Feb 20, 2019
Speech by President Michael D. Higgins
at the Reception for the Cork Camogie Team
2018 All Ireland Winners
Áras an Uachtaráin
Tuesday, 19th February 2019
A Dhaoine Uaisle,
agus a Chairde Gael,
Is cúis mhór áthais dom fíorchaoin fáilte a fhearadh romhaibh go léir chuig Áras an Uachtaráin tráthnóna. Tugann sé sásamh faoi leith dom féin agus do Shaidhbhín ár n-aitheantas a thaispeáint díbhse, laochanna camógaigh atá tar éis an duais is tábhachtaí in bhur spóirt a bhuachaint. Cé go bhfuil roinnt míosa imithe ónar bhain sibh an éacht sin amach, is cóir go leanfar an ceiliúradh ar aghaidh go dtí seo ar a laghad!
Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends, and of course, our Cork Camogie Team – 2018 All Ireland Winners! I am delighted to warmly welcome you to Áras an Uachtaráin this afternoon.
On behalf of everyone who loves sport, everyone who followed with great interest and pride the exciting and exhilarating All Ireland Camogie Final between Cork and Kilkenny in Croke Park last September, it is both a great pleasure and an honour to join with you and celebrate Cork Camogie Team’s marvellous achievement in winning the All Ireland Camogie Final, one of the largest sporting events in Ireland.
The 2018 All Ireland Camogie final was a most memorable and truly thrilling game from beginning to end, and this was most evident to me at the time, not only in the final heart-stopping moments of the game when Orla Cotter remained calm and composed under pressure to score the winning point that secured Cork’s fantastic win, but I was also struck by the great teamwork. This would not be possible if not for the dedication and commitment that you have all given and the hours of training, often in very cold and inclement weather that this beautiful country of ours offers us.
Teamwork and unity are, of course, paramount in our everyday lives but it also strikes me how wonderfully typical the family connections in Gaelic games are and I am delighted to see that great example in the Murray family – with Aoife Murray (Goalkeeper and Captain), Paudie Murray (Manager), and Kevin Murray (Selector); a truly winning combination!
It was very clear to me on that exciting All Ireland Final Day in September that yours is a team of great unity and mutual respect, always encouraging and championing each other.
Each and every one of you deserve a special mention for your outstanding contributions and achievement and I would like to commend you all for the great example you are to our young people.
Leadership, working as a team, and respect for others are important themes of Gaelic Games and indeed of all sports, and these are qualities that translate right across into community work and everyday life regardless of where you live.
The members of the Cork Camogie Team possibly know more than anyone else that in sport there is never certainty about the outcome, there are no certain winners, but there are always courageous and committed athletes. That is part of the challenging journey each participant in sport must travel, one of the challenges they face and overcome again and again, and it does not get progressively easier.
All of you know only too well how tight the margins are between winning and losing, at the level of competing in excellence, how much courage it takes to face up to those margins, to accept the risks, to commit to the ethic of competing, of being tested rigorously and accepting the outcome whatever it is.
We are very proud of you and are very grateful to you for going the distance in your training and participation, making so many sacrifices, to be the very best.
Your experiences and achievements will serve to inspire the imagination of others, making you inspiring role models for Ireland’s young women.
There is widespread agreement on the importance of sport in the overall development of the human person. It is vital that women participate in sport and are given every opportunity to do so, both from a lifestyle and enjoyment perspective. Irish women’s sport has never been stronger and in recent years the achievements of our female sports stars have contributed enormously to the overall success of Irish Sport. Cumann Camógaíochta na nGael are among those leading the way in providing sporting opportunities for young women throughout Ireland.
Throughout my Presidency I have sought to champion, advance and celebrate women’s achievements, highlighting the need for gender equality in every aspect of life, at home, abroad, and in sport.
It has been a pleasure for Sabina and I to celebrate International Women’s Day here at Áras an Uachtaráin every year and I am delighted to support the – 20×20 If You Can’t See It, You Can’t Be It – initiative; a movement which will shift cultural perception of women’s sport by committing to increase media coverage of women in sport by 20% – because if she can’t see it, she can’t be it.
We will all remember that wonderful day in late November last year, when UNESCO announced recognition of Ireland’s unique sports, Hurling and Camogie, on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
That global acknowledgement of the unique and cultural significance Camogie and Hurling, and of the important role Gaelic games play in Irish society is a tribute to the Gaelic sports associations whose work and volunteering ethos form the beating hearts of so many communities all over the island of Ireland and, indeed, all across the world, as Gaelic games are now played on every continent.
UNESCO’s recognition of the important role Gaelic games play in society, that they are an intrinsic part of Irish culture; they play a central role in promoting health, well-being and inclusiveness, highlights yet again that team spirit, respect for skill, excellence and creativity that are at the very heart of Irish society.
Is féidir linn a bheith brodúil as ár n-oidhreacht Gaelach. Ár dteanga, ár gcultúr, ár gceoil agus ár gcluichí gaelacha. Is féidir linn misneach a bheith againn inár n-ábaltacht deis a thabhairt do phaistí fud fad na tíre, agus i go leor áiteanna thar lear in a bhfuil pobail gaelacha, deis a thabhairt do chailíní agus buachailí óga páirt a ghlacadh sna cluichí seo agus gach tairbhe a bhaint astu.
We can all be very proud of our native sports and of our international reputation for creativity, a reputation which is greatly enhanced by our sportswomen and men and by the countless volunteers who have passed on their love of the game to future generations.
You, our leading Irish sportswomen, will push open the gates to sport for more young women. You inspire future generations of girls to benefit from being more physically strong, mentally healthy, and, most important of all, equal.
You are the female role models that our young women of today and subsequent generations will want to emulate.
To the coaches, families, partners, administrators, officials and supporters, I thank you for everything you have worked to achieve, the long hours, the training sessions, the willing on, the guidance, the sacrifices you had to make to be there for the team, not to mention the heart-stopping moments, that your relatives and the wider public endured during the competitions themselves!
Comhghairdeas libh go léir arís. Go raibh míle maith agaibh
Feb 18, 2019
The Angling Council Ireland is delighted to announce that the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers men’s Senior Shore Angling Championship Team have won World silver medals in South Africa. It is a fantastic result and just highlights the efforts and successes of the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers. They really are a credit to Sport in Ireland and are one of the most consistent world medal winners in our country. IFSA ladies have also had a very good championship but were unfortunately not in the medal positions on this occasion.
The Confederation Internationale De La Peche Sportive (FIPS Mer.), WORLD GAMES SHORE ANGLING CHAMPIONSHIPS was held in Langebann, South Africa, from the 08.02.2019 to the 15. 02.19. Teams from 18 nations took park in this prestigious event.
The IFSA men’s team consisted of Aidan O Halloran (Limerick) Captain, Albert Allen, (Dublin), Joe Carley (Wexford) JP Molloy (Waterford) Richard Gormley (Kerry) and Willie Weir from (Antrim). Team manager was John O Brien from Waterford and Assistant Manager Sean Ivory from Dublin.
In 2010 the IFSA men’s shore team won gold in South Africa, JP Molloy and John O Brien above were also part of that world gold medal winning team.
Ladies team Manager was Jim Snoddy from Belfast, Assistant Manager Johnny Snoddy Newtownabbey, the team members were Pat Shortt (Captain) Wicklow, Rosaleene Murphy (Dublin), Janet Snoddy and Lisa Gormley from Belfast, Linda Manton (Clare) and Tracey Whelan from Waterford. The ladies team finished in 9th position overall, well done to all.
The men’s team will arrive back in Dublin airport on Monday next at 11.30.
The support received from Sport Ireland, Coaching Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Sport Capital Grants helps the ACI to work with our affiliated federations. It has energised our voluntary members to work even harder to encourage more angling participation by all with a focus on youth. We want to ensure everyone can enjoy all the benefits of angling, an outdoor activity with a difference.
Anglers contribute over €750 million every year. Recreational angling is a vital economic activity in Ireland, supporting 11,000 jobs and bringing €750 million to the economy every year. (ESRI 2016)
For Media Enquiries:
Joe Birney
Sport HQ
National Sports Campus
Blanchardstown
Dublin 15
P 0035301 6251132 M 00353 867902288 W www.anglingcouncil.ie
Notes for the Editor:
The Angling Council of Ireland is the Angling National Governing Body registered with Sport Ireland and Coaching Ireland.
Feb 6, 2019
The Federation of Irish Sport is pleased to welcome the Sport Ireland confirmation of the allocation of increased funding which was originally announced for Budget 2019. The announcement and confirmation of funding distribution is an important first step towards implementing the National Sports Policy and continuing to support all those who provide sporting and physical activity opportunities in Ireland.
While the Federation is delighted to welcome the increases across the board, we are particularly delighted to welcome the additional funding for our members. Today is not only a good day for Sport in Ireland but an important one. I am really pleased to see the increases distributed to our member NGBs and LSPs who have worked so tirelessly year in year out to deliver the highest results and innovative programmes within their sport. I am delighted to see not only their hard work highlighted but also the undeniable role they play in delivering Sport and physical activity in Ireland recognised by both Minister Griffin and Sport Ireland today.
The Federation would like to also highlight and commend the investment announced for Sport Inclusion Disability Officers within the LSPs. This is a real recognition of the commitment of the Government and Sport Ireland to the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in sport and physical activity.
The Federation will continue to listen to and advocate on behalf of all our members and look forward to more positive days for Sport and physical activity in Ireland in the months and years ahead.
For full detail on breakdown of funding see here
Statement from Mary O’Connor CEO Federation of Irish Sport
Jan 28, 2019
- UEFA Experts to share learnings across many aspects of developing a successful sport
- Topics include digital engagement, participation, sponsorship, strategic communications and the growth of women’s sport
- Federation urges all National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and those responsible for the administration of sport in Ireland to attend
The Federation of Irish Sport is partnering with UEFA, the governing body of football in Europe, in an initiative which will see UEFA experts share their experience and knowledge in sporting organisational development. Their success across a number of areas has seen the sport of football grow both at national and European level. On March 1st, UEFA and the Federation will jointly host a full day conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. At that conference UEFA experts share their learnings on a wide range of topics all aimed at growing a sport. The conference is open to all.
Speaking about the conference Mary O’Connor CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said:
“This really is a unique opportunity to learn from an organisation that has been hugely successful at growing the sport of football throughout Europe. The Federation of Irish Sport approached UEFA through the FAI and they were delighted to share their vast experience on their approaches to strategically & systematically developing their sport.”
“Well known for major competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and the EURO’s, this conference focuses much more on how UEFA lead and support their network and regions to develop football in a tailored fashion and their plans to continue evolving this in the coming years.”
This is a conference for all involved in organising and growing sport in Ireland”
Speaking on behalf of UEFA and the FAI John Delaney, CEO of the FAI and UEFA EXCO Member, said that he was delighted to have the opportunity to partner with the Federation,
“The FAI has been affiliated to UEFA since their establishment in 1954. We have seen it grow into one of sports most successful governing bodies in the world. Today it comprises 55 National Governing Bodies from all over Europe whom have the opportunity to draw on UEFA’s fantastic experience across a wide variety of services.”
“This Conference will share that expertise with a wider audience and I have absolutely no doubt that no matter what the sport there will be UEFA learnings that can enhance what they do. I am really looking forward to being part of the day”
UEFA expert sessions on the day will include:
Strategic Growth, Speaker: Noel Mooney, Head of National Associations Business Development, UEFA
Insights & Intelligence, Speaker: Manuel Ruess, National Associations Business Development Coordinator, UEFA
Engagement, Speaker: Richard Ayers, UEFA GROW Mentor (Digital)
Data & Relationship Management, Speaker: Fiona Green, UEFA GROW Mentor (CRM)
Commercial Revenues, Speaker: Tom Liston, UEFA GROW Mentor (Commercial)
Strategic Communications, Speaker: Amanda Docherty, UEFA GROW Mentor (Communications)
Participation, Speakers: Liam Mc Groarty, Business Development Manager UEFA & Polly Bancroft,Business Development Coordinator UEFA
Women’s football growth, Speaker: Polly Bancroft, Business Development Coordinator UEFA
Public Affairs, Speakers: Monica Golding & Tim Crabbe, UEFA GROW Mentors (Public Affairs)
Building a federation, Speakers: John Delaney, UEFA EXCO member & FAI CEO. Razvan Burleanu, Romanian Football Federation President.
Tickets are available here
Jan 23, 2019
Volleyball Ireland has launched a new strategic plan. Raising the Game maps out the vision, mission and strategic objectives that will guide the development of Volleyball in Ireland over the next four years.
The overarching vision is to create a vibrant volleyball community that allows all clubs, players and officials to reach their potential. The strategy is ambitious with significant growth targets including a 50% increase in the number of licensed players and coaches.
Raising the Game is divided into five key strategic areas; Raising Participation, Raising Operational Standards, Raising Performance, Raising the Profile and FundRaising & Finance. These pillars provide a clear focus with substantial actions and hard targets providing a detailed and transparent approach to planning the next four years.
Over 9,000 school children currently play competitive Volleyball through an impressive schools calendar – the key focus of Raising the Game is to develop pathways for those pupils to join Volleyball clubs and create a vibrant community of exciting competitions.
Highlights of the plan include;
• Host major international Volleyball events that will raise the profile of the sport
• Raise participation of the Youth National League programme by 300%
• Increase the number of school teams competing in National competitions to over 1,100
• Establish 4 x Sitting Volleyball Centres for people with a physical disability
• Employment of a development officer with a focus on Inclusion
• Full roll out of the Volleyball ClubMark programme
• Develop a long term player development plan
• Implementation of a High Performance strategy to improve the performance of National Teams
• Development of a Social Volley programme that targets recreational players and beginners in the community and workplace
• Increase participation in the National Beach Tour to over 300 players
• Work with local authorities and landlords to develop quality facilities
• Creation of a Higher Education Volleyball Officer programme to inspire participation in third level colleges and institutions
A core belief of Volleyball Ireland is that Volleyball is for life. With that in mind the NGB has been rolling out a number of new programmes that will provide life long participation in the sport, including the popular Chair Volleyball developed in partnership with Age & Opportunity. As well as the Mini Spikers physical literacy initiative for 5-8year olds.
Strategy lead and board member Jeff King said, “Make no mistake this plan has ambitious targets. It will place Volleyball as one of the fastest growing sports in Ireland and through our inclusion programmes we hope to be an exemplar amongst other National Governing Bodies of Sport.”
President of Volleyball Ireland Grainne Culliton added, “Our Strategy is ambitious, challenging and exciting. It will leave a legacy for a strong and vibrant Volleyball Ireland. Putting the emphasis on club development and supporting exciting competitions will help us grow the sport and improve performance.”
Gary Stewart, General Manager of Volleyball Ireland commented, “We’ve produced a really detailed and transparent map that will guide us over the coming years. What we’ve demonstrated here is we aren’t afraid to challenge ourselves put hard numbers against our objectives. There is huge potential in Irish Volleyball and over the next four years we will develop a significant programme that will allow everyone regardless of age, background or ability to reach their potential.”
Volleyball Ireland has already began working on some key targets with the recent announcement they will be hosting an Olympic Qualifier in Beach Volleyball this June in Bettystown, Co. Meath.
Ends.
Recent achievements for Volleyball Ireland;
• Received 30k in Dormant Accounts funding to develop inclusion programmes with key partners
• Received 23k in funding to employ an Aspire Graduate to support the development of the HEVO programme
• Participated in their first Youth European Championships. The girls u16s were competitive throughout the event in the Faroe Islands before beating Iceland 3-1.
• Awarded the first stage of the Beach Volleyball Continental Cup – an Olympic Qualifier.
• Dublin City Council awarded 65k to develop an inland beach volleyball court in Clontarf.
For more info please contact;
Gary Stewart, General Manager 0873963338 gm@volleyballireland.com
