– For Sport, By Sport – January 2009 Features in this issue
-MINISTER CULLEN RESPONDS TO PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS
-FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
-JSI PRO BONO SCHEME AVAILABLE TO NGBS
-FEDERATION ACKNOWLEDGES ASSISTANCE OF MASON HAYES & CURRAN
……. • MINISTER CULLEN RESPONDS TO PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS
Martin Cullen, Minister for Sport answered Dáil Questions on January 28th. Issues raised included the Sports Capital Programme, National Aquatic Centre, Physical Education Facilities and the Swimming Pool Programme.
• FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Details of the Ulster Ban Sir George Quigley Award are set out below.
• KATIE TAYLOR & MARY PETERS HONOURED AT AWARDS CEREMONY
World boxing sensation Katie Taylor and Olympic Gold Medallist were the big winners at the Irish Times/Irish Sports Council Sportswomen of the Year Awards in Dublin on Friday 23rd January. Read below for more.
• JSI PRO BONO SCHEME AVAILABLE TO NGBS
Just Sport Ireland is delighted to announce the launch of a pro bono advisory scheme to assist sporting organisations with the adoption of Just Sport Ireland. Please read below for more.
• FEDERATION ACKNOWLEDGES ASSISTANCE OF MASON HAYES & CURRAN
The Federation of Irish Sports wishes to acknowledge the pro-bono assistance provided by Kevin Hoy & Dr. Brian Hunt before Christmas in relation to the Charities Bill. Please read below for more.
• LAUNCH OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY SPORTS PARTNERSHIP
The official launch of the South Dublin County Local Sports Partnership (”SDCSP”) takes place on Wednesday, 28th January at 7.30pm in Rua Red Arts Centre in Tallaght, with guest speaker John Treacy, CEO of the Irish Sports Council.
• DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL GRANTS MADE AVAILABLE
Please see below for sports organisations awarded grants from Dublin City Council in 2008
• PARALIONS NETWORKING LUNCH
The Paralympic Council of Ireland (“PCI”) will highlight the development of Paralympic Sport in Ireland at the next Federation of Irish Sports Social Networking Lunch on Feb 11th.
• JOBS IN SPORT
Please see below for current job opportunities in Irish Sport
• GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR DUBLIN
The Irish Branch of the Institute of Groundsmanship are hosting a one-day conference in Croke Park on March 12th on Best Practice in Pitch Maintenance. Read below for more.
• NEW APPOINTMENTS IN IRISH SPORT
Martin McElroy takes up position as Performance Director for IARU, while ITTA appoints Peter Nilsson as Men’s Head Coach.
• NEW FUND FOR MARGINALISED WOMEN LAUNCHED
The Community Foundation for Ireland launches new nationwide fund entitled the OLC Ireland Trust Fund, and has called for applications from registered charities and not for profit organisations who work with marginalised women.
• NEW SPORTS SCIENCE AND HEALTH COURSE
I.T. Tallaght launch new Sports Science and Health course. Please see below for more information.
MINISTER CULLEN RESPONDS TO PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS
We have set out below a summary of the Minister’s responses to issues raised in the Dáil on 28th January in relation to Sport.
1. Sports Capital Programme- No Funding for New Projects in 2009
Minister Cullen confirmed that the €56 million outlined in the Department’s 2009 Estimates Budget has NOT been allocated for new applications in 2009, and that there is NO funding for sports capital grant applications in 2009 at this stage. When asked if funding would be restored in 2010, Minister Cullen responded that of course he wanted to do the programme.
The Minister did however say that there had been 10 years of constant non-stop investment in facilities all over the country. He said that he felt that a more strategic approach is needed to ensure that that there is a good balance of facilities in all regions around the country. He said he was engaged in developing this strategic process at present.
The Minister noted that the number of projects that have been approved is substantial with 635 approved in 2008 and a further number of projects from previous years which have yet to draw down their funding. He commented that it will be an interesting exercise to see how much of the €56 million allocated will be drawn down this year, stating that with every €1 the State gives triggers approximately €2 locally. Martin Cullen confirmed that there is evidence of clubs having difficulties in being able to underwrite their commitments.
The Minister stated that he did not want to place projects under extra stress to deliver in their areas given that it is likely to be more difficult to put localised funding together than in previous years.
2. Irish Institute of Sport – Institute not to be established as distinct entity
Minister Cullen confirmed that he has decided not to establish the Institute as a subsidiary of the ISC following recommendations from the OECD Report on Public Sector Reform on the number of agencies involved in public administration. It had been the intention to introduce legislation to enable the Irish Sports Council to establish subsidiaries and that the Institute would be given such legal status. Minister Cullen stated that he will be having discussions with the ISC on the best structure for the Institute in planning for the Olympic Games in London in 2012 when the ISC’s Review of the Beijing Olympic Games is completed and he has completed meetings with the relevant sporting bodies about how best to structure on high performance supports delivery mechanisms.
3. National Aquatic Centre (“NAC”) – Subsidy of over €1 million payable in 2009
The Minister confirmed that despite an increase of 124,000 visitors in 2008 the government were obliged to subsidise the NAC to the tune of just over €1 million in 2008. The Minister confirmed that a subsidy in the order of €1 million would again be required in 2009. The Minister stated however that he has indicated to the National Sports Campus Authority the priority to be attached to increase income at the NAC and that he was confident that the Authority would continue to work on this as a priority.
Opposition T.D.’s also raised the issue of some €500,000 owing in respect of rates and asked would that sum likely be drawn from Exchequer Funds at some stage. The Minster stated he was unaware of any amounts owing in respect of rates as he does not deal with rates but suggested that perhaps the local authority could play its part and make the NAC rates-free given that it has the power to do so.
The Minister also noted that results from an international benchmarking exercise comparing the performance of the NAC against other equivalent facilities throughout Europe found that all publicly accessible 50 metre indoor pools receive direct or indirect subsidies from Governments, local authorities, sports councils, universities or other like facilities. He stated therefore that the performance of the NAC was not dissimilar to other like facilities.
4. Physical Education Facilities
Minister Cullen confirmed that he would be discussing with the Minister for Education and Science, how the programme for the provision of sports halls in schools and the Sports Capital Programme might be dovetailed to provide greater value for money and enhanced facilities both for schools and the local community users.
He confirmed that work on the development of a national sports facility strategy is at an advanced stage. The aim of the strategy, he said, is to provide high level policy direction for future investment at national, regional and local levels. Cullen confirmed that an inter-agency steering group was established to oversee this work and includes representation from the Department of Education and Science.
Minister Cullen stated that the five year Agreed Programme for Government includes a series of commitments in respect of sport for achievement in the period to 2012. Two specific commitments relate to the operation of the Sports Capital Programme – the promotion of greater sharing of school and community sports facilities, making it a condition of the sports capital programme that facilities be made available to schools where appropriate; and encouraging more schools to apply for funding under the Sports Capital Programme by collaborating with their local sports clubs or community groups.
Under the 2008 Sports Capital Programme, schools making joint applications with local sports clubs were required to provide evidence of formal agreements with local clubs that guaranteed the clubs access to school facilities for at least 30 hours per week throughout the year. In assessing applications, extra marks are awarded to sports clubs that can show that they are allowing local schools to use their facilities.
5. Swimming Pool Programme- No new programme opened in 2009
Martin Cullen stated that in the years to come a second access programme on swimming pools will be opened, and that the intention is to continue the programme. He confirmed that he wants to complete the current round of the Programme in the next year or two.
6. London 2012 Olympics- Indecon Economic Evaluation
Martin Cullen stated that he intends to make the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Task Force report available on the Department’s website next week. Cullen stated that he is considering the implementation of the recommendations of the report taking account of the current economic situation and ongoing meetings with the key high performance stakeholders to identify the challenges which must be met in the preparation of our team for the London Games.
The recommendations arose from an audit carried out of high quality sports facilities in Ireland and the findings of a report by Indecon International Economic Consultants on the economic evaluation of the benefit to the island of Ireland of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. The report highlights the opportunities for Ireland from the London 2012 Games in the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors.
7. Beijing Olympic Games- Review of the Irish performance in Beijing Olympics
Minister Cullen stated that theIrish Sports Council (“ISC”) review will be published shortly. Cullen stated that he is completing a series of meetings with a number of the key stakeholders involved in the support of elite athletes to discuss how best to build on the success in Beijing and the supports required in terms of coaching, programmes, facilities and funding to ensure the optimum performance of Irish athletes at London 2012.
8. Tax relief for Sporting Bodies- proposal for extension to current expenditure
The Minister in response to a question as to whether discussion had taken place with the Department of Finance regarding the possible extension of the tax relief for sporting bodies to be extended to current expenditure stated that any changes to this scheme or any new provisions of the nature referred to by the Deputy would be a matter for the Minister for Finance to consider in the context of overall taxation policy.
9. National Sports Campus Development- Phase 1 at planning permission stage
Minister Cullen confirmed that no funding has been provided to date to advance the Phase I development during 2009 due to the current difficult economic constraints. He stated he is having discussions with the Minister for Finance to see what funding might be available to move forward with Phase I on a phased basis, as well as having discussions with the NSCDA in this regard.
In relation to further phases of the Campus Cullen noted that he would like to see facilities such as a Velodrome being developed, but that current budgetary constraints do not allow for this at the present time. He said however that the NSCDA has made provision for such facilities in its planning.
10. Departmental Bodies – ISC Chairman & Council Members Forgo their Fees
The Minister noted that the Chairman and the ISC Council had notified him of their intention to forgo their fees and that he welcomed their decision.
11. Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund – Future Financing
Minister Cullen confirmed that a review of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund is currently underway and is expected to be completed shortly. He said that any increase of the Fund limit will require the approval of the Government and the Oireachtas as the level of the Fund is increased by Regulations made by the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance.
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The Minister for Sport will next answer questions in the Dáil on Tuesday 3rd March 2009. If there is a particular issue your organisation would like raised in the parliamentary setting we would be grateful if you could forward it to Sarah or I at [email protected] or [email protected] before Friday 20th February.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
The Ulster Bank Sir George Quigley Award
Closing Date: 13th February 2009
This annual award aims to help the community and voluntary sector achieve long term sustainability for their work.
The Award will be made to an organisation within the community and voluntary sector working either within Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, or on a cross border basis.
The objective is to support an initiative that promotes and demonstrates sustainability through practical action.
Applicants should demonstrate how the award will:
1. Enable them to develop and/ or implement a strategy for organisational sustainability
2. Learn from the experience and share this with others.
The successful organisation will receive £5,000 (€5,650) to implement their plans, alongside public recognition of their achievement. The runner up will receive £1,000 (€1,200) towards the costs of their project.
To download an information brochure, please clickhere.
To download an application form, please click here.
For further Information please contact: The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland
Tel: 0044 (0) 2890 245927
Community House, Citylink Business Park, 6a Albert Street, Belfast, BT12 4HQ
KATIE TAYLOR & MARY PETERS HONOURED AT AWARDS CEREMONY
22 year-old Katie Taylor who retained her title at the Women’s World Championships in China in November, was presented with her Irish Times/Irish Sports Council Sportswomen of the Year award by Mary Davis of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia.
This is the second time Taylor has received this honour, having been named Sportswoman of the Year in 2007 for her gold medals from the European and World Championships in 2006 & 2007. Other previous winners were Derval O’Rourke in 2006 and Gaelic football’s Briege Corkery in 2005.
Taylor remains hopeful that women’s boxing will be featured in the London Olympic Games in 2012, and awaits the official announcement from the International Olympic Committee who will decide on the issue at their Congress scheduled for Copenhagen in October.
Mary Peters received the first ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for winning the pentathlon gold medal in Munich in 1972 and for all her work in sports development in the aftermath of her success. Fellow Olympic Gold Medallist Ronnie Delaney presented her with the award.
The Sportswomen of the Year Awards are run over a period of 12 months commencing on 1st January each year. Each month a monthly winner is selected by the judging panel, featuring in The Irish Times and the Irish Sports Council Website. From these 12 monthly winners, the overall Sportswoman of the Year was selected.
Monthly winners of the 2008 award include: Mary Cullen (Athletics), Katie Taylor (Boxing), Madeline Perry (Squash), Briege Corkery & Angela Walsh (Ladies Football), Olive Loughnane (Walking), Sinead Jennings (Scull), Emma Davis (Triathlon), Leona & Lisa Maguire (Golf), Siobhan Byrne (Fencing), Nina Carberry (Horseracing), Chloe Magee (Badminton), Kelly proper (Athletics).
The judging panel consisted of three independent judges, namely:
1. Greg Allen (RTE)
2. Lindie Naughton (Evening Herald)
3. Mary Hannigan (The Irish Times)
JSI PRO BONO SCHEME AVAILABLE TO NGBS
Just Sport Ireland in conjunction with the Bar Council of Ireland is delighted to announce that pro bono consultations are now available to all Federation members in connection with the adoption of Just Sport Ireland.
The Scheme involves the governing rules and regulations of a sporting organisation being reviewed by a barrister with a view as to how JSI could best fit within the existing disciplinary and dispute resolution procedures of a sporting organisation.
A follow-up meeting will then be held with the sporting organisation involved with a view to a proposed clause or clauses for insertion into the rules of the sporting organisation making provision for referral to JSI being drafted.
The facility is now available to all Federation members. Any sporting organisations interested in taking advantage of the service should contact the Federation directly.
Just Sport Ireland is an alternative dispute resolution facility for Irish Sport established by the Federation of Irish Sports with a view to providing a cost effective and time efficient alternative to court proceedings for the resolution of sporting disputes.
2008 saw JSI conduct is first arbitration and mediation. The arbitration took six weeks from beginning to end and cost a total of just over €1500.
A number of sporting organisations have now made provision for Just Sport Ireland within their governing rules and regulations including:-
• Basketball Ireland;
• Golfing Union of Ireland;
• Irish Canoe Union;
• Irish Hockey Association;
• Irish Wheelchair Sports Association and
• Special Olympics Ireland;
For further information please contact Sarah O’ Connor or Deirdre Hopkins:
T: (01) 625 1155
Email: [email protected]
W: www.justsport.ie
FEDERATION ACKNOWLEDGES ASSISTANCE OF MASON HAYES & CURRAN
The Federation sought before Christmas to have the exclusion of sport from the remit of the Charities Bill, 2008 removed from the Bill. Whilst the Seanad voted to remove the exclusion it was re-introduced on the nomination of the Government when the Bill returned to the Dáil.
It is expected that the Bill will be enacted early this year. It does however contain a mandatory review clause which ensures that the impact of the Bill must be reviewed within 5 years of its enacted. The Federation will continue to monitor the situation.
The Federation is very grateful to Kevin & Brian for the advice provided on the issue. Kevin Hoy Kevin is the Head of the Financial Services Department dealing with banking and financial services law at Mason Hayes & Curran. He is also an expert in the area of Charity Law. Dr. Brian Hunt is Head of Public Affairs at Mason, Hayes & Curran. Both Kevin and Brian can be contacted at 01-614 5000.
LAUNCH OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY SPORTS PARTNERSHIP
The official launch of the South Dublin County Local Sports Partnership (”SDCSP”) took place on Wednesday, 28th January in Rua Red Arts Centre in Tallaght. John Treacy, CEO of the Irish Sports Council (“ISC”) was guest speaker with local sporting personalities including Kenny Egan and Patrice Dockery in attendance.
SCDSP is the latest addition to the Irish Sports Council’s Local Sports Partnership Nationwide Network. As with other LSPs the aim of the SCDSP is to increase participation in sport and physical activity in the local community.
Speaking at the launch co-ordinator Thos McDermott spoke of the short to medium term plans for the SDCSP which include:-
• Roll out of the Buntus programme across all primary and pre-schools in the County
• Initiation of New Programmes aimed at specific groups
• Provision of training for coaches, activity leaders, teachers, parents & club administrators
• Raising awareness of the Partnership & its programmes
• Provision of funding for strategic initiatives
• Develop a strategic plan for the development of sport in the County
Thos would be delighted to hear from anyone one involved in sporting or physical activities in the South County Dublin Area or indeed, from NGBs interested in establishing or developing programmes in the area.
For more details contact:
Thos Mc Dermott, Co-ordinator, South Dublin County Sports Partnership
Tel. (01) 4149000 Ext. 3361
Email: [email protected]
W: www.sdcsp.ie
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL GRANTS MADE AVAILABLE
The Dublin City Sports Network awarded grants totalling €92,000 in 2008.
Each Club received a grant to the value of €1,000
Breakdown of the grants distributed by Dublin City Sports Network:
Soccer Clubs received €27,000, Boxing Clubs – €16,000, GAA Clubs – €12,000, Martial Arts – €7,000, Basketball – €5,000, Hockey Clubs -€4,000, Wrestling- €4,000, Swimming Clubs- €3,000, Cricket – €3,000, Badminton Clubs- €2,000, Multi-Sports – €2,000, while Tennis, Volleyball, Rowing, Sailing, Outdoor Pursuits, Mountain Rescue and Bowling each received €1,000
For more information please visit Dublin City Sports & Recreation Development website by clicking here.
Tel. (01) 222 2270
PARALIONS NETWORKING LUNCH
“Using the PCI’s ParaLions programme to sustain Irish success at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and beyond”
The Paralympic Council of Ireland (“PCI”) will highlight the development of Paralympic Sport in Ireland at the next Federation of Irish Sports Social Networking Lunch on Wednesday February 11th.
The presentation will outline the PCI’s Paralions programme, the objective of which is to channel young people with physical disabilities or visual impairments into the correct sport appropriate to their functional profile. While the programme is aimed at getting people with disabilities to participate in sport, it is also hoped to identify and fast track talent into national squads.
Did you know that at the time of the Athens 2004 Games, Jason Smyth & Michael McKillop (Beijing 2008 Gold Medal winners) were unknown? Talent is out there. It could be hiding within your organisation. We need to find them and nurture their talent into Paralympic success.
Have you ever received a query about someone with a disability wanting to take part in your sport but had no avenue in which to send them? Has a coach in one of your clubs ever phoned your office looking for support or direction for a club member with a disability who has the potential to progress to a higher level?
If the answer is yes to either of these questions, the ParaLions Programme could be the answer for you.
The aim of the lunch is to give National Governing Bodies an opportunity to meet with the PCI staff so as to facilitate future collaboration and assistance in the development of Paralympic sport in Ireland.
For more information please contact the Federation of Irish Sports:
T: (01) 6251155
Email: [email protected]
JOBS IN SPORT
IRISH HEART FOUNDATION
HEALTH CHECK CO-ORDINATOR- co-ordinate health checks in the workplace
Duration: 20hours per week- 12 month contract with a view to permanency
Reporting to: Workplace co-ordinator
Salary: DOE
Closing Date: Friday 30th January
The Health Promotion Department of the Irish Heart Foundation is responsible for heart health activities in the workplace, schools and communities. In particular the department is involved in:
– A health promotion programme to the Irish workplace, providing information and services on nutrition and physical activity to Irish companies;
– A range of educational and teaching resources promoting physical activity to primary Irish schools;
– Major national promotional campaigns including Irish Heart Week;
– Supporting Voluntary Happy Heart Groups;
– Dealing with many requests from the public in relation to heart health.
Job Description
Duties & Responsibilities:
– Promoting programme and liaising with bodies associated with workplace health i.e. Health & Safety Authority, Occupational Health, Human Resources, Trade Unions, employer groups, personnel groups etc.
– Promoting services to companies, through direct contact and/or by circulating flyers, newsletters, responding to requests
– Co-ordinating health checks in companies and community settings
– Liaising with and co-ordinating team of nurses, identifying new nurses
– Working with waste management services in ensuring timely waste collection from companies
– Organising the dispatch of equipment and materials to companies
– Liaising with the Stores Department in relation to literature requirement/stocks
– Liaising with accounts section regarding payments of nurses and company payments
– Ordering Sufficient quantities of medical equipment for checks and ensuring equipment is in efficient working order and has undergone validation checks as directed by manufacturer
– Delivering service as set out in Budget
– Providing support to other Health Promotion events e.g. Irish Heart Week
– Updating database
– Evaluating Programme
– Reporting to workplace co-ordinator
Other:
– Support to other members of Health Promotion and IHF team
– Contributions to Newsletters and other materials
This job description will be reviewed and updated in line with the needs of the work.
Requirements:
– Excellent PC skills including a command of packages such as Excel, Word
– An ability to work as part of a team in a busy department and on your own initiative.
– Some experience in health promotion is preferred but not essential.
Applications: Please forward your CV and cover letter on or before Friday 30th January to:
Valerie Ferguson, HR Manager.
T: (01) 6685001
Email: [email protected]
Irish Heart Foundation, 4 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
The Irish Heart Foundation is an equal opportunities employer
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR DUBLIN
The conference is designed to provide up to the minute education and advce on a range of issues involving ground maintenance and should prove a popular educational event for all grounds staff.
The cost is £15.00/€20.00 for IOG members and £30.00/€40.00 for non-members. Light refreshments will be provided. Booking Forms can be downloaded from the following link:
https://www.iog.org/news/20090128_iogcroke.asp
NEW APPOINTMENTS IN IRISH SPORT
MARTIN MC ELROY APPOINTED NEW PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR FOR IRISH AMATEUR ROWING UNION (“IARU”)
Brought up in Eyrecourt, Co Galway, Martin McElroy studied engineering and rowed at UCD in the early 1980s, before moving to Britain, where he took up coaching. His stand-out achievement was guiding the British men’s eight to Olympic gold in Sydney in 2000.
Since then, McElroy, who has a master in Business Administration from Imperial College, has been involved in executive coaching and coach education. He worked with UK Sport’s elite coach education policy, which brought athletes such as cyclist Chris Boardman and rower Tim Foster into the coaching side of sport.
McElroy is keen to stress he comes to his new post with the aim of building a system rather than tutoring crews. “My main role in Ireland is not to coach. If I get dragged into the coaching side of things, in a way I’ve failed.”
His aim of building a sustainable system means that when he goes the structure should last.
“You want something that doesn’t depend on the people in it.”
He hopes he will be involved for longer than the four years he is taking on; while 2012 is a priority, the people who are going to represent Ireland in London are already in the system, and his remit goes beyond them, to finding the coaches who will be guiding athletes even further into the future. “I want Irish coaches to see that there is a career path in coaching in Ireland,” McElroy says. The British system, so comprehensive that it covers everything from talent identification among non-rowers to conditions for elite athletes, impresses McElroy.
“There are no holds barred,” he says, “a very high level of investment of time, money and energy is accepted.
“You can’t buy gold medals, but you have to pay for them.”
Rowing Ireland, the new brand name for the Irish Amateur Rowing Union, will take on five full-time coaching.
While McElroy notes it is a necessary quality of any elite athlete that they be able to motivate themselves, he hopes to get coaches in place quickly and disseminate a training programme. He expects some of the successful applicants will be from outside the country but the eventual aim is to create an Irish coaching system.
Coaches will work with athletes, but also with other coaches, to “upskill” them. McElroy says he hopes to integrate the coach development officer, Pat McInerney, into his system. The club structure, which in some countries runs parallel to the international scene, should be connected more closely to it here, he opines. “It makes sense in a country like Ireland that there is a relationship.”
Martin McElroy took up his position with Rowing Ireland in January 2009.
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ITTA APPOINT PETER NILSSON AS MEN’S HEAD COACH
The Irish Table Tennis Association (“ITTA”) have announced that it has secured the services of top European Coach Peter Nilsson as the new men’s team senior coach. This is a significant coup for the ITTA. Mr. Nilsson, a hugely experienced coach with 19 years experience as a professional coach, will bring drive, enthusiasm and extensive knowledge and experience to his new role.
Nilsson currently operates as a professional coach in Sweden, where he is Head Coach of Halmstad BK, who play in the Swedish Elite division. Finishing second in this competition last year, Halmstad are currently in pole position and looking to go one better this season. He has also coached the national teams of Iceland, Denmark and Norway and is enthused by the prospect of taking over the reins as Head Coach to the Irish men’s team and driving their development towards the world team championships in 2010, where promotion will be the target.
Commenting on the appointment, ITTA Technical Director John O’ Donohue stated. “I am very pleased that Peter has agreed to work with the Irish squad. He is truly professional in his approach and all of the players will benefit from his advice and experience. It represents a major step towards improving the high performance area and encouraging pride and commitment in our national teams”.
For further information please contact: Darren Coombes, ITTA Manager
T: (01) 6251135
Mob: (087) 6990115
Email: [email protected]
NEW FUND FOR MARGINALISED WOMEN LAUNCHED
The Community Foundation for Ireland has launched a new nationwide fund, the OLC Ireland Trust Fund, and has called for applications from registered charities and not for profit organisations around Ireland who work with marginalised women.
The OLC Ireland Trust Fund is managed by The Community Foundation for Ireland on behalf of The Sisters of Our Lady of Charity. The Fund will endeavour to support projects that most closely fit the criteria of organisations’ working with women tackling addictions, prostitution and trafficking, violence and abuse. The goal of the fund is to provide resources which will help educate, develop and enhance the lives and dignity of marginalised women.
This new Fund has been opened with a total of €85,500 available for grant-making in 2009. It will award grants four times per year with the first closing date for applications being March 31st 2009. Grants will be in the region of €500 to €5,000 except in exceptional circumstances when a maximum of €10,000 will be awarded. Grants will be made for once-off projects that are not the core or ongoing activities of the organisation concerned.
Commenting on the launch of the OLC Ireland Trust Fund, Tina Roche, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland said, “We are proud to launch this new fund on behalf of the sisters of Our Lady of Charity. Having a dedicated fund for issues such as prostitution or trafficking raises awareness of not only the issues themselves but also highlights the work of the many community and voluntary groups in this country who are committed to helping women who are marginalised in Ireland.”
Our Lady of Charity Ireland Trust Fund was established by the Sisters in the Irish Region (Republic of Ireland) in 2007. The creation of this fund arises from a long tradition of presence in mission in Ireland going back as far as 1853. With the decline in the numbers of sisters in the Irish Region available for hands on ministry the Our Lady of Charity Ireland Trust Fund attempts to respond to mission in a new way.
Applications: Closing date for the first round of grant applications is March 31st 2009.
Application forms are available at: www.communityfoundation.ie/grants or by contacting:
Helen Beatty, Grants Officer
T: (01) 874 7354
Email: [email protected]
W: www.communityfoundation.ie
The Community Foundation for Ireland, 32 Lower O’ Connell Street, Dublin 1.
NEW SPORTS SCIENCE AND HEALTH COURSE
The Insitute of Technology Tallaght, Dublin has launched a new course that is available to those who are currently considering their CAO selection.
Bachelor Degree of Science – Sports Science and Health
This level 7 BSc Degree in ‘Sports Science and Health’ involves applying scientific and medical principles to sports, exercise, and the ability of the body to perform physically. These two fields of healthcare are broad and can lead to many different educational and career opportunities. ‘Sports Science and Health’ is the scientific study of physiology and biomechanics in relation to the ability of the human body to adapt to motion, movement, and physical activity.
Students who study sports science will find work in both clinical and academic settings. Alternatively, obtaining education in Sports Science can also lead to career opportunities in fitness instruction, scientific research, and nutrition. The area also focuses on the medical aspects of physical activity. Professionals in sports science will obtain a full and thorough understanding of the identification, treatment and prevention of injuries that happen during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities. Courses will involve the study of injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management, and also understanding how illnesses and disease impacts health and physical performance.
For most related professions, earning a Bachelor of Science degree is the starting point for working in this healthcare field. The BSc (Ord) in Sports Science and Health will emphasize the general concepts of physiology, medical science, nutrition, health, and related training.
How to Apply:
Contact: Ken Carroll BSc (Hons) PhD MA (Head of Department ) 01 4042403
For further information please contact ITT Dublin GAA Officer Gerry Anderson on 087 798 8347
