Building a healthy future
Participation will be the key criteria for the judging of applications as part of the new €30 million fund for important sports capital projects launched this week by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD.
The scheme will also be open to far more clubs and groups than in previous rounds, because a strict requirement on landownership has been relaxed. In the past, all applicants had to own their land or have it on a long lease. These clubs will now be able to apply for grants of up to €25,000 to upgrade facilities.
€26 million of the total fund has been set aside for projects up to a value of €300,000.  The remaining €4 million will be assigned to regional projects after consultation with sports governing bodies.
“In line with the Programme for Government, this new Sports Capital scheme will have a stronger focus on projects which increase active participation in sport, particularly in disadvantaged areas. Under this scheme pitches will be drained, floodlights will be installed, sports halls will be improved and dressing rooms will be built,” Minister Ring said.
“Thanks to these grants, people will have more opportunities than ever to get active and stay active in a wide range of sports. It will also have a positive impact on job creation in construction.
Eddie O’Sullivan appointed high performance adviser to Irish Olympic Handball Association
Former Ireland Rugby coach, Eddie O’Sullivan has been appointed as High Performance Advisor to the Irish Olympic Handball Association. His role will be to provide a more professional approach to national team programs at the IOHA.
The IOHA have further bolstered their high performance unit with the additional appointment of Toni Gerona Salaet (FC Barcelona) as national team coach, David Matthews (800M dual Olympian and Cork hurling fitness coach) as Fitness Coach and Stephen McIvor (former Irish rugby international) as Sports Psychologist.
There are 5,000 now playing the sport in Ireland at schools level.
Ireland is embarking on a challenging fixture list in the coming years, beginning with a qualifying tournament in June for the 2014 European Championship.   Ireland will face Romania, Israel and Belgium in this and the inclusion of expert consultants is seen as a necessary step towards achieving success.
“It is a very exciting time for Olympic Handball in Ireland,” said O’Sullivan. “The growth of the game nationwide and the structures being put in place around the National Team gives the sport a tremendous opportunity to advance within the European rankings in the near future. I am looking forward to assisting the organisation in accelerating that development.”
“We are a small sport,” said IOHA President Fintan Lyons but we hope that Eddie can impart some of his knowledge and experience to the organisation to help bring us to the next level.”
“Together with the appointment of our national team coach, Toni Gerona, and the support staff, we aim to give the Irish national team the tools to give their very best in the international arena.
Currently ranked 41 out of 50 nations in Europe, the IOHA’s new approach is certain to accelerate the nation’s progress and lays a marker of intent towards the 2016 Olympics.
World Series Hockey on You Tube
You Tube has made another entry to the live streaming market by broadcasting the final six games live from the Bridgestone World Series Hockey tournament in India.
The final of the eight team event, based on the US franchise model and featuring eight cities across India, will take place on Sunday, April 2nd.  The Google owned video sharing site has established a dedicated channel for the league where there are also match highlights can be viewed from the league’s dedicated YouTube channel where fans can also watch match highlights.
“We are working closely with the event organisers to generate awareness around the world for the sport,” said a Google spokesperson.
YouTube first became involved in broadcasting Indian sport when it agreed a deal to live-stream cricket’s Indian Premier League around the world in 2010.  It also live streamed matches from the 2011 Copa America soccer tournament.
Horgan calls it a day
Leinster and Ireland rugby star Shane Horgan has announced his retirement through injury at the age of 33.  Winner of 65 caps for Ireland in which he scored 21 tries, he holds the record for the most appearances for Leinster in the Heineken Cup as well as two winner’s medals.
Horgan has appeared as a radio and TV pundit with RTE and Newstalk in recent months but is also likely to forge a career in the Law having earned a Masters Degree prior to commencing his professional rugby career.
 
 
Giles Walk of Dreams launched by FAI and Three
The second edition of the John Giles Walk of Dreams in association with Three will take place on May 7th at 20 venues around the country.  Last year, the initiative involved more than 25,000 participants who raised a total of €360,000 which went back into club and community projects involving football throughout Ireland.
The John Giles Foundation was founded to use football as a vehicle for social change, to build community cohesion, increase participation and to improve health and education by providing funding to help football in clubs, schools and community groups in Ireland.
Half of funds raised will be retained by participating football clubs while the other half will go to the Foundation for community football projects in clubs, schools and community groups throughout Ireland.
The John Giles Foundation is supported by Three and the Football Association of Ireland.
Eoin MacManus, Commercial Director at Three said: Our continued association with the John Giles foundation and the Walk of Dreams underlines Three’s commitment to the grassroots of Irish football. Partnering with the John Giles Foundation builds on our fund supporting Irish football clubs, offering rewards to those clubs whose members switch to Three, helping them maintain and build their teams.”