Jun 13, 2019
Release date: Thursday 13th 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.
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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.
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
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
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
May 27, 2019
3rd iCoachKids International Conference
“Child Centred Coaching”
University of Limerick June 14th and 15th 2019
Hosted By Sport Ireland Coaching
The event will be the 3rd conference of this 36-month project co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Commission.
Under the overall theme of ‘Child Centred Coaching’, an international line-up of renowned youth sport experts will deliver keynotes, workshops and practical sessions over the two-day event. Keynotes include:
• Prof Dan Gould, Director of Youth Sports Institute, Michigan State University, USA
• Prof Marie Murphy, Professor of Exercise and Health, Dean of Postgraduate Research and Director of the Ulster Doctoral College, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland
• Prof Nicolette Schipper van Veldhoven, Professor of Sport Pedagogy, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
• Prof Catherine Woods, Chair in Physical Activity and Health, University of Limerick, Ireland
• Kris van der Haegen, Director of Coach Education, Royal Belgian Soccer Association, Belgium
• Dr Sergio Lara-Bercial, Leeds Beckett University and the International Council for Coaching Excellence, Leeds Beckett University, UK
The delegates will have an opportunity to attend eight keynote sessions and select from multiple workshops addressing issues including creating effective children’s coaches, keeping children involved, child centred coaching, session planning, physical literacy, ethics in children’s sport, holistic coaching, the pedagogical and motivational sport climate, and the role of parents in sport.
In addition, the ‘PEAK’ Project will be launched. PEAK – Policy, Education And Knowledge in Coaching – is the new, international agenda for promoting sports coaching as a genuine profession. We have gathered together a unique panel of speakers to share their thoughts on the future of coaching, including Hayley Harrison (Coaching Ireland), Emma Atkins (UK Coaching), Dr Karen Petry (German Sports University), John Bales (International Council for Coaching Excellence), and Dr Richard Bailey (International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education).
A Global Movement is Born
At the previous Conference in Leeds, the most significant element of the conference was the confirmation that iCoachKids, its philosophy and its main goal of supporting the development of a specialist children sport coaching workforce are much more than a three-year project, but has grown in to a global movement.
Sport Ireland Chief Executive, John Treacy, said: “Sport Ireland is delighted to host the 3rd iCoachKids Conference in the University of Limerick. The previous edition of this event attracted a global audience from as far afield as the USA, Australia and South Africa, and we’re looking forward to a large number of delegates to listen to and debate some of the most important issues relating to creating effective children’s coaches. I would also encourage as many Irish coaches as possible to attend what will be an invaluable two days. “
iCK Project Director Dr Sergio Lara-Bercial said “We are delighted that Sport Ireland are hosting the 3rd iCoachKids Conference, and we are looking forward to engaging with National and International delegates, through our exciting technical programme.”
Places at the 3rd iCoachKids Conference in the University of Limerick can be reserved here: https://www.ickinternationalconference.com/
Supported by:
For more information contact Sheelagh.quinn@coachingireland.com 061 202895
May 24, 2019
May 23rd saw the Federation of Irish Sport host its Annual Conference in Dublin City University. The 2019 theme was Sport – the most inclusive community of all?
The day saw speakers covering topics including women in sport, disability, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ and healthy communities. A host of international speakers joined us to share their own personal stories as well as their professional lessons that everyone in the room could take away with them. The day was expertly moderated by Grainne McElwain.
Katie Sadleir opened proceedings with the work of World Rugby in growing the female game. Katie showcased the brand new World Rugby campaign, ‘Try and Stop Us’ and gave the audience a fantastic insight into the work that is being done to own and grow the involvement of women in rugby.
Katie was followed by Jon Morgan and Tom Rogers of Disability Sport Wales who brought the audience through the work of Disability Sport Wales and the work of the CARA Centre, focusing on how organisations can make themselves more inclusive for everyone through small steps. Jon wowed the audience with video footage of facilitates that have made small changes to become more inclusive and welcoming for all.
Next up was an International Rugby double act in the form of Hugo McNeill and Trevor Ringland who showcased the power of sport to cross boarders and unite communities. The duo spoke of the importance of understanding our history but moving forward. They also drew on how significant traditional symbols can be as barriers to inclusion.
Colin Regan of the GAA provided the next session on healthy clubs and communities for all ages, genders and ability levels. Colin enlightened the audience with how GAA clubs have become hubs for all those in the community and are breaking down the tradition of the club being for sport – the club is for everyone.
Pre and post lunch the audience were treated to a snapshot of some of the fantastic projects and people working on the ground around Ireland in the area of inclusivity and diversity via our Fast Four presentations. Special thanks to parkrun, Dublin City Council, SARI, DANDI, Cork LSP, Dublin Viking Dragon Boat Club and Sporting Pride for their contributions on the day.
After lunch the audience geared up for what was to be a very special address by former Welsh Rugby player Gareth Thomas. Thomas brought the crowd to tears and to their feet with his very personal account of what inclusivity in sport means to him and his journey. In his open and honest account of his time playing sport as a gay man, Thomas addressed how the issue of inclusivity in sport still needs work. The former Welsh international also gave his views on recent issues of discrimination by fellow members of the rugby world.
Next to the stage was a panel comprised of Special Olympian Oisin Feery, Nicky Hamill Irish Wheelchair Association Director of Sport and Westmeath Footballer Boidu Sayeh who debated and discussed what diversity in sport means to them and how society can work to improve the situation for many. Oisin and Boidu shared their thoughts and experiences of being role models for young athletes and what it means to them to be able to give back.
Our final speaker was Piara Powar, Directior of the FARE Network who addressed the audience on the areas of racism and diversity in Sport. Powar spoke of recent incidents in the UK Premier League and how we haven’t come quite as far as we may think when it comes to accepting diversity in Sport – both on and off the field of play.
A great day with lessons for all! We’re looking forward to 2020’s conference already.
