Participants of the Inaugural Sports Volunteer Development Programme Honoured

The 18 participants of the inaugural Sports Volunteer Development Programme were presented with their certificates of completion by the Cathaoirleach Cllr. John Bailey and Mr. John Treacy CEO of the Irish Sports Council at a reception in Dún Laoghaire County Hall last night.

 The Sports Volunteer Development Programme is an initiative of the UCD Athletic Union Council (AUC), the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership and the UCD Centre for Sports Studies.  Based on the experiences of the partner organisations in working with sports clubs within UCD and the local community, the aim of this programme is to equip volunteers with the necessary skills to effectively contribute to the management and development of their sports club.  By providing quality training to participants it is hoped that the programme will create a culture of active leadership and will enable the participants to become positive roles models within UCD and community sports clubs.

 During the pilot programme participants attended workshops and seminars in October & November on the following subjects:

• Sports First Aid
• Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children in Sport
• Sports Inclusion
• Volunteer Recruitment and Management
• Structures of Sport in Ireland
• Club Budgets and Grant Applications
• Sports Governance
• Communications & Media
• Event Management

Commenting at the event the Cathaoirleach, John Bailey said "sport would not happen without the thousands of volunteers who coach manage, officiate, administer and support participants at all levels.  This programme is fantastic in that provides quality training to these volunteers who give of their time to clubs in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown".

 In congratulating the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership and UCD on the programme, John Treacy said that "it was an excellent initiative which demonstrated what the partners could achieve when they come together.  Furthermore he said that the "training provided to volunteers is of vital assistance in helping their clubs to grow and increase participation at all levels.

The Participants of the inaugural programme were:

Sarah Boyle (Meteors Basketball Club), Claire Dooley (Notre Dame HC), Nicola Fitzgerald (St. Michaels Rowing Club), Lorraine Gallagher (Ballinteer Community School), John Gerrard (Dun Laoghaire Golf Club), Gavin Heuston (UCD Rugby Club), Shane Holohan (East Coast Surf Club), Samantha Johnston (Muckross Park Gymnastics Club), Ian Lamkin (Power Soccer/ CP Athletics), Claire Leyden (UCD Rifle Club), Aisling Markey (Rising Phoenix Martial Arts), Aisling McGann (UCD Tennis Club), Ray McMenamin (Lakelands FC), Aidan Murray (UCD Aikido Club), Oisin O'Coigligh (UCD Tai Chi Chun Club), Norma O'Mahony (UCD Ladies Boat Club), Ger Ryan (St. Michaels Rowing Club), and Laura Shaughnessy (UCD Athletics Club).

________________________________

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership

 The Irish Sports Council established the Local Sports Partnership (LSP) initiative as a forum for sport at a local level, which is charged with improving opportunities to participate in sport for every member of the community. The key aims of the LSPs are to increase participation in sport and to ensure that local resources are used to best effect.

 Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership was set up in April 2008 and works closely with the Local Authority and other key partners to promote participation, inclusion and coordination in sport in the County. Partners include; the County Council, Third level sector, VECs, Health Board, FÁS, commercial interests, sports clubs, schools and voluntary/community organisations. Over the past 3 years a key focus of the work of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership has been in the area of sports coach/volunteer training and education.

The third annual Rás UCD 5k will take place on Saturday February 25th at 12 noon. Online registration is now open.

Online Registration

Click here!

Students - €10 (Valid student card required on the day)

Non-students - €15

Paypal is used for online registration payment. Please follow the link to Paypal after you have submitted your details. If you do not have a Paypal account, you can still use a normal credit card through Paypal. You do not have to pay any extra Paypal or credit card fees.

Online registration closes Thursday 23rd at 12p.m.

Free t-shirt and goodie bag for the first 500 people who register online!!

There is a limit of 600 participants in the race so register today!!

Day Registration (if numbers permit)

Students - €15 (Valid student card required on the day)

Non-students - €20

All of the race profits will be donated to UCD Volunteers Overseas (Registered Charity CHY15856).

UCD Volunteers Overseas is a charitable organisation offering students, staff and alumni of University College Dublin the opportunity to contribute their time, energy and skills to development projects overseas. The charity was founded by Fr. Tony Coote (former UCD Chaplain) in 2003 and projects have been taking place every year since then. We currently run projects in India, Haiti, Nicaragua and Tanzania, where volunteers collaborate with local communities on small-scale development projects in response to local needs. Some examples of our work include the Health Centres built in Nicaragua 2007 & 2008; summer camps in Haiti 2005-2011; physiotherapy support in the Mother Teresa Home, Delhi 2003-2011; and computer education programmes in Tanzania 2009-2011.

There is a large prize fund and all athletes will be chip timed. All participants will get sandwiches, tea and coffee after the race.

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/events/295101483874738/

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Twitter: @rasucd

Out On Your Feet Wicklow

Outdoor Fitness Walking Programme

Starting in Dun Laoghaire on 16th February 2012

Is the gym or traditional fitness classes not for you?

Do you want to get out and be physically active in a fun and social group at your own pace?

If the answer to the above is yes, then this new privately run programme may be for you!

Out On Your Feet is an 8 week outdoor fitness walking programme which will help you start or continue walking for health, fitness and weight control. The programme will show you how to:

• Prepare to begin or continue walking for health and fitness.
• Teach you correct walking techniques.
• Set goals to achieve the maximum fitness benefits from walking.
• Walk better, faster and longer.
• The programme will give you new ideas for walking groups in your area.
• All levels of fitness and abilities will be catered for.

The 8 week outdoor fitness walking programme will begin in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin(meeting at main entrance to Dun Laoghaire Pier on Thursday 16th February 2012 from 7.00-8.00pm) and Mount Merrion Park, Mount Merrion, Dublin (meeting at South Avenue entrance on Tuesday 14^th February 2011 from 6.30-7.30pm). The cost of the programme is €60 for 8 weeks.

The programme is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities, so no need to worry if you don't walk regularly the programme is aimed at beginner's right through to experienced walkers. All those that take part will be encouraged to participate at a pace that suits them.

So why not go along and get out & active in a fun and social group or better still bring some friends, work colleague's or neighbours for extra motivation. To register for the 8 week outdoor fitness walking programme why not give Tracy a call on 087 246 9717, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or find them on Facebook on www.facebook.com/outonyourfeet.

An outdoor family activity day in the People's Park

Sunday 22nd January from 12 to 3pm

 With Christmas and New Years officially, over there's no more excuses to ignore all the resolutions. So  why not banish those winter blues and come and kick-start 2012 with a free family activity day that promises to get the whole family moving & put some much needed colour in back in everyone's cheeks!

Once again Kickstart 2012 aims to get people out and about after the excesses of Christmas to having some fun. If your New Year Resolution is to get fit and healthy for 2012 then make sure you come to the Peoples Park, Dun Laoghaire on Sunday 22nd January from 12 to 3pm.

The DLR Sports Department will be on hand with some sporty fun and DLR Leisure Services will be in the park and ready to offer their fitness assessment as well as information on the DLR leisure centres in the county.

There will be bouncy castles and inflatable games with an active theme, the old favourites will also be there - face painters and the DLR Events DJ will be spinning the tracks to get you moving.

The Peoples Park in Dun Laoghaire is a beautiful place to be on a crisp winters Sunday, along with the award winning CoCo Market there are the tea rooms where you can get one of the best coffees or hot chocolates in South Dublin, the fountains a children's playground. Easily accessible by DART (Dun Laoghaire or Glasthule) The Peoples Park is only a short walk from the shops, restaurants and piers of Dun Laoghaire. The ever-popular CoCo Markets will also be in the park on the 22nd.

For full details & the most up-to-date information about all DLR events, visit us on www.dlrevents.ie / www.Facebook.com/dlrevents or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

THE MARLAY MOVERS

 Sign up for an 4-week walking programme based around Marlay Park

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership are starting a new 4-week social walking group on Saturday mornings from 11am to 12pm starting on the 28^th January. At only €10 for all 4 weeks this programme will cater for all fitness levels and will be a great excuse to get out, be active and make new friends.

Each week the group will walk a different scenic route around the park or visit some of the historical sites the area has to offer. The Marlay Movers will help participants looking to improve their health by improving posture, enhanced fitness levels, and fat burning. This programme is supported by the HSE and their Get Ireland Active initiative.

 According to Shane McArdle, Co-ordinator of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership, "This 5-week programme will be a fun and social way of integrating walking into your weekly activities. The programme has limited spaces though so contact us soon to reserve your place!"

 So don't sit at home, come walk with us!

To register your place for The Marlay Movers or find out more please contact Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership at:

Phone: 01-2719502

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Huge Turnout at the Operation Transformation Walk in Marlay Park

Operation Transformation fever seems to have gripped the nation if the numbers who attended the walk in Marlay Park and across the Country on Saturday 14^th January is any indication. On the day over 900 people of all ages and fitness levels took out their walking shoes and came along to Marlay Park. It led to a fantastic spectacle with a trail of people nearly 1km long stretched out along the pathway. The weather was very kind on the day and helped to make the event a real "feel good" occasion for all involved.

This atmosphere was really helped by the appearance of Killian Byrne, one of the Leaders from the Operation Transformation programme, who let his feet do the talking. Groups gathered at both the College Road and Grange Road entrances and came together at Marlay House where everyone set out on a lap of the park. At just over 4-kilometres the walk was suitable for all fitness levels and took in many of the lovely sights in this historic park.

With a hot cup of tea or coffee at the finish, the event had a real community and social feel to it with loads of new years resolutions to keep the walking going.

Speaking after the event Shane McArdle, Co-ordinator of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership, which together with the South Dublin County Sports Partnership organised the event, expressed his delight at the turnout. "It was without doubt beyond our expectations but all the better so. Walking is easy, affordable and one of the best health tonics known to man and the success of this event shows that there is a huge demand in the community to get out and be active in a manner and place that suits them and their lifestyle". 

A huge thank you has to go out to all the volunteers who helped on the day and of course the Parks Department in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. This event was held in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council and the HSE's Get Ireland Active national campaign.

For information on future walking initiatives in the County, including a weekly walking programme in Marlay Park and indoor fitness walking, please contact Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership at 01-2719502 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Indoor Fitness Walking Programme

 In 2012 the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership and the Health Promotion Unit in the HSE are rolling out a 5 week fitness walking programme for all ages and fitness levels.

The next Fitwalk workshop is starting on Wednesday 1^st February at 11am in dlr Leisure Services, Loughlinstown. The cost for the five weeks is just €15 with sessions lasting for one hour.

These five sessions will be a fun and interesting way of looking at integrating walking into your daily activities. If this programme interests you, please contact us to reserve a spot, as places are limited to 30.

Adult Archery classes at dlr Leisure Services Loughlinstown every Friday for 6 weeks. Classes commence on 27th January 2012 at 7.00pm. €30 per term or €6 per session. Read more...

Calendar of Training Programmes & Events for 2012.

Please click here to download an up to date Calendar of Training Programmes & Events for 2012.

Why not take part in a fun social walk in a local park and burn off some of those Christmas calories?

As part of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnerships aim to encourage residents of the County to get active, a free walking event will be held on the morning of the 14^th January in Marlay Park. This event is being held in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council and RTE's Operation Transformation programme. On this day every County in Ireland will have a similar walking event to cater for all levels of fitness, but in particular those looking to start exercising again.

Meeting at 10.45am beside the new playground at the College Road entrance to Marlay Park, the 4km route will be around the picturesque park, based on pathways and suitable for all levels of walker. Supported by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, this event will provide the perfect chance to put those New Years resolutions into action.

Speaking in advance of the event, Shane McArdle, Coordinator with the Sports Partnership remarked, "Getting active makes such a big difference to your health, helping to reduce stress, ease back pain and reduce the risk of heart disease. For heart health adults need at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as brisk walking, five days a week.  By taking part in these types of events, local people can become more aware of the excellent parks available in the County and how walking can be made social and fun."

Trained walking leaders will be present on the day for a helping hand and information on the history of park. All are very welcome and encouraged to attend.

Click here to download the flier for this event

For further information on this event and to register your interest please contact Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership at 01-2719502 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Sports Inclusion Disability Programme - NEW FOR 2012!

Adults Boccia will recommence Wednesday 11th January 2012 from 11.30am to 1.00pm at dlr Leisure Services Loughlinstown. €3.00 per head per week.

Children's Boccia will go ahead from mid-January if minimum 4 children register their interest! This is something that we really want to get going in the County, so please pass on our details to any child, or family with a child, with physical disabilities.

Irish Blind Sports have commenced their blind golf evenings at the driving range in Leopardstown, and there will be more of these evenings in the New Year. Please let us know if you have an interest in going along and becoming part of their group. Not strictly restricted to those who are blind or visually impaired.

Two local rugby clubs are interested in starting a tag rugby league for children with intellectual disabilities and mild physical disabilities - if you know of a child that might be interested in this, please have them contact us.

Phena O'Connor |Sports Inclusion Disability Officer| Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership

County Hall, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

T +353 1 271 9506| F +353 1 205 4749| E This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | www.dlrsportspartnership.ie

Older adults take part in a festive activity day, organised by Dún Laoghaire -Rathdown Sports Partnership and dlr Leisure Services Ltd., for participants of the weekly Active Exercise Programme in the County.

 On Wednesday 7^th December, in dlr Leisure Services Loughlinstown, over 100 eager older adults took part in the Active Exercise Festive Day. Funding for this event was provided by the Health Services Executive under the Get Ireland Active initiative.                  

Active Exercise is a weekly programme for over-55's organised and run by dlr Leisure Services Ltd. in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership, and takes place in three of our public leisure facilities, namely Meadowbrook, Loughlinstown and Monkstown. 

Every week, the participants come together in these pay per visit facilities to take part in physical activity in the gym, swimming pool, and outdoors when the weather permits, with the emphasis on FUN! 

On Wednesday 7^th December, the participants came together for one big festive, activity day, mixing individuals from each centre, and trying new activities such as parachute games, chair aerobics, tai chi and even a spot of line dancing! 

For more details on how to get involved in the Active Exercise Programme, phone  Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership or your local dlr Leisure Services centre: 

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership          01-2719502

dlr Leisure Services Meadowbrook                     01-299 5610

dlr Leisure Services Loughlinstown                     01-282 3344

dlr Leisure Services Monkstown                        01-230 1458

Xcessible DLR 2011

Inclusive Leisure Centre Initiative

The 1st annual Xcessible DLR event took place on Saturday 3^rd December 2011 in dlr Leisure Services Meadowbrook, situated in Ballinteer. This fun event provided a great opportunity for everyone to be active together, specifically aimed at people with disabilities being integrated into a leisure centre and it's activities to whatever level the person wishes. 

Coinciding with International Disability Awareness Day, Xcessible DLR concentrated on the person's abilities and fun participation. Over 35 people with disabilities and some family members and friends participated in the event, in activities such as inclusive tennis, inclusive basketball, fun and games, boccia, inclusive swimming and adapted gym activities. All participants received information on their local public leisure centre and various programmes and clubs ready to be inclusive. 

A wide mix of abilities and disabilities were included on the day, from autism to wheelchair users, and there was something for everybody. The centre was buzzing with excitement and there was great positivity about inclusion in leisure centres going forward. 

The Xcessible Inclusive Leisure Centre Initiative is coordinated by CARA Adapted Physical Activity Centre in IT Tralee. CARA APA received the funding from the Department of Justice and Equality for the initiative to promote participation and the Local Sports Partnership Sports Inclusion Programme on a national level.  

dlr Leisure Services Meadowbrook is one of four ILAM Disability Provision Award-winning leisure centres in the County of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, having received a Gold award in 2010 and again in 2011. Staff at the centre are eager to help people of all abilities become active to whatever level they wish and will help the person find something fun to participate in. 

This event was organised by DLR Sports Partnership Sports Inclusion Disability Programme and its partners - Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, dlr Leisure Services Ltd and the CARA APA Centre. Funding for this event was made available through the Department of Justice and Equality and with kind sponsorship from dlr Leisure Services Ltd. 

For more information please contact Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, Phena O'Connor, at: 

Phone: 01 271 9506

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

WHERE - Kilbogget Park, Cabinteely

WHEN - 25th December 11am to 12pm

WHO - Cabinteely Athletic Club

Over the past three decades, the GOAL Mile has grown to become one of Ireland's most popular annual fundraisers. This Christmas, in what will be the event's 30th birthday, they are asking you to take part in a Mile near you!

The GOAL Mile was established in 1982 when GOAL's late chairperson and international athlete, Noel Carroll, came up with the idea to encourage people to run a mile at The Phoenix Park on Christmas morning for GOAL.

Much to everyone's delight, more than 250 people turned up. The event transferred to Belfield, UCD the following year and the flagship GOAL Mile was held there for the next 28 years.

The event has grown substantially since 1982; the flagship GOAL Mile attracts an attendance in excess of 4,000 each year. The Mile has also spread to other locations throughout the country and overseas to the UK and the US. It has become an integral part of Christmas Day for participating families and individuals who want to support GOAL's work on behalf of the poorest of the poor.  

In all, a record 107 GOAL Miles were scheduled to take place over the festive and New Year period in 2010 - and while the snow and ice won out in a number of locations, tens of thousands of people took part in more Miles last year than ever before, raising hundreds of thousands for GOAL's various humanitarian programmes across the developing world.

Support your local mile by turning up on the day and taking part. For any queries, please see FAQ or email Karen at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

GP Exercise Refferal Programme

A training course for gym instructors. Become part of the National

GP Exercise Referral Programme, the only recognised referral network

between health and leisure professionals in Ireland.

Training Course 2012

Venue: K Leisure, Naas

Application Deadline: Friday 16th December 2011 @ 5pm

Commitment: 5 weekends January to April, see application pack for details.

Application packs available from;

Lisa Negri, Training Coordinator

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

045 859950

• Applicants must hold a recognised gym instructor or personal training qualification as per the Register of Exercise Professionals, Ireland www.repsireland.ie.
• Graduates are fully supported by local and national HSE Health Promotion teams and become part of a professional network. All Local Coordinators have access to free national resources, online CPD, 2 CPD days per year, free professional advice and support, social marketing
• There are 40 course places available and competition for funded places. Please ensure you fully complete your application on time to give your self the best chance of being awarded a place.

Open afternoon for children and adults with disabilities! All Welcome!

dlr Leisure Services Meadowbrook, Saturday 3rd December 2011.

Events from 3.00pm to 5.00pm

Come along to dlr Leisure Services Meadowbrook on Saturday 3rd December for an action packed afternoon of activity. The Xcessible Leisure Centre Initiative aims to highlight how inclusive our leisure centres are and how good our staff is at adapting activities for people with disabilities. And, in DLR, we're doing just that on the afternoon of the 3rd!

Activities will include a swimming session, accessible gym sessions, inclusive basketball and tennis, boccia and fun & games!

Working in partnership with dlr Leisure Services, the Cara APA Centre, the Irish Sports Council, and volunteers, DLR Sports Partnership promises a fun day out!

So, bring your buddies, or a family member, your swimming gear and a swimming assistant, and come on down to dlr Leisure Services Meadowbrook on Saturday 3rd.

Pre-registration is not necessary, but if you can, let us know of your intention to come along by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 01 271 9506.

DÚN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

PREPARATION OF LOCAL AREA PLANS FOR

BLACKROCK   AND  DÚN LAOGHAIRE

Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Section 20 of the Planning and Development Act, 2010, (as amended), that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, being the Planning Authority for the County, intends to prepare a Local Area Plan for the following areas :

§                Blackrock

§                Dún Laoghaire.

The County Council hereby invites any interested parties or individuals to make suggestions or forward ideas before the preparation of the draft Local Area Plans.  Submissions may be made in writing during the public display period from Tuesday 15^th November 2011 to Thursday 22^nd December 2011. All submissions and observations should be marked for the attention of the Director of Planning, Planning Department, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, County Hall, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Submissions and observations may also be made by email to the following respective addresses: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and should state your name, address, and where relevant, the body represented.  All submissions and observations lodged within the above time period will be taken into consideration during the preparation of the Draft Blackrock and Dún Laoghaire Local Area Plans.

An 'Issues Paper' identifying the types of subjects that may be included in a Local Area Plan together with a map identifying the different Plan areas for the individual Local Area Plans to be prepared, may be inspected at the following locations:

• v Planning Department, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire (10.00a.m - 4.00p.m.)
• v Council Offices, Dundrum Office Park, Dundrum (9.30a.m.-12.30p.m. 1.30p.m. - 4.30p.m.)
• v All Branches of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Libraries during Library Opening Hours

Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) from Tuesday 15^th  November 2011 to Thursday 22^nd   December 2011 (inclusive).  The respective Issues Papers and maps may also be viewed on the County Council's website at www.dlrcoco.ie.

Public open days will be held in respect of each of the Plan areas during which representatives from the Council will be available to answer queries and accept submissions. These forums will be held on the following days:

For the Blackrock Local Area Plan:

Urban Junction Youth and Community Centre, Newtown Avenue, Blackrock (beside Town Hall)

§                Tuesday 22^nd  November 2011 between 2.00p.m. to 6.00p.m.  

§                Thursday 1^st December 2011 between 6.00p.m. - 8.00p.m.  

§                Thursday 8^th December 2011 between 6.00p.m. - 8.00p.m.

For the Dún Laoghaire Local Area Plan:

Concourse, Council Offices, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire

§                Thursday 24th  November 2011 between 2.00p.m. to 6.00p.m.  

§                Tuesday 29^th November  2011 between 6.00p.m. - 8.00p.m.  

§                Tuesday 6^th  December 2011 between 6.00p.m. - 8.00p.m.

All submissions and observations, in respect of the proposed Blackrock and Dún Laoghaire Local Area Plans, made in writing to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council within the above time period will be taken into consideration by the Council in deciding upon the Draft Local Area Plans.

Note:

• Children, or groups or associations representing the interests of children, are entitled to make submissions or observations.
• All submissions and observations should include your name and a contact address and where relevant, details of any organisation, community group or company etc., which you represent.
• Please make your submission by one medium only, i.e. hard copy or e-mail.

PLEASE NOTE:

YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO MAKE YOUR SUBMISSION AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS:  5.00pm on Thursday 22^nd December, 2011.

Top Soccer Coach to deliver Croke Park address

Ex Irish senior soccer manager Brian Kerr has been confirmed as a guest speaker at the upcoming Club Development Seminar in Croke Park this Saturday. Coming on the back of the national team's success in getting to the European Championships next year, Brian's thoughts are sure to be keenly anticipated.

Equally important however will be to hear of his background as a local club coach, how he made the transition to an international coach and what advice he can offer local clubs who are looking to maximise the value of their mentors and volunteers. Brian is best known for his experience as a soccer coach but with a father who was a boxing coach and a hockey player he has an in-depth knowledge of the issues facing many of the smaller sports.

The seminar will run from 9.30am to 1.00pm, with lunch, information materials, free parking and some great free draws provided. Details on the seminar content - budgeting and fundraising; planning & volunteer recruitment - is available at www.eventelephant.com/thefutureofyourclub. Bookings can be made by contacting South Dublin County Sports Partnership, Tel./Text 086 0441071 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and the cost is €20 per person.

Kickboxing Ireland, which is the National Governing Body for Kickboxing in Ireland, will be hosting the 2011 WAKO World Kickboxing Championships in Citywest Conference Centre, from 23rd to the 26th November 2011. This is the first time Ireland has hosted the World Championships and is the culmination of twenty years of development and work of the national governing body.

The event itself will attract 800 of the worlds top kickboxing Athletes from 38+ countries, with over 500 support staff and significant international media attention, that will converge on Ireland to attend this bi annual event.

One of the key principles behind the hosting of the championships is the positive development of public awareness of the sport in Ireland. To this endeavour they would like to formally invite you and your students/members to attend the championships free of charge as guest. They would like to point out that this offer is limited to 500 people each day and will be issued on a first come first served basis.

The schedule for the championships is below.

Wed 23rd November 11am - 6pm ( Inclusive of opening ceremony by Minister of Sport)

Thu 24th November 10am - 6pm

Fri 25th November 10am - 6pm

Sat 26th November 10am - 6pm

The championships itself will be opened on Wednesday 23rd November at 11am with Minister Michael Ring, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport. Who is officially opening the Championships.

Kickboxing Ireland is a National Governing Body of Sport under the auspices of Irish Martial Arts Commission and recognised by the Irish Sports Council as such. Kickboxing Ireland formally known as AKAI has been in existence since 1984 and represents over 10,000 members for all 32 counties. It is a constitutionally governed democratic body governing the sport of Kickboxing on the Island of Ireland.

Kickboxing Ireland continues to have a very high level of success on the world stage with a current ranking of 7th,in The Seniors and 6th in Juniors, a huge achievement for the overall organisation, its coaches, its members and the high performance development program which was initated a number of years ago.

If you would like to avail of this free offer, they ask that you send an e mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it on or before Tuesday 15th November or as soon as is possible, with the following information.

They have also set up a website with all the information about the championships at www.worldchampionships.ie

NEW MEMBERS, INCREASED PARTICIPATION & INTEGRATION

All Basketball Ireland registered clubs are invited to run a basketball jamboree in your club anytime during January 2012. Simply organise an event inviting local kids (open to 8-18 yrs old) to your club, teach them basic skills and let them know how they can become involved with Basketball.

This is a chance for your club to get increased profile in your community and you can use the Jamboree to recruit new members.

They will give you -

• €200 to defray your costs
• Skills materials
• Promotional posters for local shops and clubs

• Guidance to help with the organisation of the event.

 You need to do:

• Apply to hold an event by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• In the e-mail give a brief outline of the event you are proposing to run outlining how it will get new membership, increase participation and aid integration of minority communities.
• Nominate your contact person

They will contact you to confirm that your event has been approved and you get to work on the organisation.

For further information contact

Louise O'Loughlin

Senior Competitions Officer

www.basketballireland.ie

Phone: +353 (0)1 4590211