Federation of Irish Sport Annual Review 2013

The rOLe OF SPOrT In TODAy

The Federation of Irish Sport is the independent voice for representing 72 National Governing Bodies of Sport and 28 Local Sports Partnerships Our Vision Our Strategic To provide a dynamic and effective voice for Irish Goals Sport, promoting the value • To ensure that sport is • To increase the of sport to Ireland while recognised and used operational providing outstanding by government as a key effectiveness of representation and tool in the creation of a our members services to members better Ireland • To strengthen resources • To be the independent through strategic and authoritative voice partnerships Our Values of Irish Sport Unity & Leadership, • To raise public Commitment & Service, awareness of the Progressive, Accountability contribution of sport & Integrity and the work of our members to Irish society

2013: 40,000 Irish Sport by Numbers jobs supported by Irish Sport €2,400,000,000 16,581 the contribution of sport to the Irish economy took part in the An Post Cycle Series in five counties €755,000,000 generated by Recreational Angling with 2,636 150,000 visitors supporting 10,000 jobs primary school coaching sessions delivered by the FAI €202,000,000 the value to the Irish economy of overseas 150 visitors countries around the world watched the Heineken Cup final at the €43,200,000 the Irish Sport Council Budget for 2013 67 international podium finishes for Irish Athletes €10,000,000 in 2013, up from 61 in 2012 the economic value of the Airtricity Marathon 47% of adults participating in sport each week 1,064,000 people watched the All Ireland Football Final 5 between Dublin and Mayo on RTE of the top 20 most watched programmes on RTE in 2013 were sports events 500,000 adults volunteered in Irish Sport each week 2 Ireland teams qualifying for the men’s and women’s 20-over World Cup and the Cricket World 245,333 Cup itself hours of physical activity provided by the GAA in Ireland’s schools 1 Federation of Irish Sport representing 72 National 200,000 Sports Organisations and 28 Local Sports people participated in locally delivered Partnerships in Ireland programmes A good return on investment no matter how you look at it

In 2013 the government invested • Martin Irvine became the first Irish cyclist to win approximately €75 million in Irish Sport. a world track title in 117 years, a World Cup gold, This figure included €43.2 million in current winning silver in the points race at the World funding which is the budget administered Championships and a European bronze by the Irish Sports Council which supports high performance sport, the National • winning the Amlin Challenge Cup against Governing Bodies of Sport, the Local Sports Stade Francais in front of a crowd of 20,396 at Partnerships and all of the programmes which the RDS these organisations deliver every year. The • The 13 medals won by Ireland’s sailors including remainder was invested in the sports capital a European gold for Annalise Murphy programme, the continuing development of the and in the Local • Irish Senior Women’s team winning a silver Authority pool programme. medal at the European Team Championships in May, In 2013, the investment in sport by the along with a 6th place at the World Championships government was the catalyst behind: • The 15 medals won by Paralympic athletes at Senior • Rob Heffernan’s gold medal in the 50km walk World Championships in sports of Athletics, at the Championships & Swimming

• The Irish Men’s Cricket team becoming the first • Natalya Coyle and Eanna Bailey winning Silver in team ever to win three ICC events in three different the Mixed Relay in February, being Ireland’s first formats in a season. ever medal at a World Cup competition in Modern • Ireland Women’s Rugby Team winning the Grand Slam for the first time ever • Aileen Reid’s silver medal at the World Series Grand Final in London which was watched by a viewing • Fiona Doyle winning silver medal in 100m audience of 41 million Breaststroke at the World University Games setting a new Irish Senior Record • Jason Quigley winning silver at the World Championships and Irish winning 20 medals • The Irish Junior Team winning Gold at the in 2013 European Championships • 20,000 participating in Women in Sport programmes • Barry Murphy winning bronze medal in 50m Breaststroke at the European Short Course • Daniel McKenna winning the British Rally Swimming Championships Championship and Craig Breen finished second in European Rally Championship. • Dan Martin and Nicholas Roche winning stages of the Grand Tours of Cycling • Jack Kennedy finishing 7th position overall in World Supersport motorcyling

Annual Review 2013 1 “Sport is important. It enriches all our lives Living better and has the potential to do even more – and it through deserves Government support. It should not Sport merely be ‘nice to do’ if there are funds available.”

Federation Annual Review 2009 Sarah O’Connor Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Irish Sport

Government Investment, which began • Minimise the future cuts to current consistently in 1997, facilitated improved funding. development and administration of • Ensure sport was represented at Cabinet. sport that is now delivering results both in terms of improved consistency of • Reinstate the Sports Capital Programme. performance on the international stage • Develop the National Sports Campus. as well as increasing participation rates so Much of this has been delivered and credit vital to public health in Ireland. Irish Sport must go to Ministers Varadkar and Ring not is in a good place and we have sought just for their commitment to and belief in in the pages that follow to detail some sport but for the progress made to date, of the work carried out by our member particularly in terms of the development organisations in 2013 designed to ensure of the National Sports Campus and the that this is sustained. reinstatement of the Sports Capital These improvements cannot however, Programme. However, it is the first of be taken for granted. Without continued these requests – the minimising of cuts to investment in sport from both public and current funding – that has proved the most Irish sport once again provided private sources much of this progress could challenging with overall investment levels some of the highlights of 2013... easily become undone. The reality in sport down 27.1% since 2008. be it the Irish Women securing the being that the money spent today has a This funding, most of which is invested in Grand Slam, Tony McCoy riding his significant impact on the future shape of the National Governing Bodies of Sport, 4,000th winner, the achievements sport both in terms of participation rates the Local Sports Partnerships as well as and international success. The contrary is of Clare & Dublin winning All- a number of our elite athletes is crucial also true. Fail to invest now and we will live , Rob Heffernan securing because it facilitates the administration to regret it in the future. gold at the World Athletics and development of sport nationwide Championships, the list is It is because of this and because of our through for example: endless with each and everyone innate belief that sport delivers on so many • Ensuring coaches are properly qualified; undoubtedly having their levels for Ireland that the Federation has own personal favourite. These been passionate in trying to protect the • Supporting grassroots clubs and achievements rightly made the future for Irish sport. volunteers; headlines but for the two million Like all sectors of the economy the last five • Putting in place programmes to attract who participate in years have been challenging for Irish Sport non-participants into or back to sport sport, no doubt they also had their with real pressure on all sources of funding as well as systems to spot talent and own personal highlights. Whether whether it is membership subscriptions, maximise its potential; it was winning a competition or sponsorship, broadcasting revenue, ticket championship across multiple • Running competitive and recreational sales and of course, the Government sports, joining a training group, fixtures as well as domestic and funding which is the very life blood completing a 10k or a , sometimes, international events; of Irish sport on so many levels. hill walking or climbing, enjoying • Attracting additional funding and our seas, rivers and lakes, sport It was against this background that in 2009, investment; the Federation of Irish Sport published its formed an integral part of their • Developing and supporting existing and first annual Review of Irish Sport under life in 2013. upcoming international athletes; and the title “Why Irish Sport Matters”. In it we asked the Government to: • Representing Ireland in the international sporting community.

2 Federation of Irish Sport page 10 SPO HE ALT H I ER “We strongly believe that sport can have a major R role to play in rebuilding confidence in our country. T - T

In 2011 there were many examples of how our teams KEY HE TO A I RE LA N D and individuals delivered for us all. We believe sport, properly supported, can do even more.”

Federation of Irish Sport Review 2011

page 12

The reality is in Ireland that for many, overarching long term plan for sport in TO G RE AT ER

if not the majority of sports, it is the Ireland - a Masterplan for Sport. KEE P C H ILD REN Government monies that are the key In our Annual Review of Sport in 2012 we element in allowing this to happen. Irish called on Government to do just that and to I N V E ST MEN T Sport does recognise that all sporting create a cross Government plan designed organisations need to diversify their to co-ordinate all investment and activities income sources and it is for this reason, the relating to sport, thereby ensuring sport is I N Federation has also consistently called for delivering to the maximum for Ireland. SPO R

a need to attract increased private sector NEE D E investment into sport. The point we made then, which we believe is as relevant now as it was then, is that “once T We would therefore renew our call the plan is agreed that nothing should be to the Government commitment to done that is outside of that plan”. At all times examine the putting in place of a relief but particularly when resources are scare page 14 to incentivise private sector investment every euro must work as hard as it can to SOCI E B UILDI N G A N in current sporting projects to mirror the help us deliver on the potential of sport. relief already in place for donations by In our 2012 Annual Review, we noted that T private individuals or entities to capital Y sporting projects or indeed charitable elements of sport impinge on other areas and arts projects. This is something that of Government policy such as health, I N CLUSIV E was recommended by the Commission education, tourism and children. How much on Taxation in their 2009 Report. better could it be if all elements of sport came under the one umbrella, recognising Whilst the protection of funding was key at the same time the role sport has to play to “Why Irish Sport Matters”, the campaign in these other areas. was also designed to raise awareness about just what Irish Sport delivers for Ireland. In that context all planned expenditure can We are a sports mad country but there is a in the first instance be evaluated against the Masterplan and in particular, whether page 16 tendency to think of sport in terms of the SPO R sporting activity itself and not the multiple the proposed spend will deliver against the dividends returned to our society as a result objectives set out in the plan. T IS of that activity. The Federation believes that The Federation strongly believe that if because of these ancillary benefits that Irish this is to happen then all funding will be B IG Sport has a key role to play in the rebuilding seen to deliver for all of sport – no matter B USI NE SS of our economy and the restoration of where the investment is being made or the confidence in our society. Government Department or Agency where It is the Federation’s view however that the it has come from. full potential of sport can only be maximised We continue to live in difficult times if sport is viewed in this wider context – in however, just as sport has been one of the terms of what it delivers for the economy, things to sustain us over the last number public health, tourism, our communities and of years, the putting in place of a well- page 18

Ireland’s reputation abroad – examples of developed Masterplan should ensure that RE PUTATIO N ENH A N CI G OU R the type and nature of this contribution in sport plays a key role in building a better 2013 are set out in this Annual Review. future for Ireland and her people. It is because of the multi-faceted A vision worth striving for and if achieved, contribution sport makes to Ireland that a lasting legacy that everyone involved the Federation very much welcomes the could be proud of. W recent Government announcement by the O R LD Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport SARAH O’CONNOR that one of the Department’s priorities Chief Executive Officer W ID E for sport in 2014 is to begin work on an Federation of Irish Sport

Annual Review 2013 3 Report from the global forum

IRISH SPORT SUPPORTS 2.08% OF THE WORKFORCE OR 40,000 A recent study by A.T. Kearney put the global value of sport at between €350 and €450 billion. JOBS This includes infrastructure construction, sporting goods, licensed products and live sports events. The global sports market is growing much faster than national GDP rates around the world and is projected to grow by $145.3bn between 2010-2015

4 Federation of Irish Sport Given its belief in the impact and potential of sport, the Federation had sought to ensure that sport was included in the programme for the 2013 Global Economic Forum. Ministers Varadkar and Ring agreed and the inclusion of sport for the first time – the 2013 Global Forum being the third time such an event was held – was facilitated by the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport who in conjunction with their colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs designed a session aimed at discussing the role of sport in addressing other national priorities. The session entitled “Promoting the interests of Ireland and Bringing Sport to Ireland its people abroad through Sport” was well attended by Forum attendees reflecting perhaps, the power of sport to generate The social and economic benefits of hosting sports events in both interest and debate. The discussion was led by a panel Ireland was discussed with the example of the Notre Dame comprised of Paraic Duffy, Hugo MacNeill, Kevin O’Brien, v Navy game cited as an example. It was Eugenie Buckley and Martin Naughton. Newstalk’s Ger Gilroy recognised however that the hosting of such events requires was moderator. co-operation, commitment and investment by a large number of stakeholders including the public. It was recognised that Ireland The power of sport to generate economic returns for now has a sporting infrastructure that would facilitate the Ireland through the hosting of appropriate sporting events hosting of large scale events and that there was increased co- as well as sport’s ability to create goodwill for Ireland operation between sporting bodies which made things possible overseas provided the main focus of the discussion. Much now that would have been impossible previously. The possibility was made of the significant economic and reputational of establishing a national bidding agency or steering group to success of the Notre Dame v Navy American Football game co-ordinate these efforts as well as facilitate the exploitation of in September 2012, the fact that sport supports in excess learnings from both the bidding for and hosting of events was of 40,000 jobs in Ireland, sport’s role in strengthening suggested. The success of a similar type body in Denmark was communities and improving public health as well as cited as a possible model for Ireland to look at in this context. its role in promoting Ireland’s culture and identity.

A number of recommendations and ideas for exploration Promoting Irish Sport Abroad emerged some of which attracted particular interest as It was widely agreed that the connections created by sport detailed below: and Irish sportspeople should be utilised to establish trade links and that as a country we should do more to exploit the goodwill • High profile and internationally recognised sports people created by sport. Reference was made to the GAA’s global should be invited by the political leadership to act as tourism expansion which has created a vibrant Irish network overseas ambassadors for Ireland with many clubs operating in geographic areas where Ireland is • Ireland should be promoted as a destination for large scale working to establish or strengthen economic links. Ways should sporting events be examined at exploiting this network to Ireland’s economic • Irish sport should be promoted globally and reputational advantage.

• Ireland should explore the possibility of using overseas Irish Sports Teams travelling abroad to promote the country’s economic interests

• The possibility of hosting a “Year of Sport” should be explored

• Mechanisms for supplementing government investment in sport

Annual Review 2013 5 THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORT AND THE ROLE IT COULD AND SHOULD PLAY IN IRELAND TODAY

It has always been the contention of the Sport is hugely important to Irish athletes on the world stage not only Federation that “Irish Sport Matters”. society, to communities, and to the boosts the morale of the country but That was the theme of our first Annual economy. It brings people together promotes our image internationally Review five years ago and it has informed in a way that nothing else can. The and draws tourism to Ireland from Government is also keen to increase around the world. every subsequent Review. Not alone participation in sport because of the does sport matter but the Federation Michael Ring TD, Minister of numerous health and social benefits State for Tourism and Sport has always believed that it has the it brings. The increased Government potential to deliver even more for Ireland funding for sport in 2014 comes at Sport has the unique ability to unite across a range of areas including the a time when there are many calls people and places in a manner that economy, the health of the nation and on limited public resources, and cannot be achieved in any other way our international standing worldwide. demonstrates our commitment to in our society. Individuals and teams the sport sector. We also recognise demonstrate a unity of purpose in We believe our views are shared by many the huge potential of sport as a pursuit of a dream that ignites a sense people. For this year’s Review we asked a business. Whether it’s hosting major of good will and pride in place that is wide cross section of people associated events, or developing sport science unparalleled in lifting the morale of with sport as to how they view sport in and technology, we want to capitalise communities. This is done, time and Ireland and the role it could and should on the potential of sport as an time again, at parish, , , play. Here is a section of comments we industry to create jobs and growth. national and international level. received in reply:- Dr Leo Varadkar, Minister for John O’Mahony, TD Tourism, Transport and Sport Sport is of utmost importance to Sport is vitally important. It benefits Ireland. We are a sporting nation. individuals in all sorts of ways in terms Sport binds individuals together of their health and fitness, and their to forge communities. Sporting Politics ability to deal with stress and pressure. organisations are at the bedrock But it is also a hugely important of our society. I believe sport can Sport is hugely important to Ireland element in holding communities play a crucial role in the creation and Irish people. It is the lifeblood together and keeping them strong, of a better Ireland. Our grassroots of many towns and villages especially during challenging times. sporting organisations are the throughout the country, especially Sport - and the arts also - can be modern embodiment of that through participation in the GAA hugely beneficial to individuals but most Irish of traditions: Meitheal. and other community sports. It also to the wider community, and that Sport will continue to keep our helps to keep people fit and healthy is why I strongly encourage people to communities active and inclusive in mind and body. It brings people get involved in them. and I believe that we must nourish together, promotes the enjoyment Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for and cherish our unique and rich and mutual benefits of working Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht sporting culture in Ireland. as a team and nurtures a culture , MEP where hard work and effort lead to The Government is protecting success. These are qualities which funding for sport as best we Through sports we share the thrill of undoubtedly play a part as we can in difficult economic victories and the agony of defeats. create a better Ireland together. circumstances in recognition of its Participation in sports defines us, it contribution. Participation in sport builds character, it energises the body An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD can bring health benefits in terms of and soul. Sport ... it keeps us alive! health and well-being which can in Eamonn Coughlan, Senator turn produce an economic dividend through reducing the costs to the health sector. The success of Irish

6 Federation of Irish Sport “Sport can teach discipline, “Sport is hugely important to competitiveness and pride Ireland and Irish people. It is THE IMPORTANCE whenever we win or lose. ” the lifeblood of many towns and villages throughout the country, OF SPORT AND THE especially through participation in the GAA and other community ROLE IT COULD AND sports.“

SHOULD PLAY IN The positive personal and social Sport is incredibly important to Ireland values learned at a formative age and can play an increasing role in the Business are lessons that shape people for life. creation of a better Ireland.! The other However, far too many youngsters key role that sport can play in Ireland IRELAND TODAY Sport is a vitally important element are falling through the sporting net in is in fostering inclusiveness. Sport has in Irish society because it involves their teens, and governing bodies and the ability to cross all socio economic, communities and the very fact that government alike need to do more to religious and political divides. Many in most sports team effort is involved invest in grass roots infrastructure and sports are “all island” incorporating means that people achieve a spirit facilities that can encourage sustained both and the of collegiality. participation into adulthood. Investing Republic. This is very important in Denis O’Brien, Chairman, Digicel in sport is investing in our own future. fostering normal relations between all Group Niall McEvoy, CEO, Teamer traditions on this island. The and the IRFU are two PCH is a global organization In a society, which at times has great examples of this co-operation. headquartered in , with an teetered on the brink, where Conor Mallaghan, CEO, Carton operational centre in Shenzhen, misguided actions have resulted House Resort and ten offices around the world. in dramatic consequences, sport Building a company overseas needs provides certainty. It shapes There’s nothing like the excitement a strong community and for PCH characteristics which bind and unify of sport to set your pulse racing. This sport has been at the core of that people. It develops comradeship and passion is hardwired into Irish people community. Sports clubs, particularly selflessness. It provides a platform and not only defines our culture but in our case the Shenzhen Celts Gaelic where people can contribute to the also showcases Ireland on the world Football Club, has helped our people lives of others, an environment where stage. Whether it’s , to network, share ideas, make personal there is a willingness to pay things Croke Park or just a Sunday morning and professional connections, and forward, to repay what you owe to kick around, there’s nothing like sport to showcase Irish culture to local others. It creates an environment to get the juices flowing. communities in Asia. where we look for substance, not Patrick Kennedy, CEO, Paddy Liam Casey, CEO, PCH fashion. It develops philosophies, not Power International brands, and allows us dream of self- fulfilment. It challenges us to achieve Sport is of course important to Ireland the ambition that lies within us. It is and in particular to the health of a unique, awe-inspiring blend where women. Healthy women are essential a desire to compete is mixed with to a successful business. In addition, the desire to cooperate. It makes the as a former healthcare worker I would moment worth living. advocate everyone to participate in Jason Cowman, Founder, Kitman physical activity as this will help reduce Labs the cost to our health service which is in turn good business for Ireland. Sport is one of Ireland’s most powerful “We also recognise the huge Norah Casey, Chairperson, unifiers. 7 in 10 Irish peoples’ favorite potential of sport as a business. Harmonia sponsorship is in sport, stimulating major investment by Irish business in Whether it’s hosting major Sport can teach discipline, a move to be part of memories worth competitiveness and pride whenever millions. Sport helps build trust in events, or developing sport we win or lose. It allows us to see people and business and people feel science and technology, we want the difference between possible and enlivened and are stimulated to live impossible and that we can achieve with confidence when sport is at play. to capitalise on the potential of everything if we really want it. John Trainor, MD, Onside Mike Sikorski, CEO, Huggity sport as an industry to create jobs and growth. “

Annual Review 2013 7 THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORT AND THE ROLE IT COULD AND SHOULD PLAY IN IRELAND TODAY

State funding of sport has two basic is not just what it does now, but the purposes: to fund elite sport to keep huge potential it has to mobilize and Media Ireland competitive internationally, unite communities across the country, and to promote participation levels improve individual wellbeing, and The evidence that sport has a and healthier lifestyles. On both counts, deliver more growth in tourism and to material benefit to the country is Ireland is a long way off where it should make an even greater contribution to overwhelming. Thinking coldly be, and this is almost entirely because the Irish economy. Sport is an essential about the pure economics of the there is not just a lack of vision, but part of Ireland now but it can also be a situation then investment in sport worse still, a failure of imagination. much bigger part of a better Ireland. makes sense as a health, tourism, Politicians and policy makers have Seamus Mulconry, Executive education and social policy. struggled to actually see sport for what Director, Philanthropy Ireland Ger Gilroy, Sports Editor, it is. Sport is good for Ireland. It is good Newstalk for our sense of wellbeing, it is good for Sport is indispensable to Irish society our sense of identity, it is good for our as at its core sport and activity feeds I believe the State should concentrate national sense of purpose, and - yes it’s the soul of our people. Sport is Art. If its investment in sport in encouraging ok to say it - it’s good for our economy. we were to invest in sport and other as many people as possible to John Greene, Sports Editor, forms of artistic self-expression alone participate in sport, rather than to Sunday Independent as our national health strategy I am facilitate them as spectators. convinced we would eradicate all the Vincent Browne, Journalist symptoms of dis-ease that afflict our people and as a result would create Sport at international level can have Philanthropy an abundantly healthy nation. a galvanising effect on the country Tony Griffin, Clare All like nothing else and that can be true Star and Social Entrepreneur in defeat as well as victory; just think In a world consumed by electronic back to the excitement generated by connectivity, where we are constantly The importance of sport for our the rugby team’s performance against in touch but all alone, sport offers an country has never been greater. The the All Blacks last November. At a outlet for the most basic of our human inner, unseen benefits it gives to recreational level, the positive short and desires and engages us with each those struggling with their mental long term health benefits to leading an other in (mostly) honest endeavour. health is enormous. With the genuine active, sporty lifestyle are so obvious Through these sporting interactions emphasis on the development of the they hardly need explaining. we learn about ourselves and others, overall person, a sporting group or we dig deep and ask questions, and Eoin McDevitt, Second Captains organisation can help to cultivate understand to treat the two impostors the fertile ground that can empower The role of sport in Ireland now goes of victory and defeat with unanimity. its members to live their lives from beyond words, providing a range Kingsley Aikins, Diaspora the inside out and help to make of benefits for health and wellbeing Matters this world a more fulfilling and beyond anything previous imagined. enriching experience for us all. Sport makes a critical contribution This starts from the young child and Conor Cusack, Cork Hurler both to the Irish economy and to Irish continues through to adulthood, and Mental Health Advocate whether that is on the field of play tourism, and is one of the greatest or standing on the sidelines offering generators of social capital in the encouragement. And now more than country. The exciting thing about sport ever that role of sport in Ireland needs to be not only fostered but appreciated by all involved, from political heights all the way down. “The role of sport in Ireland now goes Ian O’Riordan, Sports Reporter, The Irish Times beyond words, providing a range of benefits for health and wellbeing beyond anything previous imagined.”

8 Federation of Irish Sport “The promotion of active “Sport is the glue that binds participation in sport and healthy communities and unites the lifestyles in the community is an country. At its best it embodies area that I am deeply passionate our spirit as a nation. “ about and something which I believe needs to be prioritised.”

Sport unites people in a way nothing I believe sport is extremely important else can. On the field you leave to Ireland. Unlike some other nations, Sport difference behind and play for a we are delighted when we are common goal. In that way, sports victorious in almost any sport in which Sport holds a unique place in Irish are the great equalizer bringing we’re involved, and because we’re such life. Nothing has the ability to unite together rivals and breaking down a small country, those victories do a nation or divide opinion than the barriers. When everyone is given really lift the national mood and make power of sport. Sport permeates every equal opportunity to transform us feel better about ourselves. aspect of Irish life and is part of our their life through sport... regardless identity, our values, our culture. Sport of their ability or disability... then we Cian O’Connor, Olympic is the one true constant. Investing in help define our social fabric, where Bronze Medalist sport has enormous social, economic, tolerance, acceptance, togetherness, Ireland without sport would be a environmental and societal benefits. helpfulness, and advocacy become country without soul. It makes us Only sport has the ability to contribute standard components of a past, tick and gives us some of our best to our physical and mental wellbeing present and future Ireland. collective memories. while playing a hugely significant role Mary Davis, Regional President, Robbie Keane, Ireland Captain in the development of the economy, /Eurasia environment and society in the I compete in all corners of the World. creation of a better Ireland. Sport is very important to Ireland for You can be sure in China or New a number of reasons, firstly to give , Olympic Silver Zealand there’ll be pockets of Irish the people of Ireland an outlet to Medalist and CEO, Irish Sports people screaming support. The meet, compete and socialise in a fun Council support at London 2012 and the 2013 environment. Secondly, it underpins a World Triathlon Championships in The promotion of active participation large part of the Irish economy. Golf in London from Irish men and women in sport and healthy lifestyles in particular and the tourism associated was deafening. Sport matters. the community is an area that I with it contributes a lot to the Irish am deeply passionate about and Exchequer. Aileen Reid, Olympic Triathlete something which I believe needs to Paul McGinley, European Sport helps define us as a nation. It is be prioritised. I believe the status of Ryder Cup Captain 2014 sport in our society, and particularly in no way elitist. Sport is for everyone. Yet it is something we are in danger of in the education system, needs to Sport is the glue that binds taking for granted. Sport does not just be developed and elevated as it is in communities and unites the country. happen. Sport needs to be planned, other countries. The 2009 ESRI report At its best it embodies our spirit as managed, financed and delivered. on sport in Ireland stated that the a nation. Government investment in Irish sport importance of physical education in Martin O’Neill, Ireland Manager schools needs to be underlined with commence in 1997 – we have come a long way since then with increased national standards, and that sports Sport offers many positive benefits access to sport and improved policy also needs to reflect a holistic to society, not only as a source of fun consistency on the international stage. vision which integrates, supports and and enjoyment but perhaps more Investment in sport is an investment encourages all those involved in the importantly within communities in the health and well-being of the provision of sport and exercise for where it can be linked to a reduction country. We need sport more than children. in youth crime and delinquency. I ever. Dessie Farrell, Dublin All Ireland have seen first-hand how success Winner and CEO, GPA galvanises a country, and creates a Federation of Irish Sport feel-good factor. When representing Review 2010 Ireland in London 2012 – I was Sport is an important cornerstone for overwhelmed at the amount of the improvement of Irish Society. A support and positive feedback we more active Ireland would be a better received and I was only too happy Ireland not just for the sake of sport to be giving something back. but for the wider impact it would have Jason Smyth, Paralympic on our overall quality of life. Gold Medalist Federation of Irish Sport Review 2012

Annual Review 2013 9 Sport - THE KEY STOpo Art HE & ChALTHIERildren iIren Irelalandn d Investment in sport is paying off

10 Federation of Irish Sport There is undoubtedly a growing recognition in Ireland of the role sport could, and should be playing in helping tackle our very real health problems. Whilst these problems are not unique to Ireland nevertheless they are problems of concern both in the short term but also for the long term health of the nation.

The World Health Organisation has This must be one of the cornerstones of We must find ways of highlighted obesity as the greatest public any National Physical Activity Plan and of encouraging people to health challenge of the 21st century. course for the proposed Masterplan for Since the 1980s the prevalence of obesity Irish Sport. stay physically active in Europe has tripled – it is estimated that It must be acknowledged that more throughout their lives. in Europe 50% of people are overweight people are exercising and the credit for with 20% of them falling into the obese this to a large extent is due to the work category. of the Local Sports Partnerships, the In Ireland the figure is 60% of the programmes and the initiatives being population either overweight or obese. put in place by the individual sports A frightening statistic. But the problem and not least of all by the work of the is not just being overweight; it is what 500,000 volunteers that ensure Irish sport • 600+ teams have competed in this leads to. Physical inactivity leading happens. Some of the initiatives we saw ‘SpikeBall’ competitions and blitzes in to overweight and obesity is estimated in 2013 included:- the last year run by Ireland to be the principal cause of 21% to • 150,000 participated in locally 25% of breast and colon cancers; 27% • 40,414 members of , delivered programmes run by Local of diabetes and 30% of heart disease. up from 20,000 in 2007 Sports Partnerships Physical inactivity costs €150-€300 per • 20,000 female participants took part citizen according to two EU studies whilst • 49,542 are members of Athletics in local Women in Sport programmes the Report of the National Taskforce on Ireland, up 17% on 2012 • 10,000 young people and 200 teachers Obesity indicated that the direct and • 10,879 people introduced to and youth group leaders participating indirect economic costs of premature through ISA’s nationwide participation in ‘Street ’ seminars deaths associated with obesity may be initiatives nationwide costing the state as much as €4bn. In Ireland:- • 3,300 people in 36 clubs and 60 schools • 3,000 women participated in the 4th took part in ’s Sprocket • Only 32% of Irish adults are meeting West of Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon Rocket Programme which teaches core the National Physical Activity cycling skills to kids aged 7-11 • 6,500 taking part in the 4 events on Guidelines the weekend of the Sean Kelly Tour of • 79% of people over 50 are obese • 1,262 girls took part in ‘Tricks 4 Sticks’ Waterford, with over 40% coming from • 12% of the adult population are Hockey programme in 14 geographical Waterford itself sedentary areas in the past year over 6-10 weeks • 19,000 members of Cycling Ireland, • 47% of adults are physically active, up • 8,500 members of Triathlon Ireland, up a four-fold increase in five years from 34% in 2009 from 2,000 in 2007 • 40,717 women participating in the We must find ways of encouraging people • 12,000 primary school children took Flora Women’s Mini Marathon 2013, to stay physically active throughout part in Ireland’s mini- with participants raising €14m for their lives. Equally we must find ways of basketball in its first year of operation charity getting those who have dropped out of sport to become involved once again. • 70,000 race entries for • 50,000 active surfers in Ireland in 2013

Annual Review 2013 11 GREATER SINpoVErSTt &MEN ChTild ren iNEEn IreDlaEDn TOd KEEP InvestmentCHILDREN in sport is paying off IN SPORT

12 Federation of Irish Sport Sport & Children in Ireland 13

In September 2013 the ESRI published “Keeping Them in the Game: Taking Up and Dropping Out of Sport and Exercise in Ireland”. The report published with the assistance of the Irish Sports Council is undoubtedly timely, given the worrying statistics in relation to children dropping out of sport - and the opportunities presented by the Government’s commitment to produce a National Physical Activity Plan and Master Plan for Sport in Ireland this year.

It is perhaps worth repeating what we • 500 schools took part in 8 week Play • 81,033 the number of children at 1,040 wrote in our Annual Review last year. Rugby Programme supported by IRFU’s Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps nationwide “Four out of five Irish children do not Development Officers • 1,514 primary school children across meet the Department of Health and • 250 primary teachers trained in mini 46 Primary Schools in Cork City and Children’s National Physical Activity basketball by County took part in the Cork Safer Guidelines for maintaining and improving Cycling programme their current and future health. Over • 100% increase in Junior Membership 300,000 children on the island of Ireland of Triathlon Ireland in 2013 • The Irish American Football Association’s ‘Schools Flag Football’ are either overweight or obese. Children, • 49% growth in schools Volleyball programme delivered 320 hours of who are obese between the ages of six programme since 2008 with 473 coaching to over 1,000 children in 19 months and five years have a 25% chance schools now participating in Spikeball of being obese as adults. If children are schools in 2013 • Irish Table Association hosted obese over the age of six the chance • 2,636 primary school coaching sessions the Primary Schools Six Nations, where of being obese as adults increases to delivered by the FAI impacting over Ireland won 3 of 4 gold medals on offer 50% whilst this becomes 80% for obese 130,000 children adolescents”. • 19,700 school children bowled free in • 15,120 students have participated in 26 centres throughout Ireland Sobering statistics. The problem must be the Aviva Schools Mile Challenge, as part of National Tenpin Bowling tackled for the ESRI Report shows that in 112 secondary schools while some 88% of children are regularly Week involved in sporting activity at primary • 1,450 children completed the ‘Kids Run school, this percentage declines rapidly for Fun’ 1 mile and 2k, organised by during secondary school years and even Sports Partnership more markedly as young adults going to • 90% of primary schools avail of the college or entering the workforce. GAA Coaching Programme which Undoubtedly sport continues to make delivers coaching in schools in 6 to 10 progress in attracting children to stay week blocks involved or to try new sports, however • 1,020 primary schools children much greater investment is needed. Children, who are obese representing over 60% of the primary Amongst the success stories for sport schools throughout the county between the ages of six in this area in 2013 were:- involved in the SSRP Annual Athletics months and five years • 46,000 hours of physical activity Festival, with many children linking have a 25% chance of delivered by the GAA in Munster into athletic clubs for sustained Schools – the equivalent as would be participation in Athletics being obese as adults. delivered by the employment of 62 PE • 13 schools now play in the Teachers generating a value of €2.2 Development Schools League as a million per year direct result of the Donegal Community Rugby Project – there were none beforehand

Annual Review 2013 13 BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY

14 Federation of Irish Sport Sport & Children in Ireland 15

It has long been recognised that sport has the ability to bring people together, to create communications and to foster relationships that can last a lifetime. Sport is great for breaking down barriers and for helping create a truly inclusive society.

It has been estimated that in Ireland there • A team of 14 athletes and 8 coaches • 100 girls in 12 teams took part in FAI are as much as 20% of the population represented Special Olympics Ireland Late Night Leagues in a pilot project who have disabilities ranging from mild at the Special Olympics World Winter in Dublin that can now be rolled out to severe, physical to mental. Time and Games in South Korea in January and nationally again sport has shown the way in helping brought back three gold, six silver and • Transplant Team Ireland won 34 medals integrate those suffering from disability two bronze medals and finished 14th on the medal table at into the wider community. • 400 clubs in communities across the the in Durban, Just think back to the Special Olympics island of Ireland continue to support South Africa World Summer Games held over ten over 10,000 athletes who train and • Team Ireland competed at the 22nd years ago now. The legacy lives on with compete in 15 different sports run International Deaflympic Summer Ireland embracing the ethos of Special by Special Olympics Ireland Games in Bulgaria Olympics in a unique way. Equally the • 1,500 athletes, selected after regional legacy of the London 2012 Paralympics • Vision Sports Ireland hosted ‘Mayfest’, a competition, were represented at the and the performance of the Irish team 2 day event where Ireland’s (and further launch of Special Olympics Ireland have ensured that the achievements of afield) vision impaired came and tried Limerick Games 2014 in the University our Paralympians rank equally with all of different sports of Limerick which will be held in our sportsmen and sportswomen. June 2014 with the support of 3,000 • Irish Wheelchair Association Sport And our facilities are also becoming more volunteers hosting the European Wheelchair inclusive. At one end of the spectrum Rugby Zonal Qualifiers in Gormanston • 230 Traveller men and women have there are the superb facilities offered Co Meath participated in Fitness programmes by our premier stadia which have built including 5 month Step Challenge, in disability features throughout. This is Bootcamp, Handball and Health and now being replicated throughout the Nutrition run by Limerick Sports country where the recent re-opening Partnership of the Sports Capital Programme will undoubtedly accelerate the process • 10 new Football for All Clubs and bring the ‘Sport for All’ dream closer established allowing 300 kids with It has been estimated to reality. varying disabilities access to regular training and competition that in Ireland there are In addition, sport reaches out to many as much as 20% of the marginalised sectors of Irish society and • 360 new participants involved in programmes have been developed by sport and physical activity through population who have NBGs and Local Sports Partnerships to the SSRP ‘Active Centres’ programme disabilities ensure a more inclusive society. Examples at 2 community centres in rural areas of inclusion initiatives undertaken by Irish of County Sport in 2013 were:- • 120 participants in the Traveller Women • Cerebral Palsy ’s Community Health Programme run Football Team finishing 4th in the by Wexford Sports Partnership Intercontinental Cup

Annual Review 2013 15 SPORT IS BIG BUSINESS

16 Federation of Irish Sport Sport & Children in Ireland 17

As we have said year after year sport is business – BIG BUSINESS. A recent study by A.T. Kearney put the global value of sport at between €350 and €450 billion. This includes infrastructure construction, sporting goods, licensed products and live sports events. The global sports market is growing much faster than national gross domestic product (GDP) rates around the world and is projected to grow by $145.3bn between 2010-2015. The worldwide sports events market alone was worth €45 billion in 2009.

In Ireland sport supports 40,000 jobs • 22,000 overseas fans travelled to Dublin • €755 million generated by Recreational and contributes €2.4 billion to GDP as part of a 70,000 strong contingent Angling each year, with 150,000 visitors while employing 2.08% of the workforce. attending the Amlin Challenge Cup supporting 10,000 jobs Sport’s contribution to our economy and Heineken Cup finals, generating • 3,500 cyclists participated in the An is of course facilitated by government €21m for the economy Post Meath Heritage Cycle tour, with investment which last year was €75 • 27% increase in those employed as 350 volunteers, and an economic value million. The return in revenue alone is professional athletes or sports officials to Meath of €1.52m spectacular – and that is without all the since 2006 other tangible benefits sport contributes • €11.7m is the value of the 245,333 to our nation every year. • 313 people employed in Games hours of physical activity provided by Development by the GAA compared to the GAA in Ireland’s schools The above figures only partially take in 20 in 1991 the major spend that is generated by • €10m is the value of the Dublin City sports tourism each year. As was pointed • 938 jobs supported for every €1 million Marathon to the economy out earlier in this report, the tourism invested by government revenue generated by the two sports of • €1 out of every €60 generated and angling and golf alone amounts to almost earned in the European Union is sports- €1 billion. related And then there are the very substantial • €818 million is spent annually by The sports industry revenues generated by events such Ireland’s 12,000 voluntary sports clubs, as the All-Ireland Finals, Football leagues and branches in the Irish today spans the field of internationals (Euros and World Cup economy on goods & services play—from the food and games in particular), Rugby’s 6 Nations memorabilia stands at Championship, Autumn Internationals • €200 million is the approximate and Heineken Cup, not to mention turnover by Irish NGBs each year with the stadium, to media one off events like the Europa League an estimated €40 million of this going rights and sponsorships. directly back to government in PAYE, Final (2011), the Emerald Isle Classic US The many participants Football game (2012) and the Heineken PRSI & VAT in this market are and Amlin Cup finals (2013). • €12 the return generated for every €1 competing for a bigger The statistics for 2013 show just how big spent by the GAA on coaching – in a contribution sport makes to the Irish 2012 the total return on investment slice of a pie worth as economy demonstrating the potential was €54 million much as €450 billion to generate even more:- • €350 - €550 million – the economic A.T. Kearney • Voluntary sport supports the value of Ireland’s sporting volunteer employment of 8,826 persons workforce including approximately 1,500 people • €202 million the amount generated within the NGB & LSP sector alone for the Irish economy by overseas golf visitors – with only 21% of the spend being on “golf-related” activities

Annual Review 2013 17 ENHANCING our REPUTATION WORLDWIDE

18 Federation of Irish Sport Sport & Children in Ireland 19

During the sporting debate at the Global Irish Economic Forum it was noticeable how the participants strongly endorsed the important role our sporting teams, sportsmen and sportswomen are playing in creating a positive image for Ireland abroad.

Over the past twelve months sport • Barry Murphy winning bronze • Paul O’Donovan winning a Bronze proudly flew the flag for Ireland in medal in 50m breaststroke at the medal at the World Under 23 some 70 countries worldwide whilst European Short Course Swimming Championships and Claire Lambe people from almost the same number Championships finishing 4th in the European Rowing also visited Ireland for official sporting • Caroline Ryan winning bronze at Track Championships activities during the same period and Cycling World Cup in Mexico • Clarence Kennedy winning 3 bronze this excludes the countless visitors who • Clara Peters bringing home Ireland’s medals in the snatch, clean and jerk plan their own trip to play golf, to fish, to First International Ice Skating Medal, and total categories in the 94kg class walk our beautiful countryside or simply taking Bronze in the Ladies Singles at the European Junior Weightlifting to follow sport. It all adds up to major event in Australia Championships, the first Irish athlete enhancement of the image of Ireland in to do so other countries. • Mel Lawther coming 8th in the World Archery Championships in Turkey • The Irish Association took home And it is not just our most famous 3 medals from the African World Cup • Scott Evans winning the Cyprus personalities in the highest profile sports with Olympian Lisa Kearney winning International Tournament that are flying the flag. The emergence gold of Ireland in sports such as cricket has • The Basketball Ireland • Bryan Keane winning a World Cup opened up whole new possibilities. The Men’s Senior Representative team Triathlon Silver in Japan impact of the Irish cricket team in India travelled to Birmingham to play and Pakistan has been well documented. their counterparts from the English • Joe Ward winning Bronze at the World Boxing Championships in More recently the Irish Ladies Cricket Basketball League and were victorious to go with Jason Quigley’s Silver teams were playing in Qatar, Ireland’s • Shauna Weldon winning a gold medal Cyclists were in Mexico while our in the solo event at the World Baton • Andrew Smyth achieved the highest Weightlifters, Ice Skaters and Judoka won Twirling International Cup in the individual all-around score ever by medals in Estonia, Australia and Mauritius. an Irish Gymnast at the Artistic World Championships in Below are just some of the athletes and • Derek Burnett won Bronze in Olympic teams that represented Ireland with Trap at the European Championships in • Irish Team came 4th at the distinction around the world:- Germany World Championships in Colombia • Rob Heffernan winning gold medal • Sarah Lavin winning Silver at the • Ireland ranked no.1 in Tatami Sport at in 50km walk at World Athletics Junior European Championships in the in Russia Championships in Moscow Italy in the 100 metres hurdles • Derval O’Rourke and Ciaran O’Lionard • Ireland being the first-ever country Over the past twelve winning bronze medals at the to win 3 global tournaments in the 3 European Indoor Championships in different cricket formats in a single year months sport proudly Gothenburg, in the 60m hurdles and and, by doing so, qualifying for the flew the flag for Ireland 3,000m respectively men’s and women’s 20-over World Cup in some 70 countries and the Cricket World Cup itself • Fiona Doyle winning silver medal worldwide in 100m Breaststroke at the World • Ireland’s Croquet team winning the 4 University Games in Kazan setting Nations Championship and Andrew a new Irish Senior Record Johnston reaching the semi-final of the Croquet World Championship

Annual Review 2013 19 Creating a Return on the Taxpayers Investment

Note: Total Irish Sports Council (ISC) Funding includes Core Grant Funding, High Performance Funding, Direct Athlete Funding and Women in Sport Funding, please refer to Irish Sports Council website for a detailed breakdown www.irishsportscouncil.ie

Angling Council of Ireland Ireland Bowling www.anglingcouncilireland.ie www.badmintonireland.com www.irishlawnbowls.ie Total ISC Funding: €10,000 Total ISC Funding: €480,734 ISC Funding: €24,590 Participants: 15,000 Participants: 17,000 Participants: 2,200 Highlight 2013: Hosting the Predator Boat Highlight 2013: High Performance claimed 4 Highlight 2013: Hosting of (BIBC) 2013 World Championships in Enniskillen. The International titles. Membership has grown for Championships and Centenary International event was an outstanding success and with the second consecutive year and the new School Series, for only the third time in its 100 year that experience behind us we look forward to programme ‘Shuttletime’ has been a great success. history. They were held at Crumlin Bowling Clubs. hosting 25 nations in Cork for World Feeder Looking forward 2014 welcoming Para Badminton Over the 6 days, 360 players from Ireland, , Championships 2014. to the Paralympics schedule. , Wales, Jersey & Guernsey participated. Ireland won the Singles and was runner-up in the Archery Ireland Basketball Ireland International series. www.archery.ie www.basketballireland.ie Association Total ISC Funding: €48,500 Total ISC Funding: €693,289 www.camogie.ie Participants: 4,000 Participants: 41,250 Highlight 2013: In September hosting the First All Highlight 2013: The Basketball Ireland Premier Total ISC Funding: €384,283 Ireland Series Final with 600 attendees and just League Mens Senior Representative played the Participants: 100,000 one week later Mel Lawther coming 8th in the English Basketball League as a curtain-raiser to Highlight 2013: Unified camogie/hurling World Championships in Turkey. the English Cup Final. In front of a 5,000 capacity sponsorship by Liberty Insurance of All Ireland crowd Ireland won 83-81. Bord Gais Neptune Championships and unified sponsorship by AIB of from Cork ended a 21 year wait when they won Camogie and GAA All Ireland Club Championship the Men’s National Cup Final in the National series. www.athleticsireland.ie Basketball Arena. Total ISC Funding: €1,952,000 Ireland Membership: 49,542 Baton Twirling Sport Association www.canoe.ie Highlights: Rob Heffernan winning Gold at the of Ireland World Championship 50km walk. Sarah Lavin, Total ISC Funding: €360,043 Silver in Junior European Championships in the www.btsai.ie Participants: 3,000 100m hurdles. Kelly Proper, four Gold medals in Total ISC Funding: €16,518 Highlight 2013: Canoeing Ireland International the National Outdoor Championships. Rose-Anne Participants: 660 Liffey Descent, hosting a leg of the International Galligan breaking Sonia O’Sullivan’s national 800m Highlight 2013: Individuals and teams represent Canoe Federation Marathon Classic Series. Junior record, running 2.00.69. Opening of the Athlone Ireland at European and World Championships, Paddle Fest saw 400 junior paddlers introduced to I.T. International Indoor Arena. Development two silver and one gold medal. With the help of all 7 canoe disciplines. We had paddlers represent Athletes showing significant progress: Sean Tobin, our WIS grant we completed our Roadshow, and Ireland at World and European Championships in Phil Healy, David Cussen, Louise Shanahan, Aislinn had it performed for the first time at our National Slalom, Sprint, Marathon, Canoe , Wild Water Crossey, Ruairi Finnegan, Marcus Lawlor, Alana Championships. The Roadshow went on the road Racing & Free Style. Canoeing Ireland qualified a Lally, Zak Irwin, Shane Fitzsimons, Siofra Cleirigh- and two clubs developed as a result in Portlaoise place in the Youth Olympics for the first time. Butner, Laura Ann Costello. and Bailiborough. Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland Australian Rules Football League www.cpsi.ie of Ireland Total ISC Funding: €91,151 www.arfli.com Participants: 110 Participants: 410 Highlight 2013: CPSI Football Team Finish 4th in Highlight 2013: Hosting the European the Intercontinental Cup. It was a competition Championship in Dublin, which Ireland won with that proved to the management of the team and the last kick of the tournament to beat Great CPSI that the young team have a huge future in Britain by a point. front of them.

20 Federation of Irish Sport Cricket Ireland Golfing Union of Ireland Irish Fencing Federation www.cricketireland.ie www.gui.ie www.irishfencing.net Total ISC Funding: €487,760 Total ISC Funding: €429,600 Total ISC Funding: €37,785 Participants: 40,414 Participants: 162,000 Participants: 1,300 Highlight 2013: Being the first-ever country Highlight 2013: Ireland won the Boys Home Highlight 2013: Our highlight was the to win 3 global tournaments in the 3 different Internationals at Forest Pines in Lincolnshire, Championships which incorporated an FIE Men’s cricket formats in a single year and, by doing so, battling with Scotland to a draw and then Epee International Satellite competition which qualifying for the men’s and women’s 20-over defeating England and Wales to win the title for attracts fencers from all over the world - we had World Cup and the Cricket World Cup itself. the first time since 2010, and only the fourth time Australians, South Americans, and representatives in the event’s history. of many European countries taking part, with Croquet Association of Ireland 12-15 different countries making up half the Gymnastics Ireland entries and the balance being Irish, giving good www.croquetireland.com experience to our Irish fencers. Total ISC Funding: €5700 www.gymnasticsireland.com Participants: 300 Total ISC Funding: €305,673 Irish Amateur Association Participants: 14,000 Highlight 2013: Ireland’s emphatic win in the 4 www.irishwrestling.org Nations Championship, the first for ten years, our Highlight 2013: Andrew Smith made history at the Andrew Johnston reaching the semi-final of the Artistic World Championships posting the highest Total ISC Funding: €14,762 World Championship and the development of new individual all-around score for an Irish competitor Highlight 2013: Alex Dolly recently won the 2013 lawns in Kerry and Dublin. at a World Championships. British Senior Championships in Welshpool, England. Dolly had a perfect sweep and went a perfect 4-0 in the 84kg freestyle tournament, Cycling Ireland he never allowed a single point throughout the www.cyclingireland.ie www.horsesportireland.ie championship. Total ISC Funding: €571,105 Total ISC Funding: €1,282,978 Participants: 19,300 Participants: 24,142 Irish American Football Association Highlight 2013: Track World Championship Title, Highlight 2013: Irish Junior Eventing Team wins www.americanfootball.ie First Track World Cup Gold Medal and First Elite Gold at European Championships, Elizabeth Total ISC Funding: €24,190 Women’s Medal, Stage wins in and Hayden wins Individual Silver. Irish Pony Vuelta Espana. Confirmation of Giro d’Italia start Showjumping Team wins Bronze at European Participants: 2,300 for 2014. Championships, Susan Fitzpatrick wins Individual Highlight 2013: The IAFA expanded from 13 to Gold medal. Bertram Allen winning Individual 16 teams clubs playing competitive American football, with a further 3 clubs due to start in 2014. Deaf Sports Ireland Silver medal at Junior European Showjumping Championships. Irish Showjumping Team winning It hosted two high profile events involving visiting www.deafsportsireland.com Spruce Meadows Nations Cup and taking third overseas teams, the EFAF Atlantic Cup tournament Total ISC Funding: €61,196 place at Furusiyya Nations Cup Global Final. Aoife and The Gathering Bowl, both played at Tallaght Stadium. Participants: 500 Clarke winning Blenheim Palace Horse Trials with Fenya’s Elegance (ISH). National Horse Sport Arena Highlight 2013: Ireland was represented well at opens at National Sports Campus in Abbotstown. the International Deaflympic Summer Games Irish Cheersport Association being held in Bulgaria. In 2014, the fourth year of www.irishcheersport.wix.com our current strategic plan, we will be building on Horseshoe Pitchers Association Participants: 1,200 the achievements of 2013 to provide even more of Ireland sporting/leisure activities to the Deaf community. Highlight 2013: The season started with a major Total ISC Funding: €3,900 international competition in Galway which Participants: 600 attracted squads from as far as Boston. National Football Association of Ireland Highlight 2013: Highlight for the HPAI was the Pom Dance Squad went to Worlds in Orlando, www.fai.ie international event, in which an Irish selection Florida. This year, International coaches conducted camps throughout Ireland. Total ISC Funding: €2,840,000 traveled to Leeds, England to compete and succeed against a very strong English selection at Participants: 450,000 the end of May 2013. Highlight 2013: Playing England (1-1) for the first Irish Clay Pigeon Shooting Association time since 1995. Qualification of our underage www.icpsa.ie Ice Skating Association of Ireland sides. Ruud Dokter appointed International High Total ISC Funding: €46,125 Performance Director. The appointment of Martin www.isai.ie Participants: 600 O’Neill and . Participants: 250 Highlight 2013: Derek Burnett won Bronze in Highlight 2013: Clara Peters bringing home Olympic Trap at the European Championships, GAA Handball Ireland’s First International Medal taking Bronze in Ireland won the Governor General Cup (first www.gaahandball.ie the Ladies Singles event in Australia. competed for in 1931) and came runners up in The Mackintosh Trophy. Total ISC Funding: €105,051 Participants: 14,871 Irish Amateur Boxing Association Highlight 2013: Handball was included in the www.iaba.ie Irish Flying Disk Association (Ultimate Frisbee) for the first time. GAA Handball Total ISC Funding: €1,498,300 played a pivotal role in this development. An Irish Highlight 2013: Jason Quigley winning silver & www.irishultimate.com Ladies & Mens team travelled to Columbia to take Joe Ward winning Bronze at the World Boxing part. Participants: 500 Championships best ever result for the IABA in Highlight 2013: The Ireland National Mixed Beach this hotly contested championship. This, on top of team won silver at the European Championships Gaelic Athletic Association the 2 gold and 2 silver at the Europeans for Nevin, of Beach Ultimate in in June. This is Ireland’s www.gaa.ie Quigley, Barnes and Conlon capped a fantastic first medal in Ultimate Frisbee. year for the IABA. Total ISC Funding: €2,536,477 Participants: 506,537 Irish Hockey Association Highlight 2013: The exceptional standards of www.hockey.ie games at inter-county levels was a direct reflection Total ISC Funding: €664,714 of the positive impact of the GAA’s ‘Go Games’ model for child players, which was introduced over Participants: 40,000 10 years ago. Highlight 2013: Irish Hockey made great strides from an structural and organisational point of view, the highlight being the incorporation of the organisation. Irish Hockey successfully hosted and ran the Girls U18 Europeans, the men qualified for World League 3 and also finished 6th in Europe retaining their status in top flight European Hockey.

Annual Review 2013 21 Creating a Return on the Taxpayers Investment

Irish Association Irish Association Irish Union www.iiha.org www.orienteering.ie www.taekwondoireland.ie Participants: 250 members Total ISC Funding: €45,350 Total ISC Funding: €44,700 Highlight 2013: Men’s senior team finished 4th in Participants: 3,000 Participants: 1,500 the world championships in South Africa in April. Highlight 2013: Nicholas Simonins result Highlight 2013: First Irish Open Korean representing Ireland where he was the 33rd at the Ambassadors Cup at which the World famous Irish Inline Hockey Long Distance Final at the World Championships Korean Kukkiwon demonstration team performed in Finland; the continuing development of schools for the crowd. The Korean ambassador to Ireland www.inlinehockeyireland.org orienteering in Ireland which is going from was also in attendance. Participants: 500 strength to strength and the establishment of Highlight 2013: First official national team went new permanent orienteering courses throughout Irish Ten Pin Bowling Association to IIHF world championship qualifiers. Both the country. mens and ladies teams qualified for the 2014 www.tenpinireland.com world championships. IHI and our northern sister Irish Rugby Football Union Total ISC Funding: €25,000 association NIIHA united to form a single body. Participants: 1,873 www.irishrugby.ie Highlight 2013: Celebrating 50 Years of Tenpin Irish Judo Association Total ISC Funding: €3,187,120 Bowling in Ireland with a program emphasis Participants: 153,000 on development and awareness. Key elements www.irishjudoassociation.ie Highlight 2013: The Grand Slam success of the were: New Youth Development Program and the Total ISC Funding: €112,429 Irish Women’s Team in the 2013 RBS 6 Nations was National Tenpin Bowling Week. Participants: 1907 the stand-out achievement of the year. Winning Highlight 2013: The Irish Judo Association took three games away from home against Wales Irish Tug-of-War Association home Gold, Silver & Bronze at the African World (12-10), Scotland (30-3) and Italy (6-3) as well as Cup, High Performance athlete Lisa Kearney historic victories over England (25-0) and France www.irishtugofwar.com took Gold fighting at U52kg & National Squad (15-10) clearly illustrates the very special nature of Total ISC Funding: €22,425 Members Caoimhin Thompson took Silver in the Ireland’s first ever Women’s Grand Slam. Participants: 700 men’s U73kg, Eoin Fleming taking the Bronze in Highlight 2013: National youths team best result the same category. These are the first male medals Irish Sailing Association finishing 4th out of 36 teams at the GENSB Games at this level to be won in over 20 years by Irish www.sailing.ie in Germany. National mens squad 4th place at players. the World Games in Colombia. Entered a National Total ISC Funding: €1,130,894 Mixed 4x4 team at the European Championships Irish Kidney Association – Sport Participants: 19,500 members for the first time proving development in the Highlight 2013: Winning 13 medals at sport. www.ika.ie international level including 8 Gold. Hosting 4 Participants: 60 major international events; the Laser Europeans, Irish Underwater Council Highlight 2013: Transplant Team Ireland won 34 Disabled Sailing Worlds, J24 Worlds and Mirror medals and finished 14th on the medal table at Worlds. Introducing 10,879 people to sailing www.diving.ie the World Transplant Games in Durban, South through our nationwide participation initiatives. Total ISC Funding: €62,567 Africa. Participants: 2115 Irish Association Highlight 2013: CFT celebrated it’s 50th Irish Ladies Golf Union www.isasurf.ie Anniversary this year. A number of events marks www.ilgu.ie this important milestone including regional dive Total ISC Funding: €62,150 rallies and a gala dinner dance. Opening out of Total ISC Funding: € 166,930 Participants: 1,000 new Archives. Participants: 43,000 Highlight 2013: Hosting the surfing event at Highlight 2013: Ireland won the gold medal the World Police Fire Games & gold medals for Irish Water Safety at European Seniors (O50) and Senior Home bodyboarders, Darragh Mc Carter and Claire Reilly Internationals. Ireland also beat England at all at the event. Continued international acclaim for www.iws.ie of Women’s, Girls (U18) and Seniors (O50) levels big wave surfing at Mullaghmore. 50,000 active Funding: €20,000 for the first time ever. In its 4th year, the High surfers in Ireland. Participants: 1,000 Performance programme is reaping rewards at Highlight 2013: Irish Lifesaving Senior and U16 level. Irish Squash Junior Teams placed 7th and 8th at European www.irishsquash.com Championships, a total of 10 European medals. Irish Commission Won the Youth Celtic Cup in September. Record Total ISC Funding: €152,290 www.martialarts.ie numbers of participants all over Ireland ranging in Participants: 2,285 age from 8 to adult training and also competing in Total ISC Funding: €31,875 Highlight 2013: Senior Women’s team regional and national competitions. Participants: 20,000 winning a silver medal at the European Team Highlight 2013: It was one of the most Championships, along with a 6th place at the Irish Wheelchair Association- Sport competitively successful years for in World Championships. Several juniors ranked in Ireland (under the auspices of IMAC) who have the top 10 in Europe at different age groups from www.iwasport.com improved their international standing and ranking U13 to U19, David Ryan was ranked No. 1 U17 in Total ISC Funding: €266,956 over the last six years. At the 2013 Sport Accord 2013. Participants: 1,623 World Combat Games (held every 3 years) Ireland Highlight 2013: Hosting the European Wheelchair was ranked 1st in Tatami Sport (Mat based). Irish Association Rugby Zonal Qualifiers in Gormanston Co Meath. Irelands medalists were- Shauna Bannon and The feedback was very positive with regard to the Robbie Mc Menamey, Gold, Mark McDermott, www.irishtabletennis.com competition organisation. Silver and Des Leonard, Bronze. Total ISC Funding: €142,020 Participants: 3,250 Ladies Association Irish Olympic Handball Association Highlight 2013: Continued roll-out of ISC www.ladiesgaelic.ie www.olympichandball.org supported participation projects at schools level, top class hosting of Primary Schools Six Nations, Total ISC Funding: €390,513 Total ISC Funding: €41,412 Ireland won 3 of 4 gold medals, launch of new Participants: 153,911 Participants: 2,500 4 year Strategic Development Plan, relocation Highlight 2013: 2013 marked our 40th ever Highlight 2013: IOHA hosted Euro qualifier, to Sport HQ and announcement of the National championship season. Our first All Ireland Final Ireland’s National Men’s team compete against Multi-Sport Indoor Sports Arena at the National was played in 1974 with our 40th taking place Estonia and Belgium. Hosted a gathering event, Sports Campus. in Croke Park on September 29th. As part of the 3 English teams and 1 German team played Men’s celebrations for this milestone we, in conjunction National team with 2 Irish and 2 English ladies with the Irish Cancer Society, set a world record teams played. European Handball Federation’s for Most People Wearing Bandanas in One Place. Congress meeting which will be held in Dublin in Over 25,000 people in attendance to see Offaly, September 2014. Cavan and Cork claim All Ireland titles.

22 Federation of Irish Sport Motorcycling Union of Ireland Union of Ireland www.motorcycling-ireland.com www.ppui.ie www.swimireland.ie Total ISC Funding: €67,509 Total ISC Funding: €63,070 Total ISC Funding: € 1,462,178 Participants: 2,500 Participants: Approximately 8,000 members Participants: 14,125 Highlight 2013: Skerries Rider Michael Sweeney Highlight 2013: Launching our new Strategic Highlight 2013: Fiona Doyle’s Silver medal at the took the Manx Grand Prix by storm, also managed Plan for 2013-2016 and having it approved by World University Games in July 2013 and Barry podium finishes at Tandragee, Glanmire, Skerries, our membership. This plan will be the foundation Murphy’s Bronze Medal at the European Short Walderstown and Armoy. Jack Kennedy 7th for progressive development of the PPUI in the Course Swimming Championships in December position overall in World Supersport. Ladies team coming years. 2013. Launched “Swim for a Mile Challenge” competed for the first time in Trials de Nations in which will encourage adults across the country France, Kate Callaghan, Michelle Hanlon finished Raquetball Association of Ireland to get into the pool and train to swim a mile over 11th in the World Ladies Championship. 12 weeks culminating in 5 main events in Cork, www.raquetball-ireland.com Limerick, Galway, Bangor and Dublin. 54% female Ireland Total ISC Funding: €10,907 membership. Participants: 2,000 www.motorsportireland.com Highlights 2013: Very successful European Total ISC Funding: €138,834 Championships in Italy in 2013, winning both www.tennisireland.ie Participants: 3,600 Men’s and Ladies Team events and the individual Highlight 2013: Daniel McKenna won British Rally singles and doubles titles. Total ISC Funding: €515,835 Championship and Craig Breen finished second in Participants: 70,000 European Rally Championship. Billiards and Highlight 2013: Ireland began their 2013 Davis Cup campaign in February with a hard-fought 3-2 Federation Mountaineering Ireland win over Estonia, with Sam Barry (21) defeating www.ribsa.ie Marek Marksoo in straight sets in the final and www.mountaineering.ie Total ISC Funding: €66,000. fifth rubber to secure the win and a quarter final place against Finland. Total ISC Funding: €204,469 Participants: 418. Participants: 11,509 Highlight 2013: Staging 2013 IBSF (International Highlight 2013: Strategic Development Plan (2014 Billiards and Snooker Federation) World Team and Triathlon Ireland – 2017), the retention of the Coillte estate in state 6 Reds Championships in Carlow. www.triathlonireland.com ownership, a world number 1 ranked climber, roll- out of Lowland Leader and Climbing Wall Awards Total ISC Funding: €415,750 and the ‘Get Ireland Walking’ initiative. Participants: 8,450 www.rowingireland.ie Highlight 2013: Aileen Reid’s silver medal at the National Aero Club of Ireland Total ISC Funding: €624,137 World Series Grand Final in London, Bryan Keane became the first Irish man to stand on the World www.aeroclub.ie Participants: 3,500 Cup podium when he claimed silver in Ishagaki, Participants: 1,000 Highlight 2013: The establishment of a completely Japan. What’s thought to have been the largest new staff and structure within the organisation ever team to represent Ireland travelled to the Highlight 2013: It was a most difficult year in 2013. The excellent performance of Paul for NACI, simply surviving in the face of the World Championships in London where 277 elite O’Donovan in winning a Bronze medal at the and age group athletes acquitted themselves obstacles that we encountered was our biggest World Under 23 Championships and Claire Lambe achievement. brilliantly alongside 40 other nations. Amongst finishing 4th in the European Championships. the squad for the first time were 4 Paratriathletes, marking a significant step in the process of National Target Shooting Association Special Olympics Ireland qualifying a team for the in Rio. www.targetshooting.ie www.specialoympics.ie Vision Sports Ireland Participants: 400 Total ISC Funding: €1,200,000 Highlight 2013: The participation in international Participants: 10,000 Athletes, 400 Clubs, 8,500 Family www.visionsports.ie competitions (including ISSF and IPC) in UK, members, 26,500 Volunteers Total ISC Funding: €35,787 Germany, Spain and Luxembourg. Two of our members, Caroline O’Brien and Seán Baldwin, Highlight 2013: A team of 14 athletes and 8 Participants: 230 were successful in reaching finals. coaches represented Special Olympics Ireland Highlight 2013: MayFest was a highlight, we chose at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in our core sports, added specific non-core activities South Korea in January and brought back three and invited Ireland’s vision impaired to come and gold, six silver and two bronze medals. Over 400 try. The favourite activities were tandem cycling, www.paralympics.ie clubs in communities across the island of Ireland tenpin bowling, archery, athletics and indoor continue to support over 10,000 athletes who Total ISC Funding: €910,000 rowing. It was a weekend when we all enjoyed train and compete in 15 different sports. 1,500 ourselves so much that we are going to do it all Highlight 2013: 15 medals won by Paralympic athletes, selected after regional competition, were again in May 2014 only this time it will be a 3 day athletes at Senior World Championships in sports represented at the launch of Special Olympics event! of Athletics, Cycling & Swimming. Gold medals Ireland Limerick Games 2014 in the University of won include: Jason Smyth at 100m & 200m, Limerick which will be held in June 2014. Michael McKillop at 800m & 1500m, Darragh Volleyball Ireland McDonald at 400m Freestyle. Student Sport Ireland www.volleyballireland.com Total ISC Funding: €241,018 www.studentsport.ie Pentathlon Ireland Participants: 1,142 Total ISC Funding: €60,000 www.pentathlon.ie Highlight 2013: This years Beach Volleyball proved Participants: 2,000 Total ISC Funding: €190,000 to be a real highlight. We held events throughout Highlight 2013: World University Games: Fiona Participants: 150 the summer in the following locations, Bundoran, Doyle’s silver medal in the 100m breaststroke, Donegal, , Dublin, Woodstown, Highlight 2013: Natalya Coyle and Eanna Bailey Andrew Meegan’s four national senior records in Waterford, Dollymount. Participation nights winning Silver in the Mixed Relay, being Ireland’s the pool, Chris Bryan’s 7th place finish in the 10k where held on Dollymount Beach in Dublin. first ever medal at a World Cup competition. AWAS Open Water swim, Monika Dukarska’s 4th place The attendance at these participation nights became the official sponsor of Pentathlon Ireland in the Women’s Senior Sculls. Seven athletes were fantastic, with over 50 people attending Team in October. Opening of National Pentathlon reaching the final of their respective track events one night. Eestablishment of Ireland’s first Centre at Nationals Sport Campus in October and to the 5th and 6th place finish of the men’s and court in the Irish Wheelchair 2013 Nationals held at the venue. Recruitment of women’s football. Rebranding to Student Sport Association’s Sports Centre in Clontarf, Dublin. Robert Mooney as our first General Manager. Ireland and extensive committee restructuring. Major All Ireland Research Contract awarded in December.

Annual Review 2013 23 Creating a Return on the Taxpayers Investment

Weightlifting Ireland Dublin City Sports Network Kildare Sports Partnership www.weightliftingireland.com www.dublincity.ie www.kildare.ie Total ISC Funding: €19,400 Total ISC Funding: €237,655 Total ISC Funding: €127,287 Participants: 549 Participants in programmes: 10,350 Highlight 2013: Refugee Integration Project: Highlight 2013: Clarence Kennedy won 3 bronze Highlight 2013: 200 people signed up to the Lord Kildare Sports Partnership helped to facilitate medals in the snatch, clean and jerk and total Mayor’s 5 Alive Challenge with five road races the integration through sport & physical activity categories in the 94kg class at the European ranging from 2-5 miles from 1st January to 6th of 35 Sudanese & Eritrean immigrants. The Junior Championships, the first Irish athlete to do April. 87 participants, ranging from 17-76 years immigrants were displaced from Libya following so. Adam O’ Mahony came 4th in the 85+kg class old, including the Lord Mayor, completed all five the overthrow of Col. Gaddafi and ranged in at the European U15 Championships. races and 149 completed four. The Challenge age from 1 year old to 70 years of age found life concluded with a reception hosted by the Lord integrating into their new surroundings in Naas very difficult. Active Donegal Mayor on April 19th where everyone received a Certificate. We got great feedback, even being www.activedonegal.com asked to continue on to bring the Challengers to Laois Sports Partnership Total ISC Funding: €194,829 the Dublin Marathon! www.laoissports.ie Highlight 2013: Active Donegal’s (DSP) Innovative Programme for Sport and Recreation, focused Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown Sports Total ISC Funding: €178,538 on 13 community / sport club cluster groups. Partnership Participants in programmes: 11,464 Each delivering their own community sport Highlight 2013: Active Schools Week, whereby participation project where they engaged with www.dlrsportspartnership.ie primary schools were invited to set themselves 1,485 participants to deliver a full range of Total ISC Funding: €144,700 an Activity Challenge for the week. As part of the sporting events, and a comprehensive education Highlight 2013: DLR Community 5K took place Challenge, schools who promoted the theme of and training programme to 626 people. From on Saturday the 12th October around Kilbogget “inclusion” had the opportunity to win €1,000 the work of the programme many new clubs Park with over 1,000 participants of all abilities, worth of sports equipment for their school. St have now been established and strengthened ages and backgrounds. Kicking off Social Inclusion Patricks BNS in Portarlington emerged as winners. especially in cycling, boxing and water sports. Week in the County, this unique event was a great opportunity for everyone to get out, be active and Leitrim Sports make new friends. Cavan Local Sport Partnership www.leitrimsports.ie www.cavansportspartnership.ie Fingal Sports Office Total ISC Funding: €135,610 Total ISC Funding: €127,129 Highlight 2013: Two Sports Development Coaches Participants in programmes: 12,770 www.fingalsports.ie coordinating and managing the delivery of the Highlight 2013: Run with Catherina, Cavan Total ISC Funding: €143,801 sports and recreational programmes in Leitrim Walking Festival, over 1,000 people took part in Highlight 2013: Fingal Future Olympians, Schools. The Women’s Active, Leitrim Disability the walk, including visitors from other countries, 6 programmes and 930 participants. 17 Sports Forum, Goal 2 Friendship programme Operation Transformation, Sports Club Grant programmes for people with disabilities, 7 explored religious, cultural and ethnic diversity Scheme, Cavan Sports Partnership Strategic Plan older adults programmes, 69 coach education through recreational and classroom activity, 2013-2015, Ulster Sports Museum opening. programmes. where local professional sports stars educated children on different cultures, religions and languages and making new friends through Sport. Clare Sports Partnership Kerry Recreation and Sports www.claresportspartnership.ie Partnership Limerick Sports Partnership Total ISC Funding: €183,742 www.kerrylsp.ie www.limericksports.ie Participants in programmes: 3,200 Total ISC Funding: €135,687 Total ISC Funding: €370,000 Highlight 2013: Development of the Clare Ladies Participants in programmes: 3,897 Highlight 2013: As part of the great Limerick Run Cycling Club. This brand new club was set up Highlight 2013: Scoil Ghníomhach/Active initially as the 0-60km group, with the goal of the we hosted a ‘Kids Run for Fun’ with a 4 week prep School is a partnership initiative with agencies programme in the primary schools 1,450 kids ladies cycling the 60km route in our An Post Tour working together for the sole benefit of the de Burren Sportive. Not only did they achieve that, 4 - 12 completed the ‘Kids Run for Fun’ 1 Mile and student population in Kerry. Aim is to engage 2K, with 580 kids completing the 4 week prep! some went on to greater distances such as the 1st year JCPE students of all abilities in physical Ring of Kerry. 1,500 kids are/have participated in the Sports Hall activity, whereby the students focus is on peer Athletics programme! encouragement, all working towards improving Cork Sports Partnership health related components of fitness. Louth Local Sports Partnership www.corksports.ie www.louthlsp.ie Total ISC Funding: €328,026 Recreation and Sports Total ISC Funding: €103,037 Highlight 2013: Basketball Development officer, Partnership Highlight 2013: 741 students representing 24 Ciaran O’Sullivan appointed in January 2014, www.krsp.ie Project Weight loss, ‘Angling for All’ Programme schools took part in the second annual Louth Total ISC Funding: €168,885 in Fermoy for People with Disabilities, 1,514 Primary Schools Cross Country. primary school children across 46 primary schools Participants in programmes: 4,613 in Cork City and County participated in the Cork Highlights: Smarter Travel 2013, promoting Mayo Sports Partnership Safer Cycling Programme. The main focus of the active transport (cycling and walking) in schools www.mayosports.ie programme is to provide cycling education and and the city. Mountain Bike Taster Sessions training to primary school children of all abilities was organised in conjunction with Kilkenny’s Total ISC Funding: €209,000 in Cork City and County. newest cycling club, Crucial . Participants in programmes: 15,000 A Fun City Cycle was held to highlight the cycle Highlight 2013: Over 300 Men aged 30 plus paths in the city. Inclusion Camp, children with County Carlow Local Sports are currently engaged in the Men on the Move disabilities overcame some great challenges Physical Activity Programme in 9 locations across Partnership including working in a completely new group in the county. In addition 3,000 women participated www.carlowsports.ie new surroundings and participating in many new in the 4th West of Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon activities. Kilkenny Trails Festival, almost 1,500 supported by Sonia O Sullivan. Total ISC Funding: €164,263 participants took part. Highlight 2013: In 2013 County Carlow Local Sports Partnership secured funding totalling approx €70,000 to upgrade playgrounds to ‘universal access’ standard through the installation of play equipment adapted to be more accessible. This is a significant step in ensuring that people of all abilities have opportunities to play and exercise in our local parks making them more inclusive and family friendly.

24 Federation of Irish Sport Federation of Irish Sport Meath Local Sports Partnerships of the YPATH (Youth Physical Activity Towards Health) programme in 7 secondary schools in the Board of www.meathsports.ie county. YPATH offers students a comprehensive PE Directors Total ISC Funding: €193,232 programme and measures 11 indices of fitness Participants in programmes: 11,182 Highlight 2013: Full staff compliment maintained South Tipperary Sports Partnership delivering a broad range of programmes across multi disciplines. 3,500 cyclists on the An Post www.stsp.ie Meath Heritage Cycle tour, 350 volunteers, Total ISC Funding: €151,960 Chairperson: economic value of tour to Meath: €1,520,630. Participants in programmes: 2,957 Sarah O’Shea National Award for Disability Sport. Highlight 2013: Over 900 women participated in the Tipperary Women’s Mini Marathon organised Monaghan Local Sports Partnership by STSP & NTSP. Nenagh athlete and Dublin Mini Secretary: Marathon winner Siobhan Doherty started and Sarah Keane www.monaghansports.ie won the event (in 35.17). The event has grown Total ISC Funding: €128,320 over 4 years with the success of the many ‘Meet Treasurer: and Train’ groups feeding into this event in huge Participants in programmes: 2,000 Brendan Waters Highlight 2013: A number of highlights included numbers. Every participant, from a 35 minute to community groups setting up their own activity a 2 hour finishing time, left with a great sense programmes following initial interventions by the of achievement and having had an excellent Harry Hermon Sports Partnership e.g. Wetlands Running Group, experience, which is what it is all about. yoga classes for women aged 50+, soccer skills for adults with a disability. Waterford Sports Partnership Warren Deutrom www.waterfordsportspartnership.ie North Tipperary Sports Partnership Total ISC Funding: €219,924 Ciaran Gallagher www.ntsp.ie Highlight 2013: WSP was engaged by the Smarter Total ISC Funding: € 169, 080 Travel Go Dungarvan project to develop and Participants in programmes: 6,000 deliver the behavioural change programme for Cillian Smith Highlight 2013: Tipperary Link for Life was the active travel element of the project. 2013 saw launched in May 2013 by Eamonn Coughlan and the continued growth of the Sean Kelly Tour of John Treacy. Tipperary Link 4 Life emphasises Waterford with over 6,500 taking part in the four Thos McDermott the benefits of physical activity for the mental events over the weekend and, significantly for health and well-being of every person. Physical WSP, 2,695 (over 40%) participants came from activity and participation in clubs, organisations Waterford. Participation in cycling in County Liam Harbison and fitness classes offers the opportunity to Waterford is at an all-time high. improve self-confidence, self-esteem and over all well-being by socialising and connecting with the Westmeath Sports Partnership people, the facilities and the amenities in the area. www.westmeathsports.ie Total ISC Funding: €146,798 Staff: Offaly Sports Partnership Highlight 2013: Our 5km support kit travelled the Sarah O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer www.offfalysports.ie length and breadth of the county, assisting clubs, organizations, charities and schools in delivering Total ISC Funding: €135,131 Conn McCluskey, Support Services Officer Participants in programmes: 2,500 over 35 5km events with over 4,000 people of all ages and abilities participating. ‘Meet and Spin’ Highlight 2013: The Partnership has delivered programme saw a huge growth this year. The new a minimum of 20 different programmes to a programme ‘Meet and Train KidZ’ pilot was a great Elaine Mooney, Administrator wide range of target groups in 2013. Among the success with the kids and their parents training programmes delivered were Sportshall Athletics together over the cold winter months. primary, and meet and train. The Partnership also supported the delivery of programmes as part of the Gathering, Offaly Mental Health Week and Sports Active Wexford Positive Ageing Week. www.wexford.ie Total ISC Funding: €118,486 Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership Participants in programmes: 11,433 www.sligosportandrecreation.ie Highlight 2013: Traveller Women Community Total ISC Funding: € 253, 436 Health Programme- Active leaders programme. Participants in programmes: 14,650 The programme was designed in partnership with Wexford local development, Go for Life, the Irish Highlight 2013: The 4th An Post Tour of Sligo Heart Foundation and Sports Active Wexford. The cycle in May, with 2,500 cyclists participating. Group have been working on the Active Leaders 109 extra-curricular school sports programmes Programme for six months and have developed facilitated through Youth Sport West. 360 new leadership skills in Physical activity to impact on active participants through the SSRP ‘Active their working relationship with their Community Centres’ programme at 2 community centres in Groups, where they have impacted on the life and rural Sligo. ‘Sligo Fit 4 Life Women’s 5K Series’ was culture of 120 participants in their programme. hosted by SSRP in conjunction with 4 Athletics Clubs with 742 participants. 1,020 primary school children representing over 60% of primary schools Wicklow Local Sports Partnership throughout Sligo involved in the SSRP Annual www.wicklowlsp.ie Athletics Festival. Total ISC Funding: €114,917 Highlight 2013: The Irish Times and Pfizer South Dublin County Local Sports Healthcare Healthy Town Initiative by the Irish Partnership Times and Pfizers which Wicklow Local Sports www.sdcsp.ie Partnership was an active participant. The eight week initiative combined health promotion Total ISC Funding: € 129,097 events and physical activities to encourage the Highlight 2013 The development of a new Parkrun people of Wicklow to improve their health and in Lucan, in partnership with South Dublin County wellbeing. Council, providing 200+ runners every week with a free, timed 5k run, staffed by volunteers. In partnership with DCU, the implementation “The reason sport is important to Ireland is because it gives hope in times of despair, joy in times of sadness and over the past number of years sport has been the one constant in an ever changing Ireland. People need sport, Ireland needs sport and the creation of a better Ireland will only be achieved with sport playing a central role.” AP McCoy

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