2011 was a record year for Triathlon Ireland with over 100 athletes representing Ireland at European and World Championships in a variety of distances. 2011’s most popular race was the European Triathlon Championships in Pontevedra, Spain where 49 Irish triathletes battled it out against the best age group athletes in Europe.

Mark Horan  took gold in the Men’s 30-34 age group while Cork man Mark Nolan and Limerick lady Andree Walkin also made the podium each taking third place in their age group.

In 2011 the Triathlon World Championships was held in Beijing where Ireland had a team of 9 age group representatives and 3 elite athletes travel. Deidre Casey took a superb gold in the 25-29 age group, making the long trip worthwhile.

If you fancy representing Ireland in the fastest growing sport in the country now is the time to start training. Triathlon Ireland has just opening applications for the 2013 European and World Championships.

With the World Championships just a stone’s throw away in London and the European Championships in Turkey, Triathlon Ireland CEO, Matt McKerrow expects to see a big team travelling. “Ireland has 20 slots available per age group per gender so we could have a couple of hundred people competing for us at the World Championship. There’s always a great atmosphere around these races and with it being in London the Irish support will be that much better.”

If you’re looking for a different challenge Triathlon Ireland are also taking applications for the Off Road and Long Distance European and World Triathlon Championships and for those who are not natural swimmers there is always the European and World Duathlon Championships.

For more information on age group selection see www.triathlonireland.com

Pic: Sportsfile: Conor Devitt and Amy Brogan celebrate after they finish the Sprint Distance European Championships in Spain.

The ISA Conference has undergone a revamp for 2012. With many high profile events coming to Irish shores this year it is important for the ISA to provide a platform from which to increase awareness of sailing which in turn will drive incremental participation in the sport.

The one day conference, which will be facilitated by RTE broadcaster Fergal Keane, will host seminars and workshops across a range of interesting topics including the latest training and racing topics, raising money, running successful events and media management delivered by guest speakers.

Among the many seminars, Failte Ireland will be presenting their Marine Leisure Marketing Strategy for 2012 as well as detailing how international events benefit Ireland’s tourism industry. Learn more about the international events Ireland will be hosting including the ISAF Youth Worlds, Cork Week, Round Ireland, the Volvo Ocean Race and many more.

With three ISA Olympic Teams having already qualified for London 2012, the ISA High Performance Manager James O’Callaghan will be delivering an Olympic Update as we follow the athletes as they prepare for the pinnacle of four years of training.

ISA Chief Executive Harry Hermon states “We are delighted to welcome Dubarry on board as title sponsors of the ISA Annual Conference and wish them continued success during their 75^th year in business. The ISA Dubarry 6^th Annual National Conference is free for all ISA members and we are looking forward to a strong attendance at this year’s event so we can pull all resources together to drive the sport forward”.
For more information go to www.sailing.ie/Conference.

Wexford vice-captain Catherine O’Loughlin, Galway’s Tara Ruttledge,Waterfordskipper Nicola Morrissey and Aishling Jackson of Antrim joined President of the Camogie Association Joan O’Flynn and Irish Daily Star Sports Editor Eoin Brannigan for the launch of the Irish Daily Star Leagues atCrokeParkthis afternoon.

This is the second year of the partnership between the Camogie Association and the Irish Daily Star.

Speaking at this afternoon’s launch President of the Camogie Association Joan O’Flynn:

“It’s great to be getting ready for another year of top camogie action, commencing with our leagues this coming Sunday. The National Leagues are of huge significance and have formed an important launching pad for future All Ireland success later in the year as shown by our current Division One and Two champions, Wexford andWaterfordwho secured Senior and Premier Junior titles, respectively last September.

The Camogie Association values the enormous contribution of a strong national brand like the Irish Daily Star in promoting the National Leagues.”

Ger Colleran, MD of the Irish Daily Star said:

“We at the Irish Daily Star are committed to providing the very best coverage of sport at all levels inIrelandto almost 400,000 readers.

Last season was our first year as sponsor of the Irish Daily Star Camogie Leagues and it proved to be a great success. We got a great reaction to our enhanced weekly coverage of the games and this helped cement our position asIreland’s premier sporting newspaper.

We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with the Camogie Association over the years and we look forward to continuing this. We are honoured to be the title sponsor of the Irish Daily Star Camogie League again this year.”

The project has received funding from the EU commission as part of the funding for Preparatory Action in the field of sport. The project empowers sport organisations to act on the issue of governance by establishing a broad understand of the key features of good governance in sport across Europe and developing case studies and tools to help organisations understand and achieve the features.

The project is a partnership:

Project Lead:

• The Sport and Recreation Alliance (UK)

Project Partners:

• Estonian Olympic Committee
• European Athletes as Student
• European Women in Sport
• Finnish Sports Federation
• Hungarian Sports Confederation
• Just Sport Ireland
• Polish Ministery of Sport and Tourism

The project will produce a toolkit that will include:

• the key features for good sports boards,
• case studies examples with action points outlining how to implement the features
• tools to help sports organisations achieve the key features.

The project team will consult the sports movement on the development of each part of the project to ensure that the final toolkit is created by the sports movement and will drive improvement.

This project is created and directed by the sports movement for the sports movement.  There will be consultations that we will make you aware of and we encourage you to input into the project to help make it a success.

For more information on the project please contact: sarah.oconnor@irishsport.ie

This internship is to help Badminton Ireland develop its online communications channels and to integrate these to the new website.

The successful applicant will be responsible for Badminton Ireland’s website, Facebook, Twitter
and YouTube channels.

KEY TASKS

• Coordinating/developing Badminton Ireland’s online channels integrating with the new website in development.
• Proactively publicising all activities to the online support base and maximising engagement
• Liaising with Badminton Ireland’s communication staff as required
• Preparing monthly online communication data reports

Delivering high quality badminton experiences to over 400 clubs across Ireland and working with local sports partnership to deliver a variety of Badminton Ireland programmes. The role will include managing the delivery of the ‘Badminton schools programme’ and ensuring a joined up pathway from school badminton to junior/senior club badminton in conjunction with the Local Sports Partnerships. Other duties will include coordinating the summer Holiday Zone promotion and supporting the rest of the Team as required with projects such as Parabadminton, Women in Sport, Age and opportunity, etc.

Experience and understanding of sports participation is desirable but paramount will be strong organisation and communication skills with the ability to work to tight deadlines. Some experience of marketing would be valuable. Being an integral part of a team is essential.

This is an opportunity to work in a highly motivated and supportive team during an inspirational year for sport with the London 2012 Olympic Games just around the corner.

KEY TASKS:

• To implement, monitor and update the operational Plan around various participation projects providing regular reports as required
• To co-ordinate, manage and implement an annual programme of participation events (including competitive and non-competitive events, taster opportunities and education)
• Engage with key partners and agencies with regard to the delivery of Parabadminton.
• To ensure that effective and appropriate liaison/communication is maintained with all relevant organisations and partners
• To ensure that appropriate Policies and Procedures are in place and records maintained
• To ensure systems are in place which will enable coaches and volunteers to be trained, developed
• and motivated effectively
• To ensure the Chief Executive is regularly updated on all aspects of work

Full details can be found here

Fresh from a 5^th place finish last weekend, Gavin Noble is off to the Cape Town ITU African Cup for a sprint distance showdown this Sunday.

Germany’s 2007 World Champion Daniel Unger will be looking to repeat last weekend’s success when he took victory in a close fought Bridgetown ITU Pan American Cup. Competition will be tough however as the likes of 2006 World Champion Tim Don and some other top names look to start their seasons off with a bang.

Noble had set a mission of coming away with a top 10 placing in last weekend’s Bridgetown ITU Pan American Cup in Barbados and that goal is much the same this weekend. Triathlon Ireland High Performance Director, Chris Jones commented “Gavin has had a solid winters training and a good result in his first race of the season which provided some valuable Olympic ranking points.” “Consistency is the key and we’re just looking for another top 8 or top 10 performance which will continue to build ranking points.”

Meanwhile Aileen Morrison, ranked 11^th in the world at the end of last season is preparing for the start of the 2012 race season at her base in Lisburn.  Morrison recently signed for top professional French triathlon team, Poissy, and hopes to start her season off with a top level duathlon in early March. Next on Morrison’s agenda will be the Quarteira ITU European Cup followed by a step up to the Ishigaki ITU World Cup in Japan where Morrison had a stunning 2^nd place finish last year.

Image Credit ITU Media – Gavin Noble leads the pack on the 20km bike course.

The PGA in Ireland, on behalf of a partnership with the GUI and ILGU, and supported by the Irish Sports Council, is recruiting a Golf Coach Education Manager for Ireland.  The PGA is responsible for the overall development of the ‘Right Coach; Right Place; Right Time’ 21st Century Vision for Golf Coaching across Great Britain and Ireland, and the partnership in Ireland now seeks an innovative individual to co-ordinate the implementation of this vision within Ireland.

The overall purpose of this position is to ultimately increase the quality of golf coaches and golf coaching delivered within Ireland by both volunteer coaches and PGA Professionals to meet the demands of the game and needs of golfers across the whole spectrum of the Irish Golfer Pathway, by:

1. Establishing and managing the development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of an Irish Golf Coaching Action Plan in line with the agreed action plans for Junior Golf Ireland, and other participation and performance plans, that reflect the principles of the ‘Right Coach Right Place Right Time’ vision.

2. Driving the development and implementation of a coach education and development programme within Ireland to support the effective recruitment, training, support and retention of the right coach in the right place at the right time.

3. Working in partnership with the governing bodies of amateur golf (GUI and ILGU) in Ireland to deliver effective coach education and development programmes that reflect local, regional or national workforce development plans and/or identified needs, in addition to volunteer coaches.

4. Providing a clear link and lines of communication between the PGA in Ireland and partner organisations/individuals in Ireland at operational level.

To fulfil the requirements of this role it is essential that you can demonstrate a successful background in sports development, coach development and/or coach education.  You should be able to evidence experience of providing development support to organisations (e.g. Local Authority, schools, County Sports Partnership, National Governing Body) as well as the ability to effectively communicate with a range of organisations, partners and people.  It is vital that you have experience of working independently and evidence of the ability to self-manage workload.

Please note that this is not a practical coaching position and requires the ability to build relationships and ‘make things happen’ at a local, regional and national level.  The targets for the successful candidate will be clearly defined and monitored by a Coaching Group; this post does not have any line management responsibility.

The position, which is wholly Irish based, is largely operational and will report to the Head of Coaching Systems linked to the PGA National Training Academy at The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield. The nature of the job will involve considerable travel throughout Ireland with the successful candidate based from home but expected to work from the PGA Irish Office at least one day per week.  There will also be the opportunity to work from the offices of the other organisations involved in this partnership.

This is a fixed term position for 3 years and in addition to an attractive salary, we are offering a fully expensed company car and after a qualifying period, private healthcare and non-contributory pension.

To request further details on how to apply for this position please contact Kathy Hughes, HR Manager via e-mail (kathy.hughes@pga.org.uk).  The closing date is 5pm on Wednesday 29th February 2012 with interviews scheduled to take place on 13th March at the GUI offices in Ireland.
Position funded through a partnership between:
Irish Ladies Golf Union
Golfing Union of Ireland
Professional Golfers Associate
The Irish Sports Coucil
Coaching Ireland

Irish number one World number 46 stepped up on court to face Jana Ciznarova Of Slovakia. Magee looked in great form and showed a master class of badminton as she eased through the Slovakian 21-10 21-6. Next up for the Irish was Jennie King against Zuzana Orlovska. Jennie took time to get into the game and lost the first set 21-9. In the second set Orlovska continued to run down Kings shots as the Irish lady continued to try to breakdown the Slovakians defence. The Slovakian was able to keep the tempo high and won the game 21-13.

Alannah Stephenson was Next up to try and sway the Match in favour of the Irish. Alannah faced Martina Repiska in a marathon match where both ladies were not willing to give up! In the final set the Slovakian eventually edged out the victory 21-16 in a battle of a match lasting 50 minutes. Into the ladies Doubles with Ireland needing both rubbers for victory an exciting end was on the cards! The match followed the script when Irish number one ladies Sinead Chambers and Jennie King won an exciting three set epic 21-14 against Jana Ciznarova and Matina Repiska. So it all came down to The Inform Chloe Magee and the talented youth Alannah Stephenson who was looking to settle the score after the singles.

Barbora Bobrovska and Zuzana Orlovska were all that stood in the way of an Irish victory. Magee and Stephenson were up for this match showing the Irish fighting spirit throughout the Match!! With some amazing support from the Irish lads the girls dominated their opponents taking the tie with a 21-7 21-10 triumph!!

In the Men’s group, Irish number one world number 67 Scott Evans was first oncourt to face the number 2 seeded German line up. Scott was up against world number 14 Marc Zwiebler in what was going to be a tough match for Ireland. Scott started well and was leading the match at  the 11 Interval. From this point the German upped his pace and Evans struggled to compete losing the first 21-15. In the second Scott competed well in the rallies but Zwiebler continued to control the game with a 21-11 second game scoreline.

In the next of the singles Sam Magee Came up against Lukas  Scdmit world ranked 97. Once again this was going to be a tough challenge for Sam. In the opening set Sam exchanged some attacking play with the German but failed to get a lead on his opponent losing the opening set 21-11. Int the next set Sam was tactically very good and led the match up until the mid game interval. From here the German showed some great power as he took the game to Magee. The German regained the lead and never looked back taking the game and match with a 21-14 scoreline. Into the Doubles and the Irish represented by Evans and Magee came up against the World number 16 Pairing of Ingo Kindervater and Johannes Schoettler. Evans and Magee were unable to keep up with the speed of the very physical German duo losing the first Set 21-6. In the second set the Irish pair adapted well and tested the German pairing on occassion. However the Germans remained strong all the way to the end and saw of the Irish Challenge winning the second game 21-13. The Germans showed their class moving through to the quarters and showed why they are much fancied for the final at this event.

The Irish team showed some great performances from all involved this week. For Irish Olympic Hopefulls Scott Evans and Chloe Magee some well earned Olympic Qualyfying points were hard earned! Great experience for Alannah Stephenson winning her first senior International matches! Ireland showed good Team spirit throughout the tournament and will take alot away from this event to build on for the future. Well done to all involved!!

To find out more about Badminton in Ireland see: www.badmintonireland.com

A keen interest in Badminton/sport is desirable and you will ideally have experience of working in an office environment.

In addition, you will possess a sound working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook and be motivated to work on your own and as part of a team. You will be detail conscious, accurate and be able to meet deadlines. You will also have excellent communication and presentation skills.

This is an opportunity to work in a highly motivated and supportive team during an inspirational year for sport with the London 2012 Olympic Games just around the corner.

KEY TASKS

• To implement, monitor and update the Coaching section of our operational Plan.
• Take the lead on our work with Coaching Ireland.
• To co-ordinate, manage and implement an annual programme of coaching events.
• To ensure that effective and appropriate liaison/communication is maintained with all relevant organisations and partners
• To ensure that appropriate Policies and Procedures are in place and records maintained
• To ensure systems are in place which will enable coaches and volunteers to be trained, developed and motivated effectively
• To ensure the Chief Executive is regularly updated on all aspects of work This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indicating of the areas of activity and may be amended from time to time in the light of the changing needs of the organisation.

Full details can be found here