Jul 4, 2013
The UCD Sports Centre has today been announced as the ‘Public Choice’ for building of the year for 2013 by the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI). The award follows voting by some 12,500 people and highlights the relationship between sport and cutting edge design in Ireland. Thomond Park redevelopment won the Public Choice award in 2009.
The RIAI said: “The use of colour, choice of materials and the simplicity of its layout contribute greatly to its ease of use. The result is a dynamic building devoted to providing sports and recreational facilities to the students and staff of UCD as well as to members of the public, regardless of age, size, ability or disability”.
This years winner, by Fitzgerald Kavanagh Architects, is one of a long list of sporting venues which have received accolades over the years with Croke Park winning the prestigious RIAI Gold Medal in 2009 and the Aviva Stadium winning the Best Leisure and Accessible building in 2011.
The sports capital programme has helped fund many modern sports facilities such as Thomond Park and was reintroduced last year with funding being allocated in December 2012, for local projects to a value of €26m with a further €4m being allocated for regional and national projects, for the coming years.
More information on the Architecture Ireland awards can be found here
More information on sports capital funding can be found here
Jul 3, 2013
Recently published research by Fáilte Ireland revealed that the golf sector provides a total overseas spend of €202m for the Irish economy. The analysis of the value and profile of overseas golf visitors to Ireland shows, with 163,000 having played golf while in Ireland in 2012, that each overseas golf tourist is worth €1,200 to the economy (two and a half times that of the average tourist).
In the wake of the successful Irish Open at Carton House, the research also shows that Ireland is hitting the mark on both satisfaction levels and value for money for our overseas guests – with satisfaction rates at 94% and value for money at 83%.
Commenting on the findings, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring said –
“Ireland has some fantastic golf courses but we want to be the best in the world. That’s why we have been working hard to raise standards even higher within the golf sector, and ensure that every single golfer who comes to Ireland has an outstanding experience. The findings show that we are getting results.
“Golf is already an important part of the tourism industry, and there’s room to increase revenue further. Ireland also has fabulous scenery, culture, some outstanding golf links with magnificent sea views, and our world-famous charm at the 19th hole. So Fáilte Ireland is working closely with the golf sector to build further on our success rate.”
Other interesting points from the research include –
- Golfing visitors are much more likely to be repeat visitors and those who return are also very likely to play again;
- Amongst overseas golfers, North Americans are the biggest spenders with an average per capita spend of roughly €1,800;
- Approximately 21% of expenditure by overseas golfers is spent on green fees or other golf-related expenditure. This means that ancillary spend by golf tourists to Ireland benefits many other sectors, including accommodation, bars, restaurants and attractions;
- As well as being a valuable sector, Golf tourism has also been outperforming the general tourism market in recent years, averaging 6% growth per annum between 2009 and 2012;
- Overseas golfers are overwhelmingly male and affluent, with 90% being men and belonging to the affluent, white collar ABC1 socio-economic group;
- In terms of age, 93% of golfers are over 35 years old, with half aged between 45-64 years old;
- Golfing visitors to Ireland are more likely to be travelling with friends (44%) or as a couple (28%);
- North Americans and mainland Europeans are more likely to travel in groups of peers, while British golfers are more likely to travel with a spouse or partner;
- Ireland’s golfing tourists are also avid golfers, with nearly almost 90% describing golf as important and over 60% claiming that golf was ‘extremely important’ in their choice of holiday.
Crucially considering the last point, Ireland continues to utilise high-profile events to showcase its golfing product.
As part of the lead-up to the Irish Open, Fáilte Ireland developed a digital and social media campaign promoting the Irish Open and the wider golf experience available in Ireland. This included a specially commissioned ‘Greening in the Years’ video that highlights the great history and golden moments of past Irish Opens.(View the ‘Greening in the Years’ video here). It is hoped the video piece will evoke great memories with viewers encouraged to share their favourite Irish Open moment through a one-liner, an image or a video across Fáilte Ireland’s social media platforms.
When speaking about the Irish Open, Ireland’s Official Golf Ambassador, Padraig Harrington said –
“I am eagerly looking forward to the 2013 Irish Open at Carton House for what promises to be a great weekend of golf.
“The ‘Greening in the Years’ video has reminded me of so many golden moments of the Irish Open. My most special memory is when I holed the winning putt at Adare Manor in 2007. The setting was magnificent, the atmosphere generated by the home crowd was fantastic and having my family there made it extra special.”
Tony Lenehan, Head of Golf Tourism at Fáilte Ireland added –
“Forget about ‘staycations’, we believe that there is great potential in ‘playcations’. As our research shows, golf is an important part of our tourism offering and a lucrative part at that. This year’s Irish Open will be the perfect opportunity for us to advertise to international and domestic golfers just what a great place Ireland can be to play and stay.”
Read more here
Jul 1, 2013
Irish energy provider Airtricity have become the title sponsor of the Dublin Marathon. The agreement which will see the event name being changed to the Airtricity Dublin Marathon, also includes the ‘Race Series’, a number of shorter races taking place throughout June, July, August and September, before the main marathon on the 28th October.
Dublin Marathon attracted over 14,000 runners in 2012 and is expected to generate over 10 million euro for the City and County of Dublin over the October bank holiday weekend.
Airtricity Dublin Marathon race director Jim Aughney said, “We are delighted to have Airtricity on board as our new title sponsor this year. Airtricity shares our vision and aims for the growth of the Dublin Marathon. It is a huge endorsement of what we have achieved to date, and strong support for our development plans, to have such a sponsor involved. Airtricity has a great history of supporting events in Ireland and we look forward to developing a long-term relationship with them.
Airtricity’s Managing Director Stephen Wheeler added, “As someone who ran my first Dublin Marathon in 2011, I’m delighted that Airtricity is the new energy behind this well-loved Dublin and national sporting event. Airtricity is a proud supporter of all Irish Sport at all the various different levels. Through our investment as title sponsor of the Airtricity league, as official energy partner to the FAI, and its international teams, and as a supporter of local sports clubs nationwide through our wind farm community funds, we’re doing more to give back to local and national Sporting clubs and events. Now through our sponsorship of the Airtricity Dublin Marathon, we’re helping to support the marathon and race series at this important stage in its development and growth.”
Karl Henry, well known fitness Expert and TV Broadcaster said, “It is great to see Airtricity come on board and give the Dublin Marathon a huge boost ahead of this years event. With over 14,000 participants last year, the marathon and race series is a fantastic way to get out and get fit. With today’s boost, hopefully more and more people will sign up and ensure that the 2013 Airtricity Dublin Marathon will surpass last years level and create new records.”
Read More Here
Jun 28, 2013
JUNE POLICY UPDATE: OLYMPIC REVIEW AT OIREACHTAS COMMITTEE; ALCOHOL SPONSORSHIP DEBATE RUMBLES ON & MORE
The Irish Sports Council & Olympic Council of Ireland appeared before the Oireatchas Committee on June 19th to discuss London 2012 and the distribution of funding to sporting organisations. Conversation focused on high performance sport and in particular, the successes of and learnings from London 2012 however issues such as the value for money provided by sport and the positive impact sport has on people’s lives also featured.
ISC Chairman Kieran Mulvey also took the opportunity to ask the Committee Members to do the best they could to protect current budgets highlighting that whilst cuts to funding had not been as deep as they may have been the ISC was now operating close to critical mass and that further cuts would begin to really eat into sporting organisations. Senator Paschal Mooney outlined his view that tax payer investment in sport should be greater.
Senator Coughlan did suggest that some performances at London 2012 did not represent value for money. It was pointed out that Ireland finished 41st out of 205 countries at the London Games which, Pat Hickey suggested was a remarkable record for a country the size of Ireland.
Closer co-operation between organisations and athletes North & South, corporate support for the work of the Irish Sports Council, sports capital funding and governance of sporting organisations were amongst the other issues raised. Deputy Noel Mooney and Vice-Chair John O’Mahoney, who was serving as Chair following the promotion of Tom Hayes T.D. to Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, in particular focused on the latter issue.
John Treacy highlighted that the ISC gives governance training to the National Governing Bodies. Kieran Mulvey said that the ISC plays an oversight role in terms of sports governance. He pointed out that the ISC would show sensitivity when working with sports organisations but that if they were unhappy with a governance issue would ensure that it was addressed because of the funding provided to them.
A full transcript of the debate can be viewed here
This Committee hearing followed on from one on May 8th at which, Minister Michael Ring appeared in advance of the EU Council of Sports Ministers Meeting he hosted in Brussels the following week as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU.
Minister Ring noted how much of Ireland’s work on sport during the Presidency had centred on sustainable financing of sport, dual careers for athletes and the integrity of sport including, anti-doping. In this regard, he confirmed that Ireland had secured the attendance of Travis Tygart, Chief Executive of the US Anti-Doping Agency, to address the European Minister of Sport.
Sports Capital Funding, a bid for the Rugby World Cup, governance and anti-doping were amongst the discussion topics raised by the Committee Members.
A full transcript of the debate can be viewed here
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Leo Varadkar, was responding to Parliamentary Questions on June 27th. Sport didn’t feature amongst the priority questions. However, issues raised in written questions included a Rugby World Cup Bid, Sports Capital Funding, Cycling and Sports Facilities.
1. Rugby World Cup Bid
It was confirmed that the IRFU had recently presented a feasibility study around the potential hosting of the tournament which, was currently being considered. It was noted that the Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised so as to ensure major events continue to come to Ireland. Failte Ireland it was stated continues to support the holding of sports and other events that can boost tourism and, where appropriate, will provide advice and assistance to the sporting body which is seeking to secure an international event.
2. Cycling Facilities
In response to a question on the redevelopment of the toll paths along the Royal and Grand Canal into cycle ways it was confirmed that the Department is fully supportive of the development of cycle ways along canal paths and recognises the benefits of these initiatives but that it is a matter for relevant local authorities to progress and submit proposals for the development of such routes to the Department.
3. Sports Capital Grants
It was confirmed that no decision has been taken on the timing of the next round of the sports capital grant programme and that any such decision would have to be taken in the context of the likely capital provision for the subhead in future years. It was also confirmed that a review of the 2012 round was underway with a view to simplifying and streamlining the application process.
4. Sports Facility Strategy
It was stated that a draft National Sports Facilities Strategy was published as a discussion document on the Department’s website in September 2012. A final strategy, taking account of submissions received, is to be published shortly.
The issue of alcohol sponsorship and sport is continuing to receive significant media attention. It is understood that the Department of Health recently circulated proposals around the issue of alcohol misuse to include a proposed ban on the sponsorship of major events by alcoholic drinks companies to Cabinet for comment. Comments received are currently being considered with the matter due to be discussed again at Cabinet level. In the meantime, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport & Communications Report is due to be launched on July 2nd.
Details of the Minister Questions can be viewed here
Jun 28, 2013
Membership Numbers/Participants: 580
Number of Clubs: 16
Number of Participating Schools: 95 Post Primary, 192 Primary
Volleyball Ireland 2012/2013 Highlights:
Premiers Women’s Champions – Santry
Premiers Men’s Champions – Aer Lingus
Association Cup Women’s Winners – Santry
Association Cup Men’s Winners – Aer Lingus
What are the key events to look forward to in 2013?
Beach Volleyball Provinces Tour 2013
Key events calendar: Beach Season 2013
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Date
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Location
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Info
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8th June
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Pormarnock, Co. Dublin
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Portmarnock Social – Season Starter
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22nd-23rd June
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Ulster Grand Slam: Bundoran, Co. Donegal
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Sat: 2v2 Single Sex; Sun: 2v2 Mixed
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13th-14th July
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Leinster Grand Slam: Portmarnock, Co. Dublin
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Sat: 2v2 Single Sex; Sun: 2v2 Mixed
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27th-28th July
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Waterford Grand Slam: Woodstown Beach, Co. Waterford
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Sat: 2v2 Single Sex; Sun: 2v2 Mixed
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17th-18th August
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Grand Slam: Venue TBC
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Sat: 2v2 Single Sex; Sun: 2v2 Mixed
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31st August
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King & Queen of the Beach 2013: Portmarnock, Co. Dublin
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2v2 Single Sex; Top 10 Men & Women compete in season finale.
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Key events calendar: Indoor Season 2013
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Date
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Event
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21st September
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Ballymun Patriots Tournament
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5th/6th October
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1st League weekend
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12th/13th October
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2nd League weekend
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19th/20th October
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3rd league weekend
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2nd/3rd November
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4th league weekend
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9th/10th November
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5th league weekend
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11th November
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Association up 1st round start date
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23rd November
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Varsities
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30th Nov/ 1st Dec
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6th league weekend
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5th December
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Senior Schools Finals
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7th/8th December
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Enniskillien Tournament
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14th/15th December
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7th league weekend
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For match dates and times visit http://www.volleyballireland.com/
How can people get involved in Volleyball in Ireland?
Contact the Office: Tel: 6707165, Email: info@volleyballireland.com
Visit: http://www.volleyballireland.com/
Social Media Channel Links:
Twitter: Beach: https://twitter.com/IreBeachVball
Facebook: Beach: https://www.facebook.com/groups/19432392234
Any interesting facts or statistics for inclusion in our Volleyball Ireland Fact File:
This year is the Volleyball Associations 45th anniversary 1968 – 2013
Jun 28, 2013
1. How did the TYF come about and what instigated this approach to CSR and what benefits has Coca-Cola gained from the programme?
The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund was launched, developed and implemented in 2011 to mark our 125th Anniversary celebrations in Ireland. The objective was to mark the occasion by giving something back to the community across the island of Ireland.
Since the launch in 2011 the Fund has donated €250K to 26 organisations across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
€125,000 is invested by the company in the Coca Cola Thank You Fund. This money will be granted to not-for-profit community, voluntary and charitable organisations who have a innovative proposal to encouraging communities to lead more balanced, healthy and active lifestyles. The partners to the Fund are The Federation of Irish Sport, The Wheel and The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA), and we are very grateful to them for their support and collaboration.
The Fund has enabled us to connect with communities at grassroots levels, make an appreciable difference to voluntary organisations on the ground, build relationships with our partners, better understand the needs of the sector and engage our employees around what is now our flagship CSR programme. 
2. What sort of projects won the prize last year?
In 2012, the Irish Olympic Handball Association received a grant of €25,000 from The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund. The Irish Olympic Handball Association put their funding towards organising a series of nationwide Street Handball Seminars. The series is still underway and will culminate in a national Street Handball Festival, bringing handball to Irish streets in a high profile and high energy manner.
Our judging panel identified the Irish Olympic Handball Association as one which was superbly positioned to get a large number of young people moving while also encouraging them to have fun!
In addition to the Irish Olympic Handball Association, there were ten other worthy recipients of grants from the Fund. Each of the following organisations received €10,000: Arthritis Ireland, Autism Initiatives NI, Ballina Boxing Club, Ballyduff AFC, CoisCeim Dance Theatre Ltd, Fortwilliam & Macrory Presbyterian Church, Navan Community Ltd, Northern Ireland at Play, Spraoi agus Sport and The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
The list of recipient organisations is diverse as we believe there are many ways to encourage active and healthy lifestyles in Irish communities. The key is innovation – each recipient offered an engaging, novel approach to promoting activity, and we hope that the 2013 entrants will put forward similarly engaging proposals.
3. How has the fund progressed this year and are there any changes from last year?
Each year we shape our theme to adapt to the needs and requirements of the applications we have received previously. This year in order to grow awareness of the Fund we are hosting a series of five free information seminars across the island.
As part of the events, Fitness expert and Coca-Cola Thank You Fund judge Karl Henry provided people with advice and inspiration on building more activity in their daily lives. These events are being held in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Belfast.
4. What advice would you give to any sports organisation looking to win a prize from the TYF?
Taking a balanced approach to nutrition as well as incorporating activity and exercise into daily routines is vitally important for the health of the nation. This year The Fund is specifically looking for interesting new projects which are promoting innovative approaches to nutrition and activity which could have the potential to be scaled and rolled out across numerous communities.
Those looking to apply this year should log onto www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou to examine at the application form. Be creative and think of a way your organisation can encourage your community to get healthy and active. Applications are accepted online up until 19th July.
5. What is your sporting highlight of the past year?
It has to be the London Olympic Games and the achievements of our Irish boxers out there – they were inspiring!
Read more here about the Coca Cola Roadshow
