belts, they are a force to be reckoned with. Their success hasn’t gone unnoticed and five of the senior squad are currently training with the Irish senior team – Dylan McCarthy, Paul Ryan (capt), Derek Hegarty, Conor Coughlan and Jack Quinn. The Irish under-23 team also includes Rebel Wheelers Alex Henerby, Tiarnan O’Donnell, Conor Coughlan, Dylan McCarthy and Jack Quinn. Cork city native Derek Hegarty has proved himself the jewel in the Rebel’s crown this season, winning the Irish Wheelchair Basketball Men’s Player of the Year award in Croke Park on the 13th May. Most notable among Hegarty’s performances was his 48 point total scored in a league game against South East Swifts from Kilkenny a little over a month ago.

So what does Rebel Wheelers attribute its success to? Run by a dedicated team of parents, the club celebrated its tenth anniversary last year and since its inception the commitment of its members would rival that of the most successful GAA club. Whether its travelling the length and breadth of the country for games or planning the next fundraising event, the club has reaped the rewards of 10 years of dedication and hard work. They deserve their accolade.

According to the club’s senior coach Ballinhassig native Con Coughlan, “There is no substitute for hard work. Pre-season started last July for three months under the stewardship of Alan Dineen, Rebel Wheelers’ strength and conditioning coach. This set the team up to be the fittest in the league. With their basketball skills improving all the time under the watchful eye of the more experienced players on the team, namely Paul Ryan, Derek Hegarty and Joe Hargrow, the juniors on the team have blossomed and have earned rave reviews from all who have witnessed them playing and who have played against them. None of this would be possible without the huge support we get from Rebel Wheelers Multi Sports Club and every parent who has a child playing. They support us in every way possible to achieve what we have to date, be it driving the bus, catering, table officials, photography, fundraising and most importantly being committee members.”
Con’s coaching expertise has earned him a place on the Irish senior team as assistant coach, and senior coach for the Irish under-23s, assisted by Alan Dineen. There’s no break for Coughlan and Dineen at the end of the season when they switch their allegiance to the Irish teams in preparation for the U23 European Championships in Finland in June and the Senior European Championships in Bulgaria in July.

The Cork club has much to celebrate. As well as Derek Hegarty’s award, captain Paul Ryan won Most Valued Player in the Hula Hoops Cup Final and Dylan McCarthy took the same title for the League Cup. Junior awards include Best Rebel Wheelers player Darragh O’Regan and Most Improved player Cormac O’Brien.

So what does the future hold for the club? Rebel Wheelers junior basketball comprises approximately 16 children, plus some siblings, who train every week in Ballyphehane Community Centre. Walking into the hall during their training session the first thing that hits you is the confidence of these kids. The skill demonstrated by each and every one of them even at this early age is staggering. Junior basketball blitzes are held on a monthly basis at different clubs around the country and Rebel Wheelers venture as far away as Belfast religiously to these events. The future is indeed bright for Rebel Wheelers Basketball.

Rebel Wheelers Basketball train every Tuesday at Ballyphehane Community Centre, Juniors 7-8pm, Seniors 8-10pm and the seniors also train at Ursulines Secondary School in Blackrock every Thursday.

Rebel Wheelers
Senior Coaches/Players: Con Coughlan, Alan Dineen; Junior Coaches: Jerry O’Regan, Aidan O’Brien
Team Captain: Paul Ryan
Senior Team: Dylan McCarthy, Conor Coughlan, Alan Dineen, Derek Hegarty, Joe Hargrow, Alex Henerby, Jack Quinn, Tiernan O’Donnell, Darragh O’Regan, Sean Ryan, Darragh O’Regan

Federation facilitates Sport Dispute Education Seminar in partnership with SDSI

May 29, 2019

On Tuesday 28th of May, the Federation of Irish Sport facilitated an education workshop with Sport Dispute Solutions Ireland. The seminar, titled ‘An education seminar on Sport Disciplinary Procedures and Appeal processes’, provided a welcome refresh of the importance of process and procedure around discipline, grievance, selection and appeals. 

The day, chaired by SDSI Board Member Declan McPhillips, saw contributions from Brian Murray – Swim Ireland, Susan Ahern – Barrister, Colm MacCarvill and Morgan Crowe of Leman’s Solicitors. The session, held in Sport HQ, provided members with the opportunity to learn from case studies, see examples of best practise and ask specific questions most relevant to their governing body or organisation.

The day is the first of a series of education seminars being run by SDSI and facilitated by the Federation of Irish Sport.

For more information on SDSI services please visit www.sportdisputesolutions.ie