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FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT REVIEW 2011 Delivering pride and passion at home and overseas

We strongly believe that sport can have a major role to play in rebuilding confidence in our country. In 2011 there were many examples of how our teams and individuals delivered for us all. We believe sport, properly supported, can do even more. B

our Mission

the Federation of irish sport (the the Federation is committed to:- “Federation”) was established by the • Representing the interests of the national Governing Bodies of sport (“nGBs”) sporting community to government; in 2002 to act as representative body for all sporting organisations and to provide an • Raising political awareness as to the independent voice for sport. benefi t of sport as a force for good in society; Membership is open to nGBs as well as • Infl uencing the development of sporting organisations whose primary eff ective sports policy; purpose is the promotion of sport and/or physical recreation a non-commercial • Building the capacity of member basis. the membership is currently organisations. comprised of in excess of 70 nGBs and 30 Local sports partnerships.

Contents: delivering a strong return on investment 01 a Vision for sport 02 irish sport Matters 04 delivering for 06 increasing participation, improving public health 08 10 Consistent & sustained international success 12 representing ireland 14 sports tourism 18 a diverse sporting community 20

Federation oF irish sport REVIEW 2011 1 delivering a strong return on investment in 2011 the Government invested €46.87 million in irish sport. so what did the taxpayer get for their investment?

• Irish sportsmen and sportswomen competed with distinction in 70 diff erent countries around the world. • 30 diff erent sports hosted international events in Ireland. • 280 million homes in 140 countries watched the Solheim Cup while a further 200 million in 100 countries watched the EUFA Europa League Final in the Aviva Stadium. • Sports tourism generated in excess of €800 million. • 1.4 million people tuned into the All Ireland Football Final. • RTE TV dedicated 1,000 hours to sport in 2011 while the Irish Times carried 2,000 pages of coverage of sport during the year. • Ireland’s team made us all proud beating at the in , chasing down the biggest total in a World Cup ever to do so. • Ireland’s elite sportsmen and sportswomen won 56 medals at European or World Championship level over the past 12 months. • Ireland’s soccer team qualifi ed for next year’s Euro Championships. In 2008 the fi nals of the Euro Championships were watched by hundreds of millions of people worldwide with audience share regularly topping 70% in participating countries. • Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke won two of the season’s four majors and in the process ensured that Ireland as a golf destination would be top of mind for golfers worldwide. • 84% of the available TV audience tuned into Ireland’s match against in the whilst it was the most watched TV subscription programme in Australian TV history. • Almost 40% of the population (1.7 million) participated in sport on a regular basis with a further 270,000 volunteers ensuring that Irish sport happened on a weekly basis. • Sport stimulated €1.8 billion of household expenditure – and supports in excess 38,000 jobs. and that is only a small cross section of what sport delivered. irish sport matters. in fact it has never mattered more!

Federation oF irish sport REVIEW 2011 2

a Vision for sport sport can be a catalyst for a better future

two years ago irish sport appealed just that – help shape the future of • The re-building of communities to the government to recognise the our country. importance of sport and what it • The creation of a more positive We fully understand that these are does for our country. image for Ireland both domestically diffi cult times for our country and that and internationally diffi cult decisions have to be taken. We The appeal, which was on behalf of all are not asking to be treated diff erently. Our vision is an Ireland in which in Irish sport, focused on protecting We are, however, asking that the powers sport is allowed realise its full potential. the funding for Irish sport and also that be listen to what we have to say for We believe the Government should the importance of giving sport a voice we truly believe that sport can have a support that view, embrace it and at the cabinet table. It was an appeal major role to play as we for ways help us achieve it. that was made again last year. out of our current plight. As we have said in recent years our Funding to sport has been signifi cantly Irish Sport strongly believes that sport goal has been to protect current funding reduced, falling from a peak of €311 can do a great deal more. We believe for Irish sport and to ensure that sport million in 2008 to €86.4 million for Irish sport can play a key role – in many continues to have a voice at the 2011. The Sports Capital Programme diff erent ways – as we face into the huge Cabinet table. has been suspended for 3 years and task of re-building confi dence in Ireland the construction of sporting facilities at We now believe that our own ambitions and the Irish economy. the National Sports Campus has yet to are also too limited. Yes, of course, we commence. But more than that there The Government has outlined some need continued Government funding has been a failure to engage with sport, priorities in relation to sport. It would but then that is a good investment. to grasp sports potential as a force for be our contention that these are in no Government investment is the seed good in our society not to mention a way ambitious enough and they do not capital that currently delivers a return lack of acknowledgment of sports true recognise the contribution sport can of €149 for every €100 received. impact away from the fi eld of play. and indeed should play in the future Irish sport realises that the Government of the country. A depressing scenario and one which continues to have to make diffi cult was confi rmed to us when sport, The Federation strongly believes that the decisions in relation to funding. Sport despite our request, was not deemed Minister’s priority should be to enable has already taken massive hits and of suffi cient worth to be included at sport to deliver on its full potential we would contend that any further the recent Global Economic Summit in for Ireland across a whole series of curtailment in the investment is going to Castle. We cannot change the diff erent headings. These include:- damage sport – and its potential hugely. past but like all committed sportspeople • The improvement of public health we would like to be involved in shaping the future and we believe sport can do • The promotion of sports tourism

irish sport strongly believes ...creating a it has a real role to play in... positive image for ireland 56 medals won by Irish athletes in international competition around the world in 2011.

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We believe that as a priority the By including some of these in future • The development of the National Government should bring together all of plans it should be possible eventually to Sports Campus. the key players in Irish sport with a view re-look at how sport is currently funded. to developing a master plan for the next • The ensuring of accessibility of schools Among the areas that should be fi ve years. Once agreed nothing should sports facilities to community based explored in any future plans for sport be done outside that master plan. It is sports groups such as clubs. should be: about creating a vision for what sport • Increased involvement with the in Ireland. • National Governing Bodies must EU in relation to sport including be asked to seriously input into the Sport knows best as to what it needs facilitating access by Irish decision making process regarding if it is to deliver on its potential. At the organisations to EU sports funding, the new round of the Sports Capital same time we readily acknowledge ensuring Irish representatives at Programme to ensure maximum that if the Government is to continue all EU meetings on sport and the benefi t to Irish Sport from any funding it that guarantees are needed hosting of the EU Sports Forum additional or improved facilities as to what the return might be. during the presidency of the EU. In order to enable sport to deliver • A commitment to review the current • Development of a national sports its full potential we believe that the disbursement of National Lottery inclusion policy with particular Government needs to look seriously proceeds with a view to ring fencing emphasis on people with disability. at a whole range of diff erent objectives. a given annual percentage for sport. • In conjunction with the Tourism We understand that it is the • A plan to incentivise the private sector Section of the Department expanding government’s intention to reintroduce with a view to getting them to invest the sports tourism initiative including a €30 million sports capital programme in sport. This must include a review the development of a specifi c sports in 2012. It is vital that this money is of the exclusion of amateur sport from bidding entity (such as Sport allocated strategically in line with the the defi nition of charitable purpose which is now successful in two of needs and resources of the sports in the Charities Act 2009. every three bids it makes). community to ensure that maximum • The cultivation of philanthropy value is derived from new and improved • The creation of a national sports in sport. sporting facilities. We believe that in intern scheme together with a these times of limited resources that • The linking of public health goals sports qualifi cation programme the Government must consult with the to sports participation ensuring which would facilitate the individual sports bodies regarding the that participation rates are obtaining of sports funding proposed distribution of these monies. measured annually to facilitate qualifi cations by the unemployed. In this way the investment will be made performance analysis. This should be While looking into all of the above where they can and will most benefi t the underpinned by the development Government must prioritise current further development of the sports. Sport of a National Physical Activity funding to sport as distributed through is best positioned to assist government Strategy which would include the Irish Sports Council. To cut the in ensuring the maximisation of the specifi ed sports participation levels funding further would have disastrous return on any such capital investment. among both children and adults. eff ects for Irish sport and minimise sport’s ability to deliver consistent returns for Ireland. Signed by:

Páraic Duffy, GAA John Delaney, FAI Patrick Hickey, OCI Matt English, Special Olympics

Philip Browne, IRFU Pat Finn, GUI Liam Harbison, Paralympics Sarah O’Connor, Federation of Irish Sport

...enhancing ...stimulating ...contributing public health tourism to economic recovery Regular participation in sport Sports Tourism is the fastest growing Sport in Ireland supports 38,500 is equivalent to being 14 years sector in the global travel industry jobs and contributes 1.4% to GDP. younger in health terms. worth $600 billion per year.

Federation oF irish sport REVIEW 2011 4

Irish Sport Matters

Restoring Confidence in Ourselves and the Economy

Over the past two years the It is an investment that is essential to Federation has created an end of the future well-being of Irish sport as year document for submission to the it is the funding that initially provides Government. In the document we the programmes that lead to sport looked at how sport had performed unearthing new talents; talents that over the past 12 months and in are then nurtured by the funding essence sought to demonstrate the to create the high performance value the government, and ultimately sportsmen and sportswomen that do the taxpayer gets for the relatively our country proud year in year out. small investment that the state It is an accepted fact throughout makes annually in Irish sport. the sporting world that if we stop funding developmental programmes, Given the current economic climate even for a few years, that the effects we feel that such a report, or annual Sarah O’Connor will not be seen immediately but report, as we like to think of it, is CEO will be there for all to see in eight ever more essential. We do realise The Federation of Irish Sport to ten years down the road. that funding in all areas is under pressure and that sport can not be I believe it is fair to say that if the Golfing an exception. We fully accept that. Union of Ireland for instance were not in a position to fund their development At the same time we are very much programmes that we would not be of the opinion – and this is the experiencing the highs of recent years. opinion shared right across the Irish When we have all been proud of the sporting community – that sport exploits of Padraig Harrington, Graeme even in its current form provides McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Darren terrific value for a state investment Clarke – all of whom have been quick of less than €87 million annually. to acknowledge the importance of the GUI in their early career path.

Rory McIlroy, with the US Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien, Open trophy, and Darren who hit the quickest Clarke, with the British hundred in World Cup Open trophy, before history, celebrates after beginning their round’s their side’s victory over at the 2011 Discover England. 2011 ICC Ireland Golf . Championship – Pro Am, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

Federation of Irish Sport REVIEW 2011 5

The same story is seen throughout Sports tourism is the fastest growing Irish sport. As you will see in this report niche in the global tourist industry “Happily Irish Sport the last twelve months have seen Irish and with a little more support could is in a relatively sportsmen and sportswomen compete be a major factor in our economic at the highest level all over the world recovery. We have the products – healthy state. To and in doing so have raised all our golfers worldwide want to play links spirits in these depressing times. golf and Ireland has some 30% of remain there it does all the links courses in the world. Who can forget the Irish cricket team however require beating England at the World Cup in And the story does not end there. Sport India; Leinster winning the Heineken should be for everyone and the more the government to Cup; Munster the Magners League; the government invests in general Conor Niland putting Irish on recreational sports programmes the engage more fully the world stage in Wimbledon and better the health of the nation. In Flushing Meadow; our rugby team the UK it is estimated that physical with those involved beating Australia in the World Cup in inactivity costs up to 11% of the health ; Rory McIlroy and Darren budget. At a time when the experts across the sporting Clarke with their Open wins in the are saying that Ireland is facing a major US and the UK, the Irish amateurs at problem with obesity sport could and spectrum. Together the Walker Cup in ; Ireland’s should be a highly cost effective and soccer team perform heroically all sustainable public health intervention. we believe we can over ; the boxers in Baku, or As we have said many times in the unlock the true indeed, the emerging talent of Ireland’s past SPORT MATTERS. It is good for up and coming world class athletes the economy; it enhances our image potential of Irish including the Maguire Twins at the abroad; It has the potential to improve Junior Solheim Cup, Annalise Murphy health; and in these difficult times Sport, a potential continuing to take the sailing world by it is one of the few areas that lights storm not to mention success on the that can have a up the day and makes up feel better track and in the pool at the European about ourselves and our future. Youth Olympic Games in . major role to play As I hope you will see in our annual They all made us proud of being report Irish sport is in a relatively in restoring both Irish and in the case of the diaspora healthy state. To remain there it does provided a timely reminder of all our confidence and however require the government the good things about Ireland. to engage more fully with it and our economy.” And their exploits are of course only to fully embrace its potential. one apart of the Irish sporting story. It was a also a year in which Ireland welcomed both the Solheim Cup and the UEFA Europa League Final – events which while not having Irish participants in them, beamed images of Ireland to countries all over the world, never mind Sarah O’Connor, attracting many visitors to our shores. Federation of Irish Sport

EURO 2012 Alan Brogan, Qualifiers Play-Off Dublin, celebrates at the final whistle. vs Republic GAA Football of Ireland – Ireland’s All-Ireland Senior Robbie Keane scores Championship Final, a penalty. Kerry v Dublin, Croke Park, Dublin.

Federation of Irish Sport REVIEW 2011 6

delivering for ireland

Generating a return on investment in straightened times such as those Sport and sport related spending supports in excess of 38,000 jobs currently being faced by ireland it is equalling 2% of total Irish employment: important that we all play our part to try a help create a better ireland. Suppliers of goods and services into the sports sector 39% sport is keenly aware of this reality. Voluntary sport sector including sport is however dependent on governing bodies, sports clubs 23% Government to assist in developing Commercial sports clubs 14% the environment in which to allow sport to fl ourish. Retail 5% Manufacturing for export 1% This is because the impact of sport TV and Radio 2% stretches well beyond the white lines Local government 14% of any sports fi eld or the walls of any Central government 2% sports facility. Sport is a contributor to Ireland’s economy delivering a return on every euro invested. The sports industry globally is valued at $114 billion and is Sport contributes €1.8 billion to GDP made up of: growing. Its value is expected to reach $133 billion by 2013. Commercial Sport being gyms, health & tness, sports goods In Ireland sport has not traditionally manufacturers and retailers 19% been seen as an industry. This is Voluntary Sector to include perhaps because sport in Ireland is sports governing bodies, local largely fuelled by a volunteer eff ort. The sports partnerships, sports clubs 25% reality is however that it is a valuable Suppliers of goods and services contributor to the Irish economy. into sport sector 45% Central government 1% Sports contribution to Ireland’s economy Local government 10% is facilitated by a total government investment in 2011 of €86 million of which the €46.87 million distributed through the Irish Sports Council is the vital seed capital from which all else follows. A return to the Exchequer Sport and sport related spending stimulates €1.9 billion of household of €149 for every €100 invested. spending each year:

Subscription to sports clubs 21% Sports related publications 4% Sport TV, Video, DVD and internet 5% Education 6% Health & Fitness Clubs 6% Donations & Fundraising 7% Sports & Recreational Equipment 7% Travel 11% Admissions 15% Sports & Footwear 18%

Graphs reproduced from the Indecon Assessment of the Economic Impact of Sport In Ireland with the permission of the Irish Sports Council.

Federation oF irish sport REVIEW 2011 €494m 7 the amount spent by hikers/ walkers in Ireland each year €3m dividend to Donegal from hosting of Euro Surf Team Championships €110m value of golf tourism to Ireland each year

€46.87m €25m 2011 budget of Irish Sports Council Economic impact on Dublin from Europa League Final €132m spent by anglers visiting €8.5m Ireland each year estimated dividend to Dublin businesses as a result of Dublin’s victory in the All Ireland €60m Final media value of coverage received by Ireland due to international broadcasting of Solheim Cup

€51m €322m value to Dublin of the 2011 Ireland v England minimum value of sport- Six Nations Match related volunteering activity to Ireland €1.4b estimate of the amount spend by the Dept. of Health due to physical €114m inactivity spend by cycling tourists in Ireland each year

Federation oF irish sport REVIEW 2011 8

increasing participation, improving public health a more active ireland is a healthier ireland

the Who provide that 6% of deaths • Youth Rugby has grown by 27% • 1,127,500 people use Dublin City globally are due to physical inactivity. since 2009 Council sport and leisure facilities in australia it estimate that for every 1% of the population that becomes • 30% growth in the number of • Over 1200 involved in Irish Water physically active 127 deaths from registered women soccer players Safety Events in 2011 since 2008 cardiovascular disease, diabetes and • Growth in number of affi liated certain cancers can be avoided. • 28 new clubs and 614 new athletes triathlon clubs from 45 to 61 with a have been added to the Special 10% increase in overall membership Obesity is becoming an increasing Olympics programme in the last problem in Ireland with 1 in 5 Irish 12 months • The GUI’s Most Improved Golfer children and adults being obese. Programme saw entries in excess €400 million is spent each year on • Connacht branch of the Cricket of 6,500 treating obesity. People who engage Ireland established due to the • Over 300 primary school children in moderate physical activity are growth of the game in the region in 10 schools participated in the 14 years younger in health terms • 1,006 GAA Cúl Camps took place Irish American Football Associations than those who do nothing at all. with 80,000 children participating Schools Flag Football Programme There are therefore signifi cant short, medium & long term benefi ts to our • Participation in on track to • An Post Meath Heritage Cycle Tour public health system from getting more increase 22% in 2011 has seen increase of 519% in participation since 2009. physically active more often. • 27,000 entries into Irish Sport is looking to play its part... Ireland’s national cups last year • 367,000 children took part in more • Over 600 new children provided with than 48,000 “Go Game Blitzs” by an opportunity to play the GAA through the Junior Challenger Series • FAI have implemented the Buntús together with a 16% increase in the Programme in over 1,500 primary number of girls playing competitions schools in the in • 5 new clubs established local sports areas with over 60 training courses • 185,080 people took part in Athletics delivered nationwide to qualify Ireland Licensed Events from 5k to coaches and teachers Marathons

Federation oF irish sport REVIEW 2011 9

600 Over 600 new children provided with an opportunity to play table tennis through the Junior 185,080 Challenger Series together with 10% people took part in Athletics a 16% increase in the number Growth in number of affi liated Ireland Licensed Events from of girls playing competitions triathlon clubs from 45 to 61 5k to Marathons with a 10% increase in overall membership

367,000 28 27% children took part in more than new clubs and 614 new athletes growth in youth rugby 48,000 “Go Game Blitzs” run have been added to the Special since 2009 by the GAA Olympics programme in the last 12 months

Federation oF irish sport REVIEW 2011 10

sport in ireland

irish sport something for everyone

While everyone enjoys basking in are often introduced, then honed all of this adds to the revenues the successes of Irish Sport both at in one of the more than 12,000 generated by sport at every home and abroad, the foundation sports clubs dotted across Ireland. single level never mind the huge of all of Irish sport lies in the work contribution sport also makes The seeds have been sown and carried out day in day out in every to the health of the nation. hopefully nurtured. By now the area of the country. truly talented will normally have • 141 sanctioned Triathlons took For every sportsman, sportswoman been selected to join an academy place across Ireland in 2011 or team we celebrate for making or an elite programme. it to the top there are literally • 93 athletic clubs nationwide For everyone else there are hundreds of thousands of men, off ering Fit4Life Training to their own version of ‘ playing for women and children enjoying the recreational runners Ireland’, ‘winning an All Ireland’ or camaraderie, the craic and the ‘competing in the Olympic Games”. • 597 Teams took part in the FAI challenges provided by sport at Junior Cup all levels throughout the country. What Junior soccer player does not covet winning their own league or • 2652 matches in the Ulster Bank Just think, some 1,700,000 people cup, or better still winning an FAI All Ireland Rugby League on this island participate in active Junior Cup medal? sport at some level across over 70 • 20,000 Camogie fi xtures diff erent sports week in week out What club GAA player does not every year. That they are enabled dream of winning a county title or • 114 Special Olympics Events to do so is down to the innovative playing in an ALL Ireland Club fi nal • 2,000 sailors compete in Dublin programs devised by sports’ at Croke Park? Bay on Tuesdays, Thursdays & governing bodies, and the Local For rugby there is an AIL title or Saturdays during the summer Sport’s Partnerships, and delivered even an Irish cap playing for the season by the 270,000 volunteers that club international side! week in week out are there to • 565 clubs play over 10,500 give advice, prepare facilities and Every sport has its own Everest, and hockey matches each year supervise training and games and its more minor peaks to conquer. thus ensure SPORT HAPPENS. Everyone has their dream! • 25,075 people took part in 36 events And it does happen in parks, in It is all part of the rich canvas of hosted nationwide pools, on sea, on shore in proper Irish sporting life. Sport also drives sports grounds, in village halls and domestic tourism. In it is • 2,042 entries into National in a myriad of diff erent locations. estimated that 38% of domestic Swimming Galas. tourism is directly attributable Sport thrives in communities the to sport. length and breadth of the land – it binds communities and helps us all through the dark days. For most boys and girls sport starts at primary school level where teachers fi rst introduce them to the at least one sport. The next step is generally to join a local club where a wider range of skills are acquired. These are then supplemented at secondary level where new sports

Federation oF irish sport REVIEW 2011 11

70 130,000- diff erent sports played in more than 12,000 clubs 150,000 competitive GAA fi xtures each year

38% of all domestic tourism in Canada directly attributable to sport

Federation oF irish sport REVIEW 2011 12

Consistent & sustained international success

56 medals at all levels across all sports in 2011

Federation oF irish sport REVIEW 2011 13

Being the best that we can be

Sport allows people to dream. We need to give our sportspeople just like Ireland itself the opportunity to reach their full potential. Government investment in Irish Sport commenced in 1997. The high performance systems currently in place across our were put in place following the Athens Games in 2004. The results of that investment are now being seen with increased consistency in performance on the international stage across all sports.

One year out from the Beijing Olympics Irish athletes won 19 medals at all levels across all sports that gure for 2011 is 56...

Brian GreGan ATHLETICS SILVER MEDAL AT EUROPEAN U23 ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Ben KieLY ATHLETICS GOLD MEDAL AT EUROPEAN YOUTH OLYMPICS MeGan KieLY ATHLETICS BRONZE MEDAL AT EUROPEAN YOUTH OLYMPICS KarL GriFFin ATHLETICS BRONZE MEDAL AT EUROPEAN YOUTH OLYMPICS sarah LaVin ATHLETICS BRONZE MEDAL AT EUROPEAN YOUTH OLYMPICS rUairi FinneGan ATHLETICS GOLD MEDAL AT EUROPEAN YOUTH OLYMPICS sioFra CLeiriGh BUttner ATHLETICS SILVER MEDAL AT EUROPEAN YOUTH OLYMPICS Ciara MaGeean ATHLETICS SILVER MEDAL AT EUROPEAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS Kate VeaLe ATHLETICS GOLD MEDAL WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS Catherine WaLsh CYCLING MEDAL AT UCI WORLD TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS shannon MCCUrLeY CYCLING BRONZE MEDAL EUROPEAN U23 TRACK CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS MarK rohan CYCLING GOLD MEDAL AT PARACYCLING WORLD CUP MarK rohan CYCLING GOLD MEDAL AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (ROAD) MarK rohan CYCLING GOLD MEDAL AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (TT) Catherine WaLsh CYCLING BRONZE MEDAL AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS CoLin LYnCh CYCLING GOLD MEDAL AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS teaM ireLand HORSE SPORT EUROPEAN CHILDREN ON HORSES JUMPING TEAM GOLD teaM ireLand HORSE SPORT SILVER MEDAL TEAM EUROPEAN JUMPING PONY CHAMPIONSHIPS teaM ireLand HORSE SPORT SILVER MEDAL YOUNG RIDER EUROPEAN EVENTING CHAMPIONSHIPS daVid hanniGan HORSE SPORT BRONZE MEDAL YOUNG RIDER EUROPEAN EVENTING CHAMPIONSHIPS BertraM aLLen HORSE SPORT SILVER MEDAL INDIVIDUAL EUROPEAN JUMPING PONY CHAMPIONSHIPS teaM ireLand HORSE SPORT SILVER MEDAL TEAM EUROPEAN EVENTING PONY CHAMPIONSHIPS Jodie o'KeeFe HORSE SPORT BRONZE MEDAL INDIVIDUAL EUROPEAN EVENTING PONY CHAMPIONSHIPS heLen KearneY HORSE SPORT BRONZE MEDAL PARA EQUESTRIAN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS raY MoYLette GOLD MEDAL AT EUROPEAN BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS Joe Ward BOXING GOLD MEDAL AT EUROPEAN BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS John neVin BOXING BRONZE MEDAL EUROPEAN JUNIOR BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS LUKe thoMas BOXING BRONZE MEDAL EUROPEAN JUNIOR BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS Martin ConroY BOXING BRONZE MEDAL EUROPEAN JUNIOR BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS MiChaeL o'reiLLY BOXING SILVER MEDAL EUROPEAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS GarY sWeeneY BOXING SILVER MEDAL EUROPEAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS Joe FitZpatriCK BOXING BRONZE MEDAL EUROPEAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS JaCK MorrisseY BOXING BRONZE MEDAL EUROPEAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS stephen BroadhUrst BOXING BRONZE MEDAL EUROPEAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS MiChaeLa WaLsh BOXING BRONZE WOMENS WORLD YOUTH BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS Katie roWLand BOXING BRONZE WOMENS WORLD YOUTH BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS aUsteJa aCCUeita BOXING BRONZE WOMENS WORLD YOUTH BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS John Joe neVin BOXING BRONZE MEDAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Katie taYLor BOXING GOLD MEDAL EUROPEAN BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS Brendan CUsaCK FENCING BRONZE MEDAL AT JUNIOR WORLD CUP JennY eGan CANOEING SILVER MEDAL AT WORLD CUP Lisa MaGUire GOLF GOLD MEDAL EUROPEAN AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS stephanie MeadoWs GOLF SILVER MEDAL EUROPEAN AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS annaLise MUrphY SAILING BRONZE MEDAL IN SAIL FOR GOLD REGATTA seaFra GUiLFoYLe SAILING SILVER MEDAL EUROPEAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS patriCK CrosBie SAILING BRONZE MEDAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS MiChaeL MCKiLLop ATHLETICS PARALYMPICS GOLD MEDAL AT IPC WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Catherine o'neiLL ATHLETICS PARALYMPICS MEDAL AT IPC WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS BethanY Firth SWIMMING PARALYMPICS SILVER MEDAL AT EUROPEAN SWIM CHAMPIONSHIPS darraGh MCdonaLd SWIMMING PARALYMPICS BRONZE MEDAL AT EUROPEAN SWIM CHAMPIONSHIPS sioBhan MCCrohan ROWING BRONZE MEDAL ROWING WORLD CUP hoLLY niXon ROWING SILVER MEDAL ROWING WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS sYCeriKa MCMahon SWIMMING GOLD MEDAL AT SWIMMING EUROPEAN JUNIORS sYCeriKa MCMahon SWIMMING GOLD MEDAL AT SWIMMING EUROPEAN JUNIORS sYCeriKa MCMahon SWIMMING SILVER MEDAL AT SWIMMING EUROPEAN JUNIORS Brian o'sULLiVan SWIMMING BRONZE MEDAL AT EUROPEAN YOUTH OLYMPICS

Federation oF irish sport REVIEW 2011 14

representing ireland

Flying the fl ag for Ireland around the world during the course of 2011 irish While many travel from Ireland in support You could not buy that publicity. sportsmen and sportswomen, of their favorite teams and individuals Rory McIlroy, winning the US Open competing both individually or recent years have seen an upsurge in – Ireland winning six majors in fi ve as members of teams, proudly support as members of the vast Irish years. Katie Taylor winning another represented ireland in over 70 (yes diaspora join in to re-affi rm their Irishness title. Aileen Morrisson recovering from and to ensure than no one can be in seVentY ) countries worldwide injury to return to World Cup Triathlon doubt that the Irish are in town. from andorra to Zimbabwe, across Podiums, Lisa & Leona Maguire setting every Continent. as ever wherever One has only to think back to the recent ladies amateur golf alight, Madeline they appeared they proved to be Rugby World Cup in New Zealand when Perry reaching a career high ranking wonderful ambassadors for our it seemed that every stadium in which of 3rd in the World, Declan Lynch country. Ireland played became a home stadium, & Billy Twomey in the top 10 of the a sea of green and a source of pride for World Showjumping Rankings, Sean And wherever they competed they were the country. Just ask a New Zealander O’Brien named as European Rugby joined by the wider family of Irish fans, who their favourite visiting fans were! Player of the Year. The list is endless . there to support them in their eff orts and to ensure that everyone knew about this Today Ireland continues to create a real Fantastic ambassadors one and all – and small country of ours that has forever impression in sport all over the world. all helped on the way by their respective boxed above its weight in the world of Who would ever have foreseen the governing bodies and the funding sport. While it can be often taken for progress made by our cricketers. They invested in Irish sport over the years granted our fans also are ambassadors beat England in India – an emerging and continue to do us proud in the way world economy and probably the most the support their heroes. passionate cricket nation in the world!

our international sportspersons at all levels represent ireland across the globe every year acting as some of the very best ambassadors a country could hope to have. this year sport took ireland to:

andorra Costa rica ISAF Youth World england Olympic Handball Special Olympics Biathlete World Costa Rica Tennis Open (Sailing) ICTSC Home Countries European Championships International Euro 2012 Qualifi er Cyprus Event IIHF World Women’s Tournament European Veterans U-21 Men’s Football argentina Championship ECB Women’s Cricket Table Tennis Team World Amateur Golf Division V County Championship Team Championship World Boxing Championships denmark Triathlon World Championships Canada NBTA European antingua European Deaf Football Championship Series Bahrain Canadian Swimming Championships Championship Antigua Sailing Week Lakenheath Nationals European Boys Golf 2011 Volvo Golf Champions European Junior Racquetball Open UCI Paracycling World Team Championship Lifesaving Pentathlon World armenia Cup European Youth Championships Hasselt Youth Table Cup Final Euro 2010 Qualifi er Chile Orienteering UCI World Paracycling Tennis Open European Pentathlon Championships Road World australia ISSF Shotgun World Championships Belgian Swimming European U 23 Championships ISSF Rifl e/Pistol/ Cup Nationals European Athletics NBTA International Shotgun World Cup FEI ParaEquestrian Championships dominican republic Championships Triathlon World Cup Racquetball Junior European ISSF Shotgun World Sprint Canoe K1 5km IFDS World Sailing Event World Championships Championships Cup I.C.F World Cup Championships Gold Coast Swimming 5 Star FEI Show World University IWAS World Juniors British Amateur Invitational Jumping World Cup Games Games Six team women’s Golf Championship UCI Paracycling World Para Dressage ITU Continental Cup cricket tournament 5 Star FEI Show Cup European Event IWAS World Junior Jumping World Cup ITTA Paralympic IPC World Championships World Swimming Games European British Open Cup Championships Championships ecuador Championship Mirror Class Sailing World Military Games Pentathlon World Cup World Junior Rowing World Championships IIHF World Ecuador Tennis Open World Rally Tour of China Championship Championships Championship Division II Wimbledon

Federation oF irish sport REVIEW 2011 15

Republic of Ireland Robbie Keane leads the team in celebration after qualifying for EURO 2012

70 During the course of 2011 Irish sportsmen and sportswomen, competing both individually or as members of teams, proudly represented Ireland in over 70 countries worldwide 2nd Ireland were widely seen as the New Zealand’s second favourite team at the Rugby World Cup 2011

Badminton World French Pentathlon European Racquetball European Youth World Coarse Fishing Kenya Championships Open Championships A Pentathlon Championships ITU Continental Championships estonia World Orienteering FINA/ World Cup World Feeder Fishing Cup Event Championships European Young Championships Euro 2012 Qualifi er German Pentathlon Korea Nimes International Open Golf Masters Italian U16 Golf World University Tournament IPC Swimming india Championship Equestrian EUC Futsal European European ICC Cricket World Cup Archery World Championship Nordic tour World Championships Championships Championships isle of Man ITU Continental Orienteering Cup 5 Star FEI Show 5 Star FEI Show 5 Star FEI Show Cup Event Events Isle of Man TT Jumping World Cup Jumping World Cup Jumping World Cup Para Table Tennis 5 Star FEI Show World Fencing isle of Wight Six Nations Rugby World Championships Jumping World Cup Championships Special Olympics Commodores Cup Squash European Team Liechtenstein Six Nations Rugby World Summer Games Championships Triathlon World UEFA U-21 Qualifi er World Youth Athletics Guernsey European Open Water Championship Series Championships ICC European U17 Cup Triathlon World Cup U18 FIRA European Scott Evans – Papa Archery European Challenge Series European Open Water Event Championships Championships Championships ITU Continental Cup 2011 FITASC World hong Kong Event Championships Hong Kong Squash European Open IRB Junior World Cup Jersey Mountaineering Ireland Championships Luxembourg Table ICC European U19 International Meet FITASC European Tennis Open Triathlon World Championships Challenge Series FIH Champions Championship Series ETU Junior European Macedonia Challenge II Italian Racquetball Cup Jordan European U-16 Flensburg Youth Table Open Insep Invitation Hockey Tennis Open Triathlon World Cup World Rally Boys Basketball 6 Nations Event Seven Hills Swimming Championship – Kevin Championships European Hockey Ozone Chabre Meet Meeke & Paul Nagle Championships Hungarian Indoor Open Paragliding Pentathlon Pentathlon World Cup Hamburg Racquetball Kazakhstan Maybank Malaysian Competition in Laragne Championships Open UCI World Paracycling Judo World Cup Squash Open Track Championships

Federation oF irish sport REVIEW 2011 16

I remember former pro Mark Scanlon saying that winning the nationals and getting to wear the jersey for a year was like having a target on your back in the pro races, but I think it’s important for the Irish jersey to be seen in the big pro races and was disappointed not to be “Rory is an immense talent and for a person to able to wear it in this year’s Tour. The nationals win the U.S. Open by eight shots, he certainly though, were a perfect exercise to nish o my pre-Tour preparation. captivated the fans in the U.S. and frankly around the world. So to have him potentially Nicholas Roche on competing in the Irish National as a member next year is very important, Championships, July 2011 and if it works out we will be quite happy with that.”

PGA Tour Chief of Operations, Andy Pazder speaking on Rory McIlroy’s decision to re-join the PGA Tour in 2012

“The third round was another cagey a air. However, Taylor, once again showing remarkable composure, patiently build on her advantage en route to a unprecedented haul of European gold medals for an Irish athlete. The Bray woman, who was boxing out of the “Seeing him there was special. I knew he could do it. blue corner tonight, has now won three World, We all knew he could do it. I was playing with Sam ve European and four European Union titles – all in-a-row.” (Barry) at a futures in when it was going on, you know a 10k (€10,000 prize fund). It was tough. The www.centralsportsnews.com on Katie Taylor’s 5th European conditions were tough. The hotel was not that good. Championship win I remember talking to him (Conor). He’d been there. He’d been through all that and he’s come out the other side. It made us proud. It was special just seeing one of our own there.”

James Cluskey speaking about Conor Niland, becoming the 1st Irishman to qualify for the main draw at Wimbledon since 1984

Flying the fl ag for Ireland around the world (continued)

Mexico European Amateur World Junior O Week Scotland Triathlon World Cup Golf Championships Swimming European ICTSC Home Countries European Junior Event European Junior Championships Show Jumping International Swimming IIHF World U18 Lazer Championships Championships Tournament Championships Championship New Zealand Polish Senior Junior European Cricket Tri-Nations Division III Eventing Series ICTSF World Sporting Pentathlon Singapore Championships Monaco Championships Championships Women’s Hockey Celtic Masters Squash European Junior Cup 5 Star Show Jumping IPC Athletics World Qatar World Cup Quali er Championships Pentathlon Qatar Open Squash Celtic up Triangular Championships Coarse Fishing Event ISSF Shotgun Morocco Rugby World Cup U-15 Youth Football World Cup Junior World Team Dundee Stars’ Spring ITU Continental Orienteering Champs Classic ESC Event Championships WBTF World 3 Star FEI Show Romania Tournament Championships Jumping World Cup European U-16 Four Nations U16 WUC Golf Girls Basketball ICC European Women’s Nordic tour World European Eventing Development Golf FISA World Rowing Championships Cricket Championship Orienteering Cup Pony Champs Matches Championships Events Six Nations Rugby FIG Salamunov World Table Tennis Portugal Championships 5 Star FEI Show Senior Pentathlon Scottish 6 Day Memorial World FINA Open Water Jumping World Cup World Championships Orienteering Series Cup Target Shooting World Cup Table Tennis European Competition European Short Course Peru European Amateur Youth Championships Young Rider Championships World Junior Sur ng Team Golf World Athletics European Eventing European Open Championship Championship European Football Championships Championship Championships Water Cup Portuguese Amateur Quali ers Shinty International CPISRA 7-Side World ITU Continental Golf Championship Championships Cup Event

FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT REVIEW 2011 17

Madeline Perry claimed her ninth WISPA title at the CIMB Singapore Masters, ghting past giant-killer Laura Massaro in the nal. Perry may not have been many people’s favourite for the title at the start of week, coming into the tournament having lost in straight games to Joelle King in the rst round of the CIMB Malaysian Open the previous week. However, as she has shown time and again in the last few years, at the age of 34 she is still at the top of her game.

RTE Sport on Madeline Perry’s Victor at the CIMB Singapore Masters in August 2011

Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien hit the fastest hundred in World Cup history to sentence shell-shocked England to an astounding three- defeat at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium tonight. O’Brien (113) came to the crease when damage limitation seemed the best his team could hope for, after they lost three for eight runs to falter to 111 for ve in apparently vain pursuit of 327 for eight. But he responded with an innings of immense power, smashing six sixes and 13 fours in a 50-ball hundred and dominating a stand of 162 in 17 overs with Alex Cusack (47).

The London Independent on Ireland’s win over England at the ICC Cricket World Cup, March 2011

The victory at Eden Park painted the “Sometimes it can be more di cult when roads out of Sandringham green you are expected to deliver but Michael as the Blarney Army marched into executed his plan perfectly and the result downtown Auckland to roar about is a much appreciated gold medal for the their role in their team’s success. Irish – and a world record,” he said. New Zealand Herald on the Irish Team Manger James Nolan Irish Support at the Ireland v speaking about Michael McKillop’s Australia match at RWC, 2011 gold medal at the IPC World Athletic Championships held in Christchurch, January 2011

South Africa UCI Paracycling World Turkey USA Alfred Dunhill Cup EUC Tennis World Wrestling Racquetball Junior ICTSC Home Countries Championship & South IPC Shooting World Cup World Triathlon Sprint Championships World Championships International African Open – Golf Tournament Spanish Amateur Championship 2011 Winter Indianapolis Swimming Spain Golf Championship World Triathlon Team University Games Grand Prix Men’s Hockey Celtic Cup European University ITU Continental Charlotte Ultraswim Championships Show Jumping Deaf Futsal Cup Event Pentathlon World Cup Celtic Swimming Beach Volleyball Championships Tri-Nations Championship European Open WBTF International Cup European Water Cup Celtic Cup Sri Lanka NBTA World America Junior Golf Junior Triathlon Surf Lifesaving Women’s Cricket Championships European Youth Championship Championships Olympics Festival Championships Quad Series 5 Star FEI Show US Golf Open European Triathlon Jumping World Cup Boys Golf Home Championships Dressage World Internationals Rowing World Cup European Boxing World Transplant Cup Quali er ITU Continental Championships Orienteering Home Cup Event Games Thailand US Tennis Open International Womens World Youth FINA/Arena World Cup Thailand Open, Tennis Men’s Hockey Test series Boxing Championships Heineken Cup Final against The Netherlands Nordic tour World Trinidad and Tobago Kharov Six Nations Rugby Spanish Swimming Orienteering Cup FIFA Women’s U17 International 2011 Zimbabwe Nationals Events World Cup Swedish O-Ringen UAE ICC Intercontinental Mare Nostrum Cup Swimming Meet 5 Star Show Jumping 2 Star Arab World Cup Show Jumping League ODI Cricket Series Sant Boi Pentathlon World Cup Quali er International World Transplant European Lifesaving Games Championships

FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT REVIEW 2011 18

Sports Tourism

Playing host to the world in Ireland

Sport brings people to Ireland. An estimated 143,000 golfers visit each year creating an economic dividend of €110 million. Visiting cyclists spend €114 million, hikers and walkers €494 million and anglers €132. Research from the British Tourism Authority indicates $600bn that a “sports tourist” spends approximately £900 per trip as the value of the global sports opposed to the £500 spend per trip by an “ordinary tourist”. So tourism industry whilst our athletes fl y the fl ag for Ireland around the world sport also succeeds in bringing the world to Ireland…

Clare: Champions Challenge (Badminton) Mayo: European Powerboat (Hockey) All Ireland Football Gaelforce West – Racing Championships European Youth Boxing & Hurling Finals the largest one day adventure race of its Championships Lingua t International Cork: kind in the world Team Racing World Euro 2010 Qualifying Training Camp (Judo) Championships Matches against Women’s Six Nations Meath: (Sailing) 8 Rugby Internationals Championship Clay Pigeon Home 66% Countries International Sovereigns Cup National Lottery Race Galway: (Sailing) Series & Marathon Tournament 17 Connacht Rugby success rate of Sports Event Irish Ladies Open (Golf) Bord Gais Cork City Hungry v Fixtures Denmark – a joint venture Marathon Training Solheim Cup Galway Ironman between the Danish Government 6 Munster Rugby Camp & International Tattersalls International Connemara Marathon Matches Fixtures Horse Show & Sport – in bidding for sports Dublin International Kerry: events Cork City Sports Sligo: (Athletics) Horse Show – FEI Irish Open (Golf) Nation’s Cup Fireball World Donegal: Rás na mBan – Championships All Ireland Football & international women’s European Team Sur ng (Sailing) Hurling Championships stage cycling race Championships Golf Home 17 matches involving An Post Rás (cycling) International Series Dublin: Leinster Rugby Europa League Final U19 World Cup Global Limerick: Waterford: International Rules Star European Quali er (Cricket) Sean Kelly Tour of Series Waterford (cycling) €3m Championships 13 Men Senior Junior & Cadet Six (Sailing) International Soccer Wexford: dividend to Donegal from Nations Table Tennis Topper World Fixtures Championships European DTL hosting of European Team Sur ng 5 Women’s Senior Championships Championships (Clay Championships in Bundoran (Sailing) International Soccer European Duathlon Pigeon Shooting) Fixtures Championships European Croquet Wexford International Championships Irish Open (Tennis) 14 Munster Rugby Lifesaving Competition matches International Rules Irish Open (Squash) Ballyhoura Series World International Walking (Tennis) Championships Festival European Flag Li ey Descent Football Development (Canoeing) Longford: Conference (American Players Tour Clay Pigeon Olympic Football) Championship Final Skeet Home Countries Men’s 4 Nations (Snooker) International Tournament Championships WDF World (Hockey) Championship (Darts) Louth: FIH ESB Electric BWF Yonex Irish European Men & Women International Senior Championships

FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT REVIEW 2011 19

30 di erent sports held international events in Ireland during 2011

€60m €25m the media value to Ireland the dividend to Dublin from from coverage generated hosting of Europa League Final by Solheim Cup

FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT REVIEW 2011 20

A diverse sporting community

Creating a return on the taxpayer’s investment

The monies invested by the taxpayer in the Irish Sports Council allow it to distribute core, high performance and women in sport grants to the National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships the proceeds of which are the seed capital for all else that follows.

Angling Council of Ireland Badminton Ireland Bowling www.anglingcouncilireland.ie www.badmintonireland.com Richard Leonard Core Grant Funding – €15,000 Core Grant Funding – €334,902 became the rst Bowling The Irish Shore Angling team won High Performance Funding – €70,000 the 2010 World Championships in Direct Athlete Investment Funding – League of Ireland player €63,500 to win the British Isles Women in Sport Funding – €86,000 Singles title Athletics Association Niall McVeigh won the 2011 of Ireland Parabadminton Singles World Championship www.athleticsireland.ie Core Grant Funding – €976,679 High Performance Funding – €831,000 Direct Athlete Investment Funding – www.basketballireland.ie Core Grant Funding – €590,349 €301,250 Bowling League of Ireland Community Games Women in Sport Funding – €40,000 Women in Sport Funding – €227,040 Kate Veale won the gold medal Capacity attendance at the www.irishlawnbowls.ie www.communitygames.ie in the 5km walk at the World Basketball Ireland National Cup Core Grant Funding – €26,000 Core Grant Funding – €283,800 Youth Championships Finals which were shown live Richard Leonard became the rst Women in Sport Funding – €36,000 on TV Bowling League of Ireland player The Community Games caters for Australian Rules Football to win the British Isles Singles title young people in 800 communities League of Ireland Baton Twirling Association throughout 30 counties of Ireland www.ar i.com www.camogie.ie Both the Irish Senior Men and www.btsai.ie Ladies Australian Rules Football Core Grant Funding – €13,849 Core Grant Funding – €169,826 www.irishcricket.org teams won their respective AFL Women in Sport Funding – €5,000 Women in Sport Funding – €19,000 Core Grant Funding – €388,238 International Cups Three medals at the NBTA Over 20,000 camogie games were High Performance Funding – €80,000 European Championships played across all levels throughout Ireland beat England at the in the Czech Republic Ireland during in Bangalore by chasing down the biggest target Cerebral Palsy in the competition’s history www.cpsi.ie/ Croquet Association Core Grant Funding – €58,314 Direct Athlete Investment Funding – of Ireland €124,000 www.croquetireland.com 19 teams took part in the 5th Core Grant Funding – €5,760 National Boccia League – up Ireland’s Mark McInerney became Craig Breen won the from 4 in the opening season the rst Irish person to win a 2011 Rally Deutschland Croquet World Championship WRC Academy Race Colleges and Universities Sports Association of Ireland www.cusai.ie Five Irish records were broken at the World University Games in Shenzhen, China

FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT REVIEW 2011 21

Irish Amateur Archery Irish Blind Sports Cycling Association Association Mark Rohan voted the International www.archery.ie www.ibsports.ie Paralympic Committee’s Athlete of the Core Grant Funding – €23,158 Core Grant Funding – €13,849 Month for September after winning Direct Athlete Investment Funding – Women in Sport Funding – €5,000 €12,000 The Ireland partially sighted 5 gold in both the H1 handcycling Road John Smith reached the nal a side futsal team nished in Race and Time Trial at the UCI Para- 16 of the World Student Games fth position at the IBSA World Cycling Road World Championships breaking the Irish 15 shot Championships in Turkey at 50m record along the way in Roskilde, Denmark. Irish Canoe Union Irish Amateur Boxing www.canoe.ie Association Core Grant Funding – €254,512 www.iaba.ie High Performance Funding – €129,000 Golfi ng Union of Ireland Core Grant Funding – €325,000 Direct Athlete Investment Funding – High Performance Funding – €744,000 €71,000 www.cyclingireland.ie www.gui.ie Direct Athlete Investment Funding – Over 400 paddlers took part Core Grant Funding – €331,422 Core Grant Funding – €98,208 €539,000 in the 2011 Li ey Descent High Performance Funding – €322,000 High Performance Funding – €285,000 Women in Sport Funding – €16,000 Direct Athlete Investment Funding – Team Ireland Golf Trust Funding – Three Irish boxers quali ed for Irish Clay Pigeon Shooting €340,667 €157,000 the 2012 Olympic Games & Katie Association Three World Para-Cycling Alan Dunbar & Paul Cutler were Taylors wins 5th consecutive Championship titles were won members of the 2011 winning European Championship www.icpsa.ie by Irish cyclists in 2011 Walker Cup Team Core Grant Funding – €35,000 Irish Amateur Fencing High Performance Funding – €70,000 Football Association Association Direct Athlete Investment Funding – €35,000 of Ireland www.horsesportireland.ie www.irishfencing.net Ireland Teams and individual www.fai.ie Core Grant Funding – €827,974 Core Grant Funding – €22,264 shooters dominated the Grant Funding – €3,158,400 High Performance Funding – €540,000 Direct Athlete Investment Funding – European DTL Championships Women in Sport Funding – €192,274 Billy Twomey & Derek Lynch inside €7,250 30% growth in registered female the world Top 10 showjumpers Brendan Cusack wins a bronze Irish Deaf Sports players since 2008 medal at World Cup in France Association Horseshoe Pitchers in February 2011 GAA Handball Ireland Association of Ireland www.irishdeafsports.net Core Grant Funding – €64,706 www.gaahandball.ie Core Grant Funding – €4,000 Irish Amateur Weightlifting Association Ireland Deaf Football team Core Grant Funding – €94,000 A sport for life – the Horseshoe nished 7th at the European Women in Sport Funding – €10,000 Pitchers Association of Ireland had www.weightliftingireland.com Deaf Football Championship a successful trip to international Core Grant Funding – €16,704 in Denmark GAA Handball were named as event in Leeds, England hosts of the 2012 World Handball Four new weightlifting clubs Championships which will see opened in the last 12 months Gymnastics Ireland 2,000 competitors from 33 Ice Skating Association countries due to take part of Ireland www.gymnasticsireland.ie Irish Amateur Wrestling Core Grant Funding – €224,199 www.isai.ie Association Women in Sport Funding – €70,000 Gaelic Athletic Association Ireland’s Clara Peters nished www.irishwrestling.org Kieran Behan the bronze www.gaa.ie in the top 20 in the Nebelhorn Core Grant Funding – €15,609 medal on  oor at the 2011 FIG Grant Funding – €2,966,640 Trophy with a personal best As part of a cross-border initiative Salamunov Memorial World Over 338,000 players are hosted an American Wrestling Series Challenge Cup registered with the GAA Irish Airsoft Association Team for matches in Dublin www.irishairsoft.ie & Belfast Irish Hockey Association The Black Ace Chronicles was a www.hockey.ie multi part event held throughout Irish American Football Core Grant Funding – €246,027 the year to get players to travel Association the country and see what other High Performance Funding – €446,000 sites had to o er www.americanfootball.ie Direct Athlete Investment Funding – Core Grant Funding – €22,000 €30,000 Women in Sport Funding – €2,000 Women in Sport Funding – €75,68 The IAFA succeeded in bringing Irish Men nished 5th in the a number of high pro le events European Championships at to Ireland for 2012 including Monchengladbach in August Camogie the Navy v Notre Dame College 2011 – their highest ever ranking football game, which will be beating world no. 5’s Spain and Over 20,000 camogie played in Aviva Stadium and the Olympic Silver Medallists games were played Global International Football across all levels Tournament involving 8 U.S. high Irish Ice Hockey Association school and college teams throughout Ireland www.iiha.org during 2011 The rst ever Irish Senior Women’s National Team took part in the World Championship played in So a, Bulgaria in March 2011

FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT REVIEW 2011 22

Creating a return on the taxpayer’s investment (continued)

Judo Irish Ten Bowling Motorcycling Union Association of Ireland World Cup Bronze Medal www.tenpinireland.com www.motorcycling-ireland.com for Lisa Kearney in Core Grant Funding – €25,000 Eugene Laverty claimed six Almaty Kazakhstan The 2011 Irish Open attracted podium nishes throughout competitors from 15 di erent 2011 in the Superbike World countries Championship

Irish Tug-of-War Association www.irishtugofwar.com www.motorsportireland.com Core Grant Funding – €23,000 Core Grant Funding – €136,224 The Ireland 680kilo men’s team Craig Breen won the 2011 Rally won the gold medal at the Deutschland WRC Academy Race European Championships Irish Judo Association Irish Sailing Association Mountaineering Ireland www.irishjudoassociation.ie www.sailing.ie Irish Underwater Council www.mountaineering.ie Core Grant Funding – €74,469 Core Grant Funding – €328,750 www.cft.ie Core Grant Funding – €206,152 High Performance Funding – €10,000 High Performance Funding – €567,000 Core Grant Funding – €59,125 Women in Sport Funding – €15,000 Direct Athlete Investment Funding – Direct Athlete Investment Funding – Women in Sport Funding – €8,000 Mountaineering Ireland hosted €12,000 €92,000 The Irish Underwater Council six overseas meets throughout World Cup Bronze Medal for Lisa Women in Sport Funding – €28,000 hosted Dive Ireland 2011 Expo the year Kearney in Almaty Kazakhstan ISAF Team Racing World with a host of international Championships was held in Schull, speakers as well as a full trade National Aero Club Irish Kidney Association Co. Cork. 22 teams of 6 sailors show and conference of Ireland from 8 countries raced against www.ika.ie each other in over 400 races Irish Water Safety www.aeroclub.ie Transplant Team Ireland won The NACI hosted General www.iws.ie a total of 43 medals, including Irish Surfi ng Association Conference of Federation Aviation 13 gold, at the World Transplant Oisín McGrath won 2 Gold, 2 Silver Internationale in Dublin Games www.isasurf.ie and 1 Bronze medals at European Core Grant Funding – €72,000 Championships 2011 Orienteering Ireland Irish Ladies Golf Union Women in Sport Funding – €15,000 www.orienteering.ie www.ilgu.ie The Irish Surf Association Irish Wheelchair successfully hosted the Euro Surf Association – Sport Core Grant Funding – €47,951 Core Grant Funding – €46,316 Championships in Bundoran, Ireland were represented by High Performance Funding – €118,000 Co Donegal www.iwasport.com ten athletes at the 2011 World Women in Sport Funding – €40,000 Core Grant Funding – €255,306 Orienteering Championships Sisters Lisa and Leona Maguire Irish Squash A team of nine junior athletes in France represented Europe in the Junior competed at the World Junior www.irishsquash.com Solheim Cup Games in Dubai winning 2 gold, Core Grant Funding – €180,000 3 silver & 4 bronze medals www.paralympics.ie Irish Women in Sport Funding – €14,000 Core Funding €450,000 Commission Madeline Perry won her ninth Ladies WISPA title at the CIMB Singapore High Performance Funding €490,000 www.ladiesgaelic.ie www.martialarts.ie Masters and reached a career Four World Champions Core Grant Funding – €23,650 high number three in the world Core Grant Funding – €200,064 Women in Sport Funding – €4,000 rankings Women in Sport Funding – €212,850 Pentathlon Ireland 900 women from 74 di erent Over 400 competitors took www.mpaireland.com part in the National Irish Table Tennis teams took part in the Championships Association Gaelic4Mothers National Blitz High Performance Funding: €40,000 Natalya Coyle was one of three www.irishtabletennis.com Irish Olympic Handball Modern Pentathletes who won Core Grant Funding – €106,656 an Olympic Scholarships for Association Direct Athlete Investment Funding – London 2012 www.olympichandball.org €8,000 Core Grant Funding – €35,712 Women in Sport Funding – €45,000 Street Handball being rolled Funded athlete Paul McCreery out in over 20 primary schools quali ed for the World Junior Wheelchair Sport across Limerick Championships and Amanda Mogey reached the Quarter-Final A team of nine junior stage of the World Championships athletes competed at the Irish Union Consolation event www.irishrugby.ie World Junior Games in Grant Funding – €2,771,120 Irish Union Dubai winning 2 gold, 3 silver & 4 bronze medals Women in Sport Funding – €141,000 www.taekwondoireland.ie Leinster won the Heineken Cup, Munster the Magners League Direct Athlete Investment Funding – whilst Sean O’Brien was named €50,000 European Rugby Player of the Year Three new Taekwondo clubs established in Cork, Cavan & Wexford

FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT REVIEW 2011 23

Pitch and Putt Union Tug-of-War of Ireland www.tennisireland.ie www.ppui.ie Core Grant Funding – €376,900 The Ireland 680kilo Core Grant Funding – €66,688 High Performance Funding – €185,000 men’s team won Ireland took the top three places Direct Athlete Investment Funding – the gold medal in the European €12,000 at the European Strokeplay Championship Conor Niland became the rst Irishman in the modern era to Championships Racquetball Association qualify for the main draw at Wimbledon of Ireland www.racquetball-ireland.com Triathlon Ireland Core Grant Funding – €15,802 www.triathlonireland.com Ireland won seven gold medals at the European Racquetball Core Grant Funding – €100,000 Championships Bad Tolz, Germany High Performance Funding – €196,000 County Carlow Local Sports Kerry Recreation and Direct Athlete Investment Funding – Partnership Sports Partnership €36,000 ROI Snooker & Billiards www.carlowsports.ie www.kerrylsp.ie Women in Sport Funding – €70,000 Association 2,200 People cyclists took part Over 500 took part in the Valentia Successfully hosted the European in the Tour de Burren which was Island Triathlon in May 2011 www.ribsa.net Duathlon Championships in worth a quarter of a million to Limerick in April 2011 Core Grant Funding – €70,000 the local economy Round eight of the professional Kilkenny Recreation snooker Players Tour Volleyball Ireland and Sports Partnership Championship took place County Limerick Local www.volleyballireland.com www.kilkenny.ie in Killarney Sports Partnership Core Grant Funding – €194,573 The Tour de Kilkenny took saw www.cllsp.ie over 670 cyclists from all over Women in Sport Funding – €85,140 Over 500 people attended Ireland take part The Irish Junior men’s volleyball two family fun days www.iaru.ie team represented Ireland on the Core Grant Funding – €218,698 European stage for the rst time Kildare Sports Partnership High Performance Funding – €553,000 in 7 years Dublin City Sports Network www.kildare.ie Direct Athlete Investment Funding – www.dublincity.ie 600 secondary school students €84,000 Active Donegal Over 8,500 people of all ages and their teachers took part in the Women in Sport Funding – €17,700 www.activedonegal.com and abilities took part in the rst Conor McCormack Memorial Run Ireland’s Lightweight Women’s ever Sky Ride – opportunity for 900 adults and young people Sculler Siobhan McCrohan won members of the public to ride participated in an Innovative Laois Sports Partnership the bronze medal at the Lucerne their bikes through the city’s Sports Project with six community World Cup whilst Holly Nixon tra c-free streets www.laoissports.ie groups in Co Donegal, focusing won silver at the World Junior 400 children took part in an Inter- on providing a platform for Championships cultural Inter-schools Gaelic Day community groups and sports Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown clubs to come together to deliver Sports Partnership Shooting Sports participation sports programmes Leitrim Sports www.dlrsportspartnership.ie Association of Ireland Coach/Volunteer training, www.leitrimsports.ie www.ssai.ie Cavan Local Sports including a Club Development 200 people participated in the 13 Irish shooters took part in the Partnership Seminar, Child Protection Lough Rinn 10k mini-marathon, WA1500 World Championships in www.cavansportspartnership.ie Training was given to over the rst ever mass participation Sweden and returned with 300 sports volunteers event for the Leitrim Sports Over 160 people attended the 13 medal between them Partnership West of Cavan for Cavan’s rst Walking Festival organised Cavan Fingal Local Sports Special Olympics Ireland Sports Partnership and the Marble Partnership Limerick City Local Arch Caves Global Geopark Sports Partnership www.specialolympics.ie www. ngalsports.ie Core Grant Funding – €1,500,000 980 students representing www.limerickcitysports.ie European Summer Games in Clare Sports Partnership 26 schools took part in the The Midwest Older Adults Warsaw, Poland, where Team www.claresportspartnership.ie race day of the Fingal Primary Sportsfest was hosted in the University of Limerick Ireland won 10 gold, 8 silver and 2,200 People cyclists took part School Athletics League 11 bronze medals and 14 personal in the Tour de Burren which was bests were achieved by the 9 track worth a quarter of a million to & eld athletes the local economy

Swim Ireland Cork Sports Partnership www.swimireland.ie www.corksports.ie Volleyball Core Grant Funding – €886,900 The Cork Sports Partnership The Irish Junior men’s High Performance Funding – €544,000 hosted the 6th annual Direct Athlete Investment Funding – “SportsAbility Day” in the volleyball team €101,250 Cork Institute of Technology represented Ireland on Women in Sport Funding – €100,000 the European stage for Barry Murphy quali ed for London 2012 & Sycericka McMahon won the rst time in 7 years 3 medals at the Junior European Swimming Championships

FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT REVIEW 2011 24

Creating a return on the taxpayer’s investment (continued)

Olympic Handball Street Handball being rolled out in over 20 primary schools across Limerick

Louth Local Sports Sligo Sport and Recreation Westmeath Sports Partnership Partnership Partnership www.louthlsp.ie www.sligosportandrecreation.ie www.westmeathsports.ie Girls in Action designed to 1,000 primary school children Destination Mullingar showcased increase participation amongst take part in Super Value Athletics 25 sports which were available teenage girls rolled out in Fest 2011 in October over a week long period 10 secondary schools South Dublin County Sports Active Wexford Mayo Sports Partnership Local Sports Partnership www.wexford.ie www.mayosports.ie www.sdcsp.ie 120 people took part in a “Come Over 4,000 women took part National Roll out of Link2BeActive & Try” Sports Ability Day with Tag in the West of Ireland Women’s scheme which allows unemployed Rugby, Boccia, Wheelchair Soccer Mini Marathon people access sports facilities at & Adapted Kurling all on show for discounted rates. 28 facilities in participants to try Meath Local Sports South County Dublin now signed Partnerships up with 500 people bene tting Wicklow Local Sports from the scheme. www.meathsports.ie Partnership www.wicklowlsp.ie 2,000 cyclists took part in the South Tipperary An Post Meath Heritage Cycle 100 people with intellectual, Tour 2011 Sports Partnership sensory and physical disabilities www.stsp.ie participated in the second annual Monaghan Local Sports Tipperary Women’s Mini Marathon Wicklow Disability Sports Day Partnership saw over 570 women taking part www.monaghansports.ie Waterford Sports Be Active After School Programme o ered in nine schools across the Partnership county up from 4 in 2010 www.waterfordsportspartnership.ie Over 5,000 people took part in Off aly Sports Partnership the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford www.o alysports.ie 160 players took part in the FAI Schools 5-a-Side National Finals in Tullamore

Badminton Ireland’s in action during the Yonex Irish International Badminton Championships, Baldoyle Badminton Centre, Dublin

FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT REVIEW 2011 Delivering pride and passion at home and overseas

Irish Sport is delighted that the government has decided to re-instate the Sports Capital Programme. The sum of €30 million can make a real difference – but only if it is invested in the right areas. We believe that in these times of limited resources that the Government must consult with the individual sports bodies regarding the proposed distribution of these monies. In this way the investment will be made where they can and will most benefit the further development of the sports. Sport is best positioned to assist government in ensuring the maximisation of the return on any such capital investment. Federation of Irish Sport Sport HQ T +353 1 625 1155 www.irishsport.ie 13 Joyce Way F +353 1 625 1198 Park West Business Park E [email protected] Dublin 12, Ireland

“Sport makes a contribution to our society more than just on the playing fi eld. The economy, tourism, employment and health of our nation are also signifi cant benefi ciaries. The statistics prove that sport is business, particularly in the area of tourism. Our sports people are in a powerful position. They are highly respected throughout the world. They generate good will. They open doors to a cross-section of business and political leaders. They can be more successful in creating partnerships, fostering relationships and breaking down barriers yet there appears to be no role for sport in helping to revitalise Ireland’s economy.”

Senator Eamonn Coghlan, Seanad Éirean, 4th October 2011 All photos provided courtesy of Inpho and Sports Design Begley Hutton. by le. courtesy provided All of Inpho and photos Sports