News Section

EU TO STUDY ECOMOMIC IMPACT OF SPORT

The European Commission plans to assess the macro-economic impact of sport to help design policies that contribute more effectively to the overarching goals of the 'Europe 2020' strategy for growth and jobs

KELLOGG'S FIELD OF DREAMS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

The four clubs in the running to win a life-changing €100,000 makeover, as part of the Kellogg's Field of Dreams competition, have been decided.

IRISH PARALYMPIANS HANDED SPONSORSHIP BOOST

One Complete Solution were unveiled as a sponsor of Irish team for the London 2012 Paralympics at Dublin Airport last Monday.

NO CHANGES TO ALL IRELAND STRUCTURE

GAA Director General Páraic Duffy has said there will be no change to the structure of the football All-Ireland Championship.

JASON SMYTH MAKES HISTORY AT THE EUROPEANS

Derry's Jason Smyth created history by being the first Paralympian to qualify for and compete at the IAAF European Championships.

MARK POLLOCK FACES HIS BIGGEST CHALLENGE

Adventurist Mark Pollock is in intensive care in an English hospital after falling 25ft from the window of a house in Berkshire.

IMC TO DRIVE IRELAND'S GOLF

IMG Consulting International, a division of IMG Worldwide, has been appointed by Tourism Ireland to drive its Golf Ireland brand.

SPORTS FUNDING AVAILABLE

Applications for the 2010 Sportscover Sponsorship Fund (SSF) are now being accepted.

ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF SPORT IN IRELAND

Irish Sports Council are undertaking an assessment of the economic significance and contribution of sport in Ireland.

TRACKS & TRAILS OF IRELAND

A new serier of TV programmes titled Tracks and Trails will air on RTE 1 this Friday at 7:30pm. The programmes will feature spectacular walks and cycle tracks in stunning locations all over the country.

AVIVA REPLACES GUINNESS AS RUGBY TITLE SPONSOR

Insurance company Aviva has signed a four-year, £20 million agreement with Premiership Rugby to replace Guinness as title sponsor of England's top flight rugby union division.

FIFA UNDER PRESSURE TO IMPLEMENT VIDEO TECHNOLOGY

Football's world governing body FIFA is under pressure again to introduce goalline video technology after Frank Lampard's shot was deemed not to be a goal despite hitting the ground at least a foot over the line in England's 4-1 World Cup defeat.

IRELAND GO THROUGH TO THE UEFA LADIES U17 FINAL

The Republic of Ireland defender, Aileen Gilroy has had two targets this week; passing her Leaving Cert exams and claiming the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship title.

IRISH GIRLS HOCKEY TEAM TRAVEL TO SINGAPORE

The Ireland's under 17s girls hockey players have been selected to participate at the first World Youth Olympic Games which are being held in Singapore in August.

BP WILL CONTINUE TO SPONSOR LONDON 2012

BP will continue to sponsor the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics despite the company being involved in the worst environmental disaster in the history of the United States, a senior executive claimed today.

GRAEME MCDOWELL IS AN INSPIRATION TO ALL AMATEURS

The Northern Irishman carved a place in European history with his famous one shot win at Pebble Beach. McDowell became the first European to win the US Open in 40 years since Tony Jacklin put his name on the trophy at Hazeltine in 1970 and is an inspiration to young golfers all over Ireland.

MARK POLLOCK SETS SAIL AROUND IRELAND

Mark Pollock and Mick Liddy departed from Bray harbour yesterday in their bid to make offshore sailing history as the first double-handed crew, with one blind member, to compete in the Round Ireland Yacht Race.

OLYMPIC TORCH TO TRAVEL TO DUBLIN

A plan for the Olympic Torch Relay to travel to Dublin before the London 2012 Games has moved significantly closer after the Northern Ireland Assembly approved the proposal.

MORAN TAKES GOLD AT THE BOCCIA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Ireland's Padraic Moran, won Gold yesterday in the Boccia World Championships in Lisbon. The Bray local, sensationally beat home favourite Portugal's Joao Paolo Fernandez by a score of 3:2 in a thrilling final.

RENAULT IRELAND ARE THE OFFICIAL TITLE SPONSOR

The Paralympic Council of Ireland (PCI)unveiled Renault Ireland as the official title sponsor of the 2012 Irish Paralympic team.

FREE TO AIR RUGBY PROPOSAL CHALLANGED

Former minister for sport John Donoghue has challenged Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan's proposals to designate key international and provincial rugby matches as free-to-air for television.

CYCLING TOUR OF IRELAND CANCELLED

Irish cycling fans were very disappointed yesterday when it was announced that this year's Tour of Ireland professional race, due to be held in August, has been cancelled.

CUSAI NETWORKING EVENT 27TH - 28TH MAY

The Colleges and Universities Sports Association of Ireland (CUSAI) is delighted to announce details of its Networking Event 2010. Scheduled for Thursday 27th -Friday 28th May which will be held in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, Co Westmeath.

MINISTER HANAFIN RESPONDS TO DÁIL QUESTIONS

The Federation completed a summary of the Minister's responses to issues raised in the Dáil on 31st March in relation to Sport.

MAGUIRE TWINS SET FOR CURTIS CUP

Fifteen-year-old twins Leona and Lisa Maguire will become the youngest players ever to represent Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup when they face the Americans at Essex County Club, Massachusetts, on 11-13 June.

$167 MILLION - EXPECTED ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE WEG

The forthcoming World Equetrian Games is expected to return a $167 million dividend to the state of Kentucky. Ireland had considered making a bid to host the 2014 event but decided against it in late 2008 due to the deteriorating economic environment

LEGAL UPDATE: SPONSORSHIP

Simon Hollywood, who leads Leman Solicitors Corporate and Commercial Unit and has in-depth experience of negotiating sponsorship agreements explores some of the pitfalls NGBs should avoid entering sponsorship agreements.

GAA ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION CONFERENCE

On Saturday March 27th Croke Park will host it's first GAA Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention Conference.

HANAFIN NEW MINISTER FOR ARTS, SPORT & TOURISM

Brian Cowen has announced that Mary Hanafin has been appointed as Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism. Further details below.

JSI MEDIATION SUCCESSFULLY CALLED INTO ACTION

Two different sporting organisations have successfully used the mediation facility provided by Just Sport Ireland to resolve internal issues within the last three months. JSI will be just one of the topics touched upon at the Sport & Law conference.

CONFERENCE TO ADDRESS KEY ISSUES FACING SPORT

On Saturday 20th March, Law Society of Ireland in conjunction with the Federation are hosting a conference which will tackle some of the key issues facing sports organisations as they attempt to modernise and look to develop revenue streams. Book Now

GAA RELEASE DETAILS OF 2009 ACCOUNTS

The GAA unveiled details of its annual accounts at a briefing in Croke Park on Thursday. The figures show an increase in revenue of €3.4 million, from €64.3 million in 2008 to €67.7 last year.

SPORTS FUNDING AVAILABLE

£10,000 will be available every month for three months to a huge variety of sporting individuals and teams. The fund, which is set up to help people stay active was launched by Mars to promote their refuel drink. This offer runs until May 31st 2010.

CANADIAN SPORT RECEIVES FUNDING BOOST

The Canadian Government have committed to a $16.5 million increase in government investment in elite sport for each of the next 2 years following the record breaking 14 Gold Medal haul at the recently concluded Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

NCSA ALL STAR SWIMMING TEAM SET TO RACE IN DUBLIN

Irish swimmers will be given the opportunity to race against some of the world's top junior athletes in the National Aquatic Centre Dublin from April 29 - May 2, 2010.

BUTLER AND SHAW HANG UP THEIR IRISH SHIRTS

Two of Ireland's most experienced hockey stars, Stephen Butler and Graham Shaw, have announced their retirement from the international hockey scene.

UN SEEKS TO PLACE SPORT HIGHER ON ITS AGENDA

The United Nations have launched a 'one stop shop' in the field of sport policy, hoping to boost interest across its own agencies and coordinate partnerships on sport and development beyond UN circles.

EUROPEAN REPORT ON VOLUNTEERING

The European Commission has published the results of a study on volunteering in the EU. The study was completed by GHK and includes a detailed review of volunteering in sport in the 27 member states.

INSPIRATIONAL INDIVIDUALS HONOURED WITH AWARD

12 volunteers received national awards in recognition of their contribution to sport in their communities. The award winners are representative of the 400,000 Irish people that volunteer in sport in Ireland each year. Read below for more.

IRISH BOBSLEIGHERS FINISH 17TH

The Ireland women's bobsleigh team have finished a very creditable 17th at the Winter Olympic games in Vancouver, winning their personal duel with Australia in the process.

SUPER VALU TO SPONSOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

The GAA has confirmed that Super Valu and its 231 retail partners nationwide have stepped on board as sponsors of the All-Ireland Football Chamnpionship with immediate effect. Read below for more.

GAA ANNOUNCE €35 MILLION INVESTMENT

The GAA announced a €35 million investment in facilities for both clubs and counties right around the country. The investment is a result of the additional proceeds raised by the GAA through the hosting of international rugby and soccer games.

2010 HIGH PERFORMANCE FUNDING ANNOUNCED BY ISC

The ISC has announced a €8.35 million investment in high performance sport in 2010. 16 national sports bodies, 273 athletes and 4 teams are to benefit from the funding. Read below for more.

THE IRISH CRICKET TEAM QUALIFY FOR T20 WORLD CUP

Ireland national coach Phil Simmons is relishing a return to his Caribbean homeland where he will attempt to guide his Irish charges into the latter stages of the Twenty20 World Cup.

PAT MCQUAID ELECTED TO OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

Irishman and President of the UCI, the International Cycling Union, Pat McQuaid continued his rise to the top echelons of international sports administration today when he was elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

ALCOHOL SPONSORSHIP & SPORT

There are no significant statistical correlations between sports sponsorship awareness and attitudes to alcohol use, according to research by Cardiff Business School’s Dr Fiona Davies, published by the International Journal of Sports Marketing & Sponsorship.

2010 SPORT & LAW CONFERENCE

The Federation of Irish Sports is joining force with the Law Society of Ireland to host a Sport & the Law Conference on March 20th. Topics covered will include governance of sporting organisations, the resolution of sporting disputes and sponsorship.

ISC ANNOUNCE 2010 NGB FUNDING

The Irish Sports Council today announced €11.85 million in Core Grants for NGBs with a further €1.375 million of grants being allocated under the Women in Sport Programme. Full details set out below.

FRESH CHALLENGE TO IRISH BOBSLEIGH SLOT

Olympic Council of Ireland President Pat Hickey insists that the Irish bobsleigh team will definitely compete in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver despite a fresh legal challenge this time from Brazil. Read below for more.

IRELAND CRICKET TEAM SHAVE OR DYE

The Ireland Cricket Team lent their support to the Today FM 'Shave or Dye' campaign live on the Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show. The fundraising campaign for the Irish Cancer Society saw members of both the team and management shave or dye their hair.

A GREAT YEAR FOR OLYMPIC HOPEFUL ANNALISE MURPHY

2009 was a great year for Laser sailor Annalise Murphy. She was named sailor of the month by the Irish Independent last August and sports woman of the month of December by the Irish Times. Annalise is also set to jump up the world rankings when they are published next month.

LEMAN LEGAL UPDATE

Each month Leman solicitors will provide an update on legal issue relevant to sporting organisations. This month Larry Fenelon examines the recent High Court Decision in relation to Cork City FC owner and Chairman, Tom Coughlan and the FAI.

IRELAND RENEW KIT DEAL WITH O'NEILLS

The Paralympic Council of Ireland (PCI)announced that O'Neills Irish International Sportswear Company will be the official kit supplier of the country's Paralympic team for the London 2012 Games.

LOUGHNANE NAMED SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

World race-walking silver medallist, Olive Loughnane, is crowned The Irish Times/Irish Sports Council Sportswoman of the Year 2009

SPIRITED SORENSEN BEATEN DOWN UNDER

Louk Sorensen made history yesterday by becoming the first Irishman to win a Grand Slam singles match in the Open era.

IRISH RUGBY PLAYERS SUPPORT HAITI APEAL

IRUPA Donate €20,000 to Concern in Haiti and urge people to make a donation too.

CALL TO BAN ALCOHOL SPONSORSHIP IN SPORT

Sport is under increasing pressure to stop taking sponsorship from drinks companies.

BATSMAN BRAY HANGS UP HIS BAT

Jeremy Bray has retired from international cricket after playing 83 times for Ireland as a left-handed opening batsman.

MEDIATOR TO SAVE BOXING CLASH

A mediator has been brought in to try to salvage the proposed boxing match between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.

HURLING HELMETS NOW COMPULSORY

As of New Year's Day, senior players will follow the regulations already in place at minor and under 21 level which will see hurlers of all ages wearing helmets with faceguards both in training and at matches.

MARTIN CULLEN ANSWERS PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS

Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism responded to parliamentary questions on December 17th with the Minister stating that he was satisfied that the budgets provided to the various sports programmes would enable the government continue with the pursuit of our strategic objectives in the sport area.

DELANEY APPEARS BEFORE OIREACHTAS COMMITTEE

John Delaney, Chief Executive of the FAI, stated that he felt that the worst of the financial crises to have hit League of Ireland clubs in recent years were over when he appeared before the Oireachtas Committee with responsibility for Arts, Sport & Tourism on December 17th. Delaney also emphasised the importance of seeing the Sports Campus project proceed and the return of the Sports Capital Programme.

REPORT HIGLIGHTS MEDIA INVISIBILITY OF WOMEN IN SPORT

The Dublin Sport and Recreation Council have released a report regarding the limited photo coverage Irish sports women receive in Irish Media.

LEMAN LEGAL UPDATE

Each month Leman solicitors will provide an update on legal issue relevant to sporting organisations. This month Simon Hollywood discusses the legal process behind protecting your sports brands.

SPORT ENGLAND INQUIRY FINDS FUNDAMENTAL FLAWS

An inquiry into unaudited payments of almost £20m from Sport England to grass roots sports organisations has found 'fundamental flaws' in the system most of which are attributable to the receiveing organisation not being "fit for purpose".

CRAWFORD REPORT ON THE FUTURE OF SPORT IN AUSTRALIA CAUSES RUFFLES DOWN UNDER

The Crawford Report on the future of Australian Sports has caused controversy particularly, in relation to its examination of the relationship between development of sport at grassroots level and high performance success.

SONIA NAMED CHEF DE MISSION FOR LONDON2012

The Olympic Council of Ireland has selected Sonia O'Sullivan as Chef de Mission of the Irish team for the London Olympic Games in 2012.

2010 NATIONAL STUDENT AWARDS

Bank of Ireland calls for Schools, Clubs and Charities to nominate for 2010 National Student Awards

4% REDUCTION IN IRISH SPORTS COUNCIL FUNDING

Budget 2010 announced on Wednesday 9th December saw a 4% reduction in Irish Sports Council funding down from €51.6 million to €49.7 million. Click on the link below for full details on the impact of Budget 2010 on government investment in sport.

MARTIN CULLEN MAKES STATEMENT ON BUDGET 2010

Minister Martin Cullen stated that Budget 2010 showed a consolidation of government support for the arts, sport and tourism sector. Please read below for a copy of the full text of his statement.

OSK - Official Audit and Accounting Partners

The Federation of Irish Sports is delighted to announce OSK as their official Audit and Accounting partner and preferred audit and accounting supplier.

HICKEY RE-ELECTED AS PRESIDENT OF EOC

Pat HIckey, President of the Olympic Council of Ireland, has been unanimously re-elected as President of the European Olympic Committee. Read below for more.

MCI Winter Meet 2010

For the first time Mountaineering Ireland will be running its 2010 Winter Meet in the spectacular location of Ponte di Legno in the Adamello Alps, Italy.

SPORT MATTERS UPDATE

The Irish Sport Matters campaign continues apace. Full details of what has happened to date outlined below. Don't forget to register your support at www.facebook.com/whyirishsportmatters

NEW MEMBERS ON IRISH SPORTS COUNCIL

The Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism announced seven new appointments to the Irish Sports Council on September 18th. Click on the link below for more detail on the new appointees which include, Federation President Frances Kavanagh

VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS UPDATE

Nominations for the 2009 National Awards to Volunteers in Sport have now closed. With over 200 nominations from in excess of 40 sports the Selection Committee face a tough task. Click below for more.

CULLEN CALLS FOR SUPPORT FOR EURO CROSS

Top Irish Athlete, Mary Cullen, is calling for people to come out and support the Irish Team at the European Cross Country Championships being held in Santry on December 13th.

LEMAN LEGAL UPDATE

Each month Leman solicitors will provide an update on legal issue relevant to sporting organisations. This month Larry Fenelon examines the recent Supreme Court Decision in relation to Portmarnock Golf Club and the implications for sports clubs.

GRANTS AVAILABLE UNDER EU 2010 SCHEME

Grant funding is available under funding initiatives put in place for the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion will be provided. Details at the link below.

IRISH SPORT UNITES TO PROTECT SPORTS FUNDING

The Federation of Irish Sports has on behalf of all Ireland's sporting organisations joined forces with the FAI, GAA, IRFU, GUI, Special Olympics, Olympic Council of Ireland and the Paralympic Council of Ireland to launch "Irish Sport Matters".

HONOURING THE UNSUNG HEROES OF IRISH SPORT

The Federtion of Irish Sports joins forces with the Department of Arts to hold the 2009 National Awards to Volunteers in Sport. Read below for more.

TOM KITT ELECTED COMMITTEE CHAIR

Tom Kitt, T.D. has been elected Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Read below for more.

BORD SNIP SEEKS 17.7 MILLION DROP IN ISC FUNDING

The Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programme chaired by UCD economist Colm McCarthy has recommended a 17.7 million reduction in ISC funding. Read below for more.

INDECISION ON GAA PLAYER GRANTS

Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism is to hold talks with Dessie Farrell of the GPA in relation to the GAA Player Grants. Read below for more.

FAI, GAA & IRFU TO SHARE €9.9 MILLION

The Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism, Martin Cullen announced on Wednesday that €9.9 million of Irish Sports Council funding has been awarded to the FAI, GAA & IRFU to support the work of developing their games around the country.

CULLEN RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS

Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism answered Dáil questions relating to the re-appointment of the CEO of the Irish Sports Council, the composition of the Irish Sports Council,the Gaelic Player Grants. Full report available by clicking on link below.

CALL ON VOLUNTEERS TO COMPLETE SURVEY

The Irish Sports Council has commissioned research to better understand the needs, capacities and profiles of Irish volunteers in sport. Read below for more on how you can participate and the benefits it can have for your sport.

NEW BOXING DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS FOR DUBLIN

Dublin City Council has seen a boxing development officer appointed to each of its 5 adminstrative areas in a scheme funded by DCC, the Department of Health and the Irish Amateur Boxing Association. Click on the link for more.

MINISTER MARTIN CULLEN TO SPEAK AT FEDERATION AGM

The Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism, Martin Cullen T.D. has confirmed his attendance at the AGM of the Federation of Irish Sports on Monday 27th April.

ISC FUNDING REDUCED BY FURTHER 2.5%

The Revised Public Estimates for 2009 reveal that the allocation to the Irish Sports Council for 2009 is €51,689 million. This is some €1,337 million or 2.5% less than the sum allocated last October representing a 10% reduction in 2008 funding

ISC REPORT TO DÁIL COMMITTEE ON BEIJING

Relations between the Irish Sports Council and the Olympic Council of Ireland as well as the ongoing dispute in Athletics Ireland were the principle areas for concern amongst Committee Members when John Treacy appeared before the Dáil Committee.

REPORT FINDS RUGBY SAVING ENGLAND MILLIONS

A recent survey conducted by the British Market Research Bureau has indicated that interest and participation in rugby in England among young people has reached a high with positive knock on implications for health.

CULLEN DETAILS IMPACT OF BUDGET ON SPORT

Minister Martin Cullen confirmed €9 million reduction in funding for sport but no confirmation of the impact on Irish Sports Council Funding with that being revealed when Revised Estimates are published.

CALL TO PROTECT FUNDING FOR SPORT

Irish sport has joined forces under the banner of the Federation of Irish Sports to call on the Government not to make any further reduction in funding for Irish sport.

£1.8 MILLION COACHING SCHEME RUNNING IN THE UK

Sport England together with the National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure, SkillsActive and sports coach UK have joined forces to deliver a £1.8 million scheme aimed at assiting aspiring tutors and coaches to pay for their coaches.

VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO RUN COURSES

The Volunteer Development Agency is running a number of Northern Ireland based training courses that should be of interest to sport governing bodies including child protection and volunteer management.

EXECUTIVE SEARCH SPECIALISTS TO HELP IRISH SPORTS ACQUIRE TALENT

Sports Recruitment International specialise in global sports recruitment representing a distinguished portfolio of clients including some of the largest international sports brands and sports organisations

MINISTER CULLEN RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS IN DÁIL

Martin Cullen, Minister for Sport answered Dáil Questions on March 3rd. Issues raised included the London 2012 Taskforce, the Sports Capital Programme, Abbotstown Sports Campus and the National Aquatic Centre.

NETWORKING LUNCH- CHILD PROTECTION

The Federation will host a networking lunch on Wednesday 25th March on Child Protection. Kate Hills, National Children's Officer, Swim Ireland will present on the implementation of the Code of Ethics & Child Protection.

HIGH PERFORMANCE GRANTS ANNOUNCED

GRANTS totalling €7.4 million were announced by the Irish Sports Council, with 16 National Governing Bodies receiving €5.12 million for their high performance programmes.

BEST PRACTICE IN PITCH MANAGEMENT

The Institute of Groundmanship ("IOG") will host an educational seminar on Best Practice on Pitch Maintenance on March 12 at Croke Park. The programme offers education and advice on a range of grounds maintenance issues.

IRISH OPEN STRIKES NEW SPONSORSHIP DEAL

GOLF'S IRISH OPEN has signed a new sponsorship deal with mobile phone network 3 which will see the tournament receive a 20% increase in prize money.

CYCLING IRELAND ANNOUNCE NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR

PHILIP LEIGH has been appointed as the new Cycling Ireland high performance director in preparation for the London 2012 Olympics.

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL GRANTS

FUNDING opportunities in South Dublin region through Community Grants Scheme including Single interest Grant Scheme

DISCOVER THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR YOUR ORGANISATION

THE WHEEL will host a conference on IT on 5th March, covering information, communication, finance and strategy software for non-profit organisations

NUI GALWAY TO HOST SPORTS EVENTS

THE UNIVERSITY SPORTS Complex includes 25m swimming pool, natural grass playing pitches, floodlit synthetic grass pitch, athletics track and more, ideally located to host sports events.

2009 NGB GRANTS ANNOUNCED

IRISH SPORTS COUNCIL announce details of €13million funding to National Governing Bodies of sport, including support granted under Women in Sports Programme for 25 sports.

KILDARE CAPITAL GRANTS SCHEME

KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL have opened the 2009 Capital Grants Scheme for Recreational Development to help local groups with the purchase or infrastructural development of recreational facilities.

LOUTH SPORTS COACH TRAINING GRANTS SCHEME

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL announce Grant Scheme to help increase number of qualified Sports Coaches, leaders and mentors available to Juvenile Sports Clubs/organisations throughout Louth.

WHEELCHAIR RUGBY EUROPEAN QUALIFYING CHAMPIONSHIP

IRELAND will host the International Wheelchair Rugby event for the first time from February 20th to 22nd.

BEIJING REVIEW PUBLISHED

IRISH SPORTS COUNCIL publish review of Ireland's performances at last year's Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing, calling for continued state investment in sport.

COFFEY QUESTIONS LEGALITY OF CAPITAL GRANTS CUT

PAUDIE COFFEY, Fine Gael Senator has questioned the legality of the Government's decision to withhold funding for the Capital Sports Grants for 2009. Click below to find out why...

CIARAN GALLAGHER APPOINTED CEO OF GYMNASTICS

Ciaran Gallagher has been appointed as the first CEO of Irish Gymnastics. Ciaran has spent the last two years as National Development Director, raising the profile of the organisation, following his appointment as National Development Officer in 2005.

BOLT GRANTED SPECIAL ACCESS TO IRELAND

USAIN BOLT, triple Olympic champion, included in list of 31 athletes from around the world given special permission to travel in and out of Ireland during the build-up to London 2012.

MEATH LOCAL SPORTS PARTNERSHIP GRANTS

The Sport & Physical Activity Grant Scheme 2009 is now open to all clubs registered with Meath LSP. Funding is available for Club Training and Development as well as Special Participation initiatives

2009 SPORT FUNDING ISSUES IN DÁIL

Martin Cullen, Minister for Sport responded in the Dáil to questions relating to the Sports Capital Programme, National Aquatic Centre, Physical Education Facilities and the Swimming Pool Programme.

LANSDOWNE TO HOST 2011 UEFA FINAL

Ireland will host a major European club final for the first time after Lansdowne Road was selected as the venue for the 2011 UEFA Europa League final by UEFA Executive Committee.

MAZE STADIUM PLANS AXED

Sports Minister Gregory Campbell ended lingering hopes that the site of the former Maze Prison, near Lisburn, Co Antrim, could be turned into a showpiece arena to be ready in time for the 2012 London Olympics.

IOC AND EU SPORTS LEADERS MEET TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION

Representatives of the Olympic Movement, led by International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, met with Jan Figel, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, and his delegation.

TAYLOR WINS SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

World Boxing Sensation Katie Taylor has been crowned 2008 Sportswoman of the year.

PARALIONS NETWORKING LUNCH

The Paralympic Council of Ireland will highlight the development of Paralympic Sport in Ireland at the next Federation of Irish Sports Social Networking Lunch on Feb 11th.

ANTRIM BID TO STAGE OLYMPICS

A politician from Dervock, a small village with the population of less than 700 in County Antrim in, has written to Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell asking for the marathon at the 2012 Games, to be staged there

LAUNCH OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY SPORTS PARTNERSHIP

The official launch of the South Dublin County Sports Partnership takes place on Wednesday, 28th January at 7.30pm in Rua Red Arts Centre in Tallaght, with guest speaker John Treacy, CEO of the Irish Sports Council.

BRITISH WEBSITE REPORTS ABBOTSTOWN ON HOLD

A British website, insidethegames.com which focuses on matters Olympic has reported that plans for the development of a sports campus at Abbotstown are on hold. Please read below for more.

SPORT ENGLAND INVEST £480 MILLION IN 46 SPORTS

Sport England has announced an investment of £480 million to deliver grassroots sporting opportunities for all and a lasting Olympic legacy of one million people playing more sport.

FEDERATION PARTNERSHIP WITH LEMAN SOLICITORS

Legal issues particularly in relation to the structure of an organisation are one of the key challenges facing Irish Sport. The Federation of Irish Sports is therefore delighted to announce its partnership with Leman Solicitors.

EXCLUSION OF SPORT DELETED IN HISTORIC SEANAD VOTE

The provision in the Charities Bill that excluded sporting organisations in receipt of a "sports & gaming tax exemption" under section 235 of the Taxes Consolidation Act was deleted by way of a dramatic Seanad Vote on Thursday 4th December.

FEDERATION CALL FOR AMENDMENT TO CHARITIES BILL AS CURRENTLY DRAFTED

The Charities Bill which is currently making its way through the Oireachtas specifically excludes sporting organisations. The Federation is seeking to have this reversed and needs your support. Read below for more.

MINISTER CULLEN RESPONDS TO PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS

Martin Cullen, Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism answered Dáil Questions on November 19th. Issues raised included National Lottery Funds, Sports Campus, Sports Capital Programme, GAA Player Grants and the Olympic Games.

UK REPORT TIPS DOWNTURN TO AFFECT SMALL SPORTS

A recent UK report gives warning that the most vulnerable clubs and sports will suffer the worst of the downturn, while the traditional big sports survive on their earnings from around the globe.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & DISCIPLINE

The Federation hosted the conference on 22nd November, in conjunction with the Law Society covering issues relating to the organisational structure of sport, the prevention of legal challenges and the development of commercial opportunities

UPTON COMMENTS ON BUDGET

Labour spokesperson on Sport Mary Upton criticised the Government's decision to slash the funding to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism by 22%, as a myopic soft option. Please click below for more details...

LONDON 2012 IRELAND'S HOME GAMES

Pat Hickey, President of the Olympic Council of Ireland states that Ireland needs to treat London 2012 like its own Olympics as it is the closest that it will get to hosting the Games. Please click below for more.

Dublin City Council Networking Lunch

The Federation hosted a Networking Lunch in conjunction with Dublin City Council to promote the delivery of sports in the Dublin City area. Please click below for more...

BUDGET 2009 UPDATE

The upward trend in funding for sport was dramatically reversed in Tuesday?s 2009 Budget with the 2008 funding of ?311 million being slashed by 34% to drop to ?204 million. Click below for further details of whom and what has been affected.