As part of a new monthly feature, we want to know a little more about the organisations and the individuals that support the work of the Federation.
To kick us off we sat down with Deirdre McDermott, Audit Director at OSK and something of a Hockey fan…
Can you tell us a little about how your business partners with the Federation and its members?
We in OSK are the approved audit and accountancy partner to the Federation of Irish Sport. We offer a full range of accountancy services from payroll, bookkeeping, management accounts, cashflow projections, budgeting, tax advice, corporate governance to the annual audit.
We seek to provide practical advice and expertise to the Sports sector through our experience in dealing with sporting bodies and the not for profit sector.
What is one of the issues that you might be able to solve?
We can provide a practical approach to the annual audit and aim to provide a value-added service when doing the audit and seek to make recommendations to management and the board on the completion of our audit.
What is your personal background in sport?
I am heavily involved in sport, having moved to Dublin to play hockey and now that my playing days are over due to injury, I coach hockey. I have coached at club and interprovincial level and currently coach a club side in Dublin. I also play golf to try and fill the gap left by Hockey.
I have a keen interest in most sports and have enjoyed supporting Galway in the Hurling and Football championships this season and look forward to supporting Connacht rugby with their season kicking off on Saturday 1st September.
What do you find most interesting about working in and around the sporting sector?
Because I have a keen interest in sport, I find it interesting being involved in the audit of Sport Governing Bodies and hearing what their sporting goals are for their Sport, the plans they have in place to achieve them, how they are dealing with the challenges they are facing from a financial and facilities point of view. And assisting them where possible with improvements they need to implement to their financial procedures, internal controls and corporate governance.
What was the last sports event you attended?
The Masters Hockey World Cup in Terrassa Spain for men and women, where 135 teams completed over 6 age categories with the Irish Ladies O50 team winning the O50s Women’s Masters Hockey World Cup.
If you had an open ticket which sporting event around the world would you attend?
The Olympics in Tokyo in 2020 to watch the Irish Women’s hockey team competing and supporting the other Irish Athletes in their chosen sports.
And if you could arrange for one victory for a sports team or star that matters to you what would it be?
The Irish Ladies Hockey Team qualifying for the Olympics in Tokyo which would give them the opportunity to build on their success from the World Cup silver medal achieved in London this month.
The curtain came down on the 2018 Para Swimming Allianz European Championships yesterday with Ellen Keane adding Gold to the bronze she won for Ireland on Friday night and the Silver won by 16-year-old Nicole Turner on Saturday.
The medals capped a performance from the eight-strong team that included appearing in 25 finals, recording 13 personal best and 21 season-best times.
From a sporting perspective, those are the numbers that matter most.
The small army of volunteers who made the week work, the media who covered the moments that mattered and the family, friends and fans who made all the noise deserve enormous credit for making a great week come to life
Sport at its greatest is always about more than numbers. It is about the swell of your heart as you realise that you are watching something special. The emotion of letting go in a way that you rarely if ever do in any aspect of life.
And it goes further it can change the way we look at our own lives, and communities as well as those of others we have alway perhaps viewed differently.
We are grateful today to Allianz Marketing and Communications Director Damien O’Neill for this interview with Pundit Arena during the Championships that sums up the power of sport and what the last seven days have been like.
Cricket Ireland has today officially opened Phase One of a world-class high-performance training centre at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus in west Dublin.
Phase One includes construction of 5 artificial and 16 grass practice wickets, a 3,000 m2 grass covered fielding practice area, and purchase of several state-of-the-art bowling machines.
Phase Two, which is hoped to be completed by 2020, will feature a dedicated building incorporating changing facilities, coaches zone, meeting spaces, performance analysis area, and a player zone; an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) clear roof canopy over the turf wickets – which will be a world-first in cricket – which will allow players to practice on grass including their run-ups throughout wet weather as well as controlling climate, pitch moisture and ground conditions.
The opening event was attended by:
· Cllr Anthony Lavin, The Mayor of Fingal
· Brendan Griffin TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport
· David Richardson, Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council
· Kieran Mulvey, Chair of Sport Ireland
Minister of State Brendan Griffin welcomed the official opening of the Cricket Ireland High Performance Centre.
Minister of State Brendan Griffin said: “I am delighted to welcome Cricket Ireland’s fabulous new High Performance Centre to the National Sports Campus. Cricket in Ireland has been on an upward curve since the World Cup in 2007 and the performances of the Irish cricket team have helped in no small measure in increasing the game’s profile throughout the country. This new cricket facility will be a great place for our elite athletes to do their training. It joins the excellent FAI and GAA training facilities already at the Campus and we hope that the IRFU and Hockey Ireland will join them in the near future.”
Ross McCollum, Chairman of Cricket Ireland, spoke at the opening:
“We’re delighted to be opening Phase One of a truly world-class training facility – an asset that will benefit this and future generations of cricketers across Ireland.”
“The design of this facility has been developed through significant research of the world’s best cricket training facilities by our coaches and performance staff. Not only does this make the High Performance Centre leading-edge, but its co-location with the Sport Ireland Institute’s high performance gyms and testing facilities makes this the envy of cricketing nations around the world.”
“The growth of cricket in Ireland at all levels in the last 10 years – and Ireland’s elevation to Full Membership of the ICC – has highlighted our sport’s deficit in training infrastructure.”
“The new centre will provide Ireland-based players with high quality training and preparation, and will service the growing demand of multiple international and provincial teams, male and female, senior and junior – not to mention our national academy – all of whom are currently using club facilities which are already over-stretched accommodating our playing schedule, let alone training needs.”
Mr McCollum recognised the various funding and support partners that generously supported the development of this project to date.
“Firstly, we would like to thank the Irish Government and Sport Ireland for their ongoing support for cricket. Through both financial support and provision of a lease for the land here at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus, we now have a dedicated home from which we can push our sport forward to new heights.”
“Secondly, we would like to thank our major funding partners, the International Cricket Council and Mr Denis O’Brien. Your financial contributions towards this project have ensured we have been able to bring our vision to fruition, and have placed Ireland amongst the best in world cricket.”
“Finally, in creating this outstanding facility I would like to thank Architect and Project Manager Ciaran Mac Mathuna, main contractors Clive Richardson Ltd, and Cricket Ireland official suppliers Notts Sport and Tildenet, who have all contributed to it.”
“Projects like this need both vision and a determination to make them happen, and we must recognise the dedicated work of Richard Holdsworth, Performance Director at Cricket Ireland, for creating the vision and overseeing the delivery of Phase One. Without that Richard’s ambition to create this world-class facility, we would not be here today.”
David Richardson, CEO of the International Cricket Council, said:
“The development of the Cricket Ireland High Performance Centre is another important milestone in Ireland’s impressive journey as a Member. It will provide significant support for the further progression of the sport and the development of young talent.”
“Creating a sustainable impact is one of our commitments to helping the game grow and the funding the ICC has provided for this project will afford the next generation of players a world class facility to cultivate their skills and progress as cricketers.”
Chairman of Sport Ireland, Kieran Mulvey, welcomed cricket to the growing number of sports with a presence on the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus:
“On behalf of Sport Ireland I am delighted to welcome Cricket Ireland to the Campus. This fine facility will help ensure Ireland’s top cricketers continue to produce fine performances on the international stage.”
“The location of the new practice facility is ideally suited for all of Cricket Ireland’s High Performance teams and staff utilise the excellent facilities and services of the Sport Ireland Institute.”
“Since attaining Full Membership of the International Cricket Council, Cricket Ireland have put in place ambitious plans to grow the game of cricket in Ireland and the development of these world class training facilities at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus will assist this objective as the sport continues to go from strength to strength.”
It was announced first in the flush of excitement around the Irish Women’s Hockey team and seven days later the detail of an additional €1.5 million from Government towards High performance Sport was confirmed.
A total of 17 sports will benefit from the new money which needs to be spent in 2018. The money has come from a dividend from the Irish Aviation Authority totaling €12 million of which half went to the general exchequer and have stayed within the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
When news of the money being available broke thankfully there had been a vigorous process of engagement already completed with the High Performace teams across Sport Ireland.
A detailed review with each high performance funded sport took place over twelve months following the publication of the Rio Review. This highlighted the greatest needs across the sports most likely to deliver on a world stage and while some of them were accommodated in the high performance funding revealed earlier this year for 2018 there was a plan on how best to spend additional money which was being sought but was not available at that time.
It’s smart financial planning. Determine what is needed. Spend what you have to get towards the full aim, and know what is next when the money becomes available.
It was portrayed that this was an opportunist announcement by Government as the nation celebrated success in Hockey but in fact it was fully thought through and fully planned. Just like the performances it will fund, the planning of investment demands attention to detail and doing one right thing after another.
The funding will be used to assist National Governing Body preparations for major competitions including the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and key World Championship events.
It has further been boosted by an additional €250,000 towards the purchase of equipment by Sailing Ireland and Rowing Ireland, reward based on merit with their both having delivered Silver medals at the Rio Olympic Games.
“Sport Ireland is grateful for the additional funding for high performance sport, which followed detailed discussion with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister,” said Sport Ireland Chairman Kieran Mulvey.
“The National Sports Policy which was published recently highlights the need for increased investment in high performance sport if Ireland is to reach its potential on the international stage. The funding being announced today is an important step towards this objective.”
“In order to ensure athletes and teams are adequately prepared in advance of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, pre-competition camps are planned in both 2019 and 2020. There are significant costs associated with these vital activities and as such additional funding has been allocated to the Olympic Council of Ireland (€175,000) and Paralympics Ireland (€100,000).”
“In early 2018, Sport Ireland identified an immediate need for investment in order to offset the high costs associated with qualifying and preparing for 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo and participation in other key World Championship events,” added Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy.
“We have worked closely with the National Governing Bodies to ensure that this funding will be targeted towards enhancing athlete and team performance. We look forward to seeing a return on this much needed investment in the years ahead.”
Here is a full breakdown of the money going to each of the sports and what it will be used to pay for:
Hockey Ireland €500,000
To support the campaigns of the men’s and women’s senior teams to Tokyo 2020; to further enhance player support under the Carding Scheme; to advance the establishment of a base at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus; and the facilitate greater engagement with the Sport Ireland Institute.
Olympic Council of Ireland €175,000
To support preparations for 2020 including the pre-Games Holding Camp and Tokyo projects
Paralympics Ireland €100,000
To support preparations for Tokyo 2020 including a training camp this November and the pre-Games Holding Camp in 2020
Horse Sport Ireland €175,000
To support Team Ireland’s participation in the World Equestrian Games in North Carolina, September 2018. Significant costs are associated with the transportation of horses to this event which is an Olympic qualification opportunity.
Swim Ireland €75,000
To support the advancement of the National Performance Centre for swimming and diving at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus, Dublin. To assist with the coaching and accommodation costs associated with this project.
Gymnastics Ireland €75,000
To support the establishment of a National Training Centre for gymnastics at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus, Dublin. To assist with the relocation, coaching and accommodation costs associated with this project.
Athletics Ireland €50,000
To support the development of Irish coaches who are working with high potential junior athletes transitioning to senior level throughout the Tokyo cycle
Irish Athletic Boxing Association €50,000
To support the costs associated with participation in the EU Boxing Championships which was added to the competition calendar in 2018. To facilitate the expansion of the coaching team based at the Sport Ireland Institute
Cycling Ireland €40,000
To support the Track Cycling campaign to Tokyo 2020 and maximise the opportunities presented with the addition of new events to the Olympic programme
Rowing Ireland €40,000
To advance the transition of junior rowers to senior level and support Rowing’s coaching programme.
Irish Sailing Association €40,000
To support Sailing’s planned training camp to Japan this September. Significant contact hours in an established base at the Games’ location has been identified as a critical success factor to Sailing’s Olympic preparations.
Badminton Ireland €25,000
To support Badminton’s coaching programme and assist the transition of junior players to senior level throughout the Tokyo cycle
Irish Judo Association €25,000
To support the Olympic campaigns of Judo’s carded athletes, Megan and Ben Fletcher.
Cricket Ireland €40,000
To support the women’s participation in the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Tournament taking place in the Caribbean this November.
Confederation of Golf in Ireland €40,000
To support the hosting of the World Amateur Team Championships in Carton House this August.
Irish Taekwondo Union €40,000
To support the coaching programme of Taekwondo’ s carded athlete as they continue their campaign to Tokyo 2020.
Triathlon Ireland €30,000
To support Triathlon Ireland’s campaign to qualify a mixed team relay to Tokyo 2020. This is a new event to the Olympic programme and provides two males and two females with an opportunity to target Olympic representation.
Irish Paralympian, James Scully, is looking forward to competing for his country in his home pool for the first time ever when he steps onto the starting blocks at the World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships next week.
James will be one of the first competitors in the pool as he gets his championship underway at 10am on Monday in the first race of Dublin 2018 in the 200m Freestyle S5 event “I’m really looking forward to this event, I want to show everyone what I can do and, as a team, we really want to seize the opportunity to show everyone what we are capable of.”
Along with Ellen Keane, James is the most experienced member of the Irish squad having made his debut in 2006. He has now competed at 2 Paralympic Games but is looking forward to something completely different ‘We’ve never done this before, we’ve never had the chance to compete in front of our own and I think this is a great opportunity to inspire the next generation. If someone is sitting in the stands or watching at home and they see what we can do and realise themselves that they are capable of matching or even surpassing us, then it will all be worthwhile.”
Tickets for the World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships are available to purchase now at www.paralympics.ie/dublin-2018-tickets Morning session tickets will cost €5 for adults, €3 for Under 16’s, Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) are €10 and Group tickets (2 adults and 8 children) are available at €25. Evening session tickets will cost €10 for adults, €3 for Under 16’s and Family Tickets are €20.
The World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships are supported by Paralympics Ireland, Sport Ireland, Swim Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.
Thomas Barr created history by winning a brilliant bronze medal in the 400m hurdles in 48.31 seconds at the European Athletics Championships in Berlin last night.
Barr became the first Irish male sprinter to win an outdoor European medal in the 84-year history of the event.
His performance is the latest in perhaps the most successful week of international sport that Ireland has ever enjoyed following the successes of the Women’s Hockey team, the O’Donovan Brothers in rowing, Shane Ryan in swimming and with the promise of yet more to come.
“It was really reminiscent of Rio with all the Irish flags and fans out there. It all came together and I was raring to go from the afternoon to get out there,” said Barr afterwards.
“I really wanted that hardware and to join Ciara (Mageean) and Mark (English) with medals along with the greats like Sonia (O’Sullivan) and Derval (O’Rourke). I’m just so happy it came together and I’m really thankful to all my team.”
It made Thomas Barr the tenth Irish athlete to win a medal at the European Championships.
Leon Reid (Menapians) was a little disappointed with 7th in the 200m final with 20.37 but, like the 400m hurdles final, it was arguably the highest quality in the history of the championship. It was won by Turkey’s Ramil Guliyev in a championship record of 19.76.
Today will be another busy morning of action with Phil Healy (Bandon) in the heats of the 200m at 10:25, Ciara Mageean (UCD) in the heats of the 1500m, Kerry O’Flaherty (Newcastle) and Michelle Finn (Leevale) in the heats of the 3,000m steeplechase at 11:25, along with the heats of the men’s and women’s 4x400m relays at 12:05 and 12:40. Thomas Barr has a quick turnaround competing in the 4x400m relay.
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