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.
Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghan has qualified in 1st place for the pommel horse final at the 2018 European Championships in Glasgow.
His score of 15.266 is a personal best and he will now compete in the finals this Sunday 12th August at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.
The final will be televised on RTÉ with details of the times and channels to be confirmed later.
Adam Steele, Ireland’s only All-Around gymnast, had a solid competition hitting 78.332 and ranking 13th in his first major championships with teammate Andrew Smith with an unlucky error in his first tumbling pass in an otherwise world-class routine scoring 13.566 on Floor.
“The guys today demonstrated real quality gymnastics,” said Gymnastics Ireland CEO Ciaran Gallagher.
“Andrew was unlucky with a bounce out of floor in an otherwise super routine. Adam in his first major championships displayed his credentials as a strong all-around gymnast with great potential for the future and history was again made by Rhys McClenaghan in securing Ireland’s first place in a Senior European Final with a huge score on Pommel ranking as top qualifier.”
“On behalf of all at Gymnastics Ireland congratulations to the guys, their coaches Luke Carson, Josh Dixon and Will Banthorpe, Judge Aidan O’Reilly and our Performance & Technical Manager Sally Johnson. Sunday’s Finals can’t come quickly enough.’
“It was a great performance by our gymnasts today,” added Sally Johnson, Gymnastics Ireland Performance and Technical Manager.
“Rhys competed a world class routine to qualify to the final in 1st place, our first senior finalist at a major championship.”
“Andrew and Adam showed real class today with solid performances and I’d like to congratulate them both.”
“We are all looking forward to cheering on Rhys in Sunday’s finals.”
Over the next few days RTÉ will have two exclusive web channels on the RTÉ player covering all 5 sports representing Ireland at the European Championships. For detailed information on streaming visit: https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/live/3/.
Gymnastics Ireland has signed two major sponsorship deals in 2018 with Nestle Cereals and Quatro kitwear.
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