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Irish Blind Sports |
Thu 23 May 13
MayFest Feedback Survey - let us know what you think
This month’s MayFest is done and dusted but its legacy will live on.
To help us all move on and move up please see below for download a MayFest Feedback Survey. We urge you to please fill in the survey form (5 to 10 minutes will do it). From informal feedback over the MayFest weekend and from the feedback you provide on this form we will have a good idea how we can further develop sport for vision impaired in Ireland.
If you could return the feedback form to us, electronically or by standard mail, by end of May we will enter you in a draw! The prizes: those lovely MayFest t-shirts!!!!
Form available for download just below.
Photo: Ellie Geraghty and her new friends from Mount Anville Kate and Riana.
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Click here to download MayFest Feedback Survey >> |
Wed 22 May 13
OUR TRENDING STORIES!
Above photo Naidne Lattimore at the InterVarsities athletics meetin in Cork last weekend.
Our Top Stories…
Last chance to join Blindfold Golf Classic Click Here for Golf
Fill out our MayFest Survey here See this page, above.
What you said about MayFest Click Here for Our25th Newsamanda)
Join Tanya at Women’s Mini Marathon – see homepage below.
Spring into summer with a walk in Dundalk Click Here for Walking
Our transition to B1 football an article by Donnacha McCarthy and Kevin Kelly Click Here for Football
Vision Sports Ireland – soon to be our new name – see homepage below.
To find out the latest news on our core sports check out panels to right and left of this item. These links can be found on all pages on this website
You can also follow the links below:
Also, to the right and left here, and all pages on this site, you will find Latest News and Series Features, see below:
Click Here for Paralympics News
Click Here for Blind Dates – Significant Dates in our History (a new Series)
Click Here to GetNetted! – your comments and views
Includes the printable side of what you say about us.
Click Here for BackTrack – Where Are They Now?
Click Here for Partnership News (news fromm our sports partners throughout the coutnry)
Wed 22 May 13
YOUR DIARY DATES
2nd Annual Blindfold Golf Classic Friday 24th May, 10am to 2.30 pm, Hollywood Lakes Golf Club in Ballyboughal in Co. Dublin. 200 Euros for a team of four. Contact Clodagh at 01 7093050 or Peter at 086 8150145.
Sat 27 April 13
Robert Dobyn New Chairperson
Irish Blind Sports AGM
Hello Robert, thank you Michael,
At today’s Annual General Meeting of Irish Blind Sports Robert Dobyn was elected Chairperson to replace the outgoing Michael Clarke.
Robert, the bursar at Mount Anville Private School in Goatstown, South Dublin, joined the Board of Irish Blind Sports in 2010. He has served in roles including Company Secretary and Vice Chairperson. Robert has also served on the Irish Blind Sports Finance Committee.
Robert’s first experience with Irish Blind Sports was 8 years ago at the May Games. With wife Katie they organised the Games right up to 2010.
At today’s AGM Robert Dobyn defeated Tony Lyster in the election for Chairmanship. Tony was re-elected to the Board.
Tributes were paid to outgoing Chairperson Michael Clarke. Michael has been with Irish Blind Sports since day one. He has represented Ireland at three Paralympic Games and is a European bronze medal holder at the Marathon. Michael has served as Chairperson during two periods at Irish Blind Sports. He was also re-elected to the Board.
Sun 07 April 13
Join Tanya at Women's Mini Marathon
Why not join with Our Sports Development Officer, Tanya Scully, who will run this year’s Flora Women’s Mini Marathon? Tanya will be collecting sponsorship for Irish Blind Sports.
It’s 30 years now since the Mini Marathon – the largest women’s race in the world – began down at St. Stephen’s Green. Back then the vision impaired were represented by Imelda Egan and Mary Fahy. The top vision impared runner last year was our former Chairperson and NCBI stalwart Hilary Casey.
This year’s Mini Marathon will take place on the June Bank Holiday Monday (3rd). If you would like to join Tanya – and raise a few bob for us too – please ring her at 01 4547865 or email Tanya click here…
The above phot is of golden girl Tanya with double gold winning Michael McKillop.
Sat 30 March 13
MayFest to bring many more vision impaired people in Ireland into sport
Registration is now open for Irish Blind Sports MayFest, 11th and 12th May 2013, Dublin.
To celebrate its 25th Anniversary Irish Blind Sports is delighted to announce that registration is now open for MayFest 2013. The MayFest will be a carnival weekend of come and try, competition and demonstration sports, ideally suitable for people with vision impairment.
Irish Blind Sports Chairperson Michael Clarke says “During and after the London 2012 Paralympic Games we received a huge increase in enquiries seeking information on the most suitable sport and leisure activities for those with low or no vision. With phones hopping, and emails popping in rapidly, we felt we really should showcase the wide range of leisure activities open to people with vision impairment in Ireland.”
The big showcase will be the Irish Blind Sports MayFest which will run over two days on the weekend of 11th and 12th May next. Most events will be staged at the Aer Lingus Sports Complex (ALSAA) beside Dublin Airport. There will be 12 come and try and competition sports as follows: archery, athletics, football, indoor rowing, judo, SNAG golf, swimming, tai-Kwando, tandem cycling, tenpin bowling, walking and yoga. A further 5 demonstration sports are currently being added to the programmer.
Michael Clarke, Chairperson of Irish Blind Sports, believes that participation levels in sport among those with vision impairment here is below what it should be. “Our research shows, based on data from the Irish Sports Council and National Council for the Blind, that up to 7000 vision impaired people here could be actively involved in sport and leisure. However, the likely participation level is more like 4,500”, says Michael. “Hosting an event like our multi-sport MayFest should create awareness and help vision impaired not just find sports but, find sports which best suit their capabilities.”
The Irish Blind Sports MayFest 2013 programmer will also include a gala dinner event, to celebrate 25 years of Irish Blind Sports, the national governing body for sport for vision impaired in Ireland. In two and a half decade Irish Blind Sports members have won 6 Paralympic gold medals (Jason Smyth’s London 2012 double gold included) as well as world tandem cycle titles, European football titles and much more.
Entry forms and further information on MayFest 2013 can be downloaded from the Irish Blind Sports website www.ibsports.ie. Early registration is recommended as it is expected that demand for places in many sports will be quite high.
ENDS
For media queries contact –
Sarah McLoughlin, Irish Blind Sports Office Manager 0858500193
Joe Geraghty, Irish Blind Sports MayFest Co-Coordinator 0876181235
Wed 20 February 13
Thank You Pam
Office Manager Pam Robinson is leaving us
Our very popular Office Manager Pam Robinson is swopping her part-time job with us to take on a full time role in the healthcare sector.
“I have enjoyed my time with Irish Blind Sports but needed to find fulltime employment for the foreseeable future”, says Pam.
Pam joined us, on a part time basis, in May 2011, as we opened our new office in Dublin’s High St. opposite Christchurch Cathedral. This was a period of renaissance within the organisation and there was no better person than Pam to promote Irish Blind Sports.
With her vast experience of organisation, as a volunteer and employee, she quickly identified what needed to be done and did it!
Pam provided re-energisation: she chased members to sign up and get out and about; she organised Have a Go sports; she established our E-News regular newsletter and made it bright and breezy. Even as she prepares to leave she was providing vital support for our major MayFest event as well as doing the groundwork for our new website, to be launched later this year.
Whatever was happening within Irish Blind Sports over the last 21 months you could be sure Pam was in the thick of it.
Pam departs for her new fulltime career on Friday 22nd February. Our ever efficient Board Member, Sarah McLoughlin, will act as interim Office Manager, with effect from Monday 25th February.
“I would love to offer to stay involved with the activities,” says Pam “but think I will be a bit overwhelmed working full time (in my new job) and keeping up the home and other things I’m already involved wit
“I wish Irish Blind Sports all the very best.”
Pam, on behalf of all our members and friends, we thank you and wish you all the very best. We’ll miss you.
Tue 18 December 12
Follow Us On Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and through our new E-Newsletter
Follow Irish Blind Sports on Facebook …Click Here
See links to video calls with our Paralympic athletes.
Like Irish Blind Sports on Twitter … https://twitter.com/ and find ibsportsireland
Checkout our video on YouTube. In one moment in time you can find out all you ever wanted to know about Irish Blind Sports but you were afraid to ask … Click Here
To receive a copy of the latest Irish Blind Sports eZine contact Pam at Email: info@ibsports.ie, Tel 01 454 7865.
Pictured above at the FAI Football for All Ireland caps presentation: Rob Vaughn, Gerard Prendergast, Ray “he who put the ball in the England net” Houghton, Ian Mcgloughlin and Niall Durham
Sun 18 November 12
Say Hello to Vision Sports Ireland - our new name for a new year
EGM Report
Chairperson Michael Clarke welcomed us all to this Extraordinary General Meeting.
Item one was all about the game of the name. Carol Anne Casey outlined the four options and asked members to vote on the following names…
Vision Sports Ireland
Sports Vision Ireland
Vision Impaired Sports Ireland
Irish Blind Sports
And the winner was, after a tie, Vision Sports Ireland by a head. We can’t name that head.
The members then agreed to allow the Board find the appropriate logo. Eugene Delaney gave us a brief outline of his work to date on the grand plan.
Carol Anne Casey then outlined how it was proposed to sort out our Memo and Articles.
It really all came down to modernisation and inclusiveness. Examples included removing terms like “visually handicapped”, “blind” and other terms which are interpreted differently now to older days. Words like “he” now also include females while Braille has made a welcome return..
Membership rules have been simplified and arenow all inclusive.
Linked to our constitution are our policy documents. On anti doping Michael Clarke outlined background including announcing that Fintan O’Donnell is our new Anti Doping Officer.
Carol Anne emphasised our strict rules on Child Protection, Complaint Policy, Disciplinary
and Grievance guidelines.
The role of Executive Director was a Celtic Tiger dream which is now gone fron our rules.
Carol Anne, having completed her deliberations received a round of applause for her excellent work. Then our Chair Michael told us that Carol Anne, work completed, was leaving our Board but, would hang around to help where needed.
EGM done, down to the Palace for pints. Time to christen Vision Sports Ireland.
Thu 25 October 12
New Sports Contacts
Who To Contact for your Favourite Sport
ATHLETICS – outside Dublin – Trevor O’Connell ea. .oconnell@dtm.ie
ATHLETICS – Dublin area; Santry, Dublin, every Tuesday evening. Contact Ann Lyster 086 8094830.
FUTSAL – Indoor 5-a-side soccer for adults (League). Contact Robert Moore 087 9118632.
GOLF – Monthly meets and competitions: various locations. Contact Paul O’Rahilly 086 8460029.
JUDO – IBS will use the Judo Assist contact for possible Judo clubs nationwide: James Mulroy -Tel: 067 38951 / (+353) 67 38951 Mobile: 086 061 2544
SOCCER – Youth training squad in association with the FAI , Dublin and Cork. Contact Nick Harrison: nick.harrison@fai.ie 0860472051
SOCCER B1 (team and development) Warren McDonald: – Contact Warren on: 0858279920 or email: wmcdb1b2b3@yahoo.co.uk
SOCCER for Fun – adult recreational. Contact: Tony Lyster lyster.tony@gmail.com – 086 6019247
SWIMMING recreational – Dublin and Cork. Dublin: Belvedere College, Wednesday evenings. Contact Michael Lavin 01 8961000. Cork: Contact Derry Walsh 086 8103412.
SWIMMING competition – Contact Tanya Scully SDO at the office (as above) or Coach Frank Cullen 01 2350661
TANDEM CYCLING – Gerard Watchorn – email Gerard Here
TENPIN BOWLING – Bray Bowl every Thursday from 5pm.Contact IBS Office 01 4547865 or 085 8500193
Sun 13 May 12
Launch of IBS Strategic Plan 2012-2014
It's not all about the birdies and the bees!
Amid the chatter of all change there was even talk of birds and bees. Well, really golf birdies and a disabled rugby team called the Bumble Bees.
Last Wednesday, at high noon, at Dublin’s Temple Bar Hotel, Irish Blind Sports launched its brand new Three Year Plan.
Master of Ceremonies, and new IBS Board member, David McNamara did the intros. Chairman Michael Clarke teased us with a flavour of what’s coming down the track. Could we meet the challenge? Chairman Obama urged “Yes We Can!”
Gavin Whyte is the author of the Strategic Plan 2012-2014 – A Renewed Outlook. He reminded us of where he was this time last year. As a UCD student his project group had to embrace a charity and help them address challenges. They were first to have a choice and got their first choice: Irish Blind Sports.
That was then, this is now, he was delighted to have been asked to work on the new IBS Plan and outlined a very constructive, positive strategy to cover the next three years. Highlights include: significantly increase membership, volunteering and fundraising; improve liason with sports activities as well as a return to a May Games like event. Re-branding of Irish Blind Sports as a key early goal.
See link at end of this piece for full powerpoint presentation.
From goals to tries: former Irish triple crown hero Fergus Slattery regaled us with his visits to West Yorkshire to his friends Anthony and Peter Ray. When he visited them 31 years ago they were with the Bradford Rugby Club, which eventually became the Bradford and Bingley RFC (The B’s). Three years ago the B’s set up a team for the young disabled called the Bumble Bees. The Bumble B’s were the first such team of this kind to be set up in Britain. Since then a similar team was formed in Lllanethley while a new team is forming in Manchester. Fergus recalled that at a recent B’s dinner, where he was invited to speak, the greatest applause and reaction of the night was when the Bumble B’s received their awards.
Great Irish No. 7 Fergus Slattery noted that Irish Blind Sports had not, as yet, registered rugby as one of their sports but, we could be converted!
At the post launch reception we were delighted to meet Report Author Gavin Whyte whose anonymous email name we uncovered earlier this week but we’re not printing it here. Gavin was accompanied by his lovely mum. Gavin flew back to Madrid this afternoon and is soon heading to Buenos Aires for a summer internship. We also met Mairead Delaney from the IBS office. Mairead hopes to ultimately work in the social science area. Office Manager Pam Robinson, seemed to know everybody was was most helpful. Ireland’s busiest man, Paralympics CEO Liam Harbison was in great form and very helpful as ever. Liamachieved a new record today…. he didn’t tweet for one full hour! Of course we cannot forget the man for the birdies … that was Peter Gorey of the Irish Blind Golf Society, enthusiastic as ever.
Enhtusiasm is alive and well and living in Irish Blind Sports. This report will neve gather dust on a shelf, it will never get there!
Above pic: Gavin Whyte in presentation; courtessy Ann Lyster.
To view the IBS Strategic Plan 2012-2014 Click Here
For more photos from the day go to our Facebook page…Click Here
and don’t forget to LIKE US!
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Click here to download Strategic Launch Presentation >> |
Sat 21 April 12
Annual General Meeting Report
*Irish Blind Sports AGM* - Saturday 21st April, 2pm, Westmorland Suite (Ground Floor) Temple Bar Hotel, Dublin 2.
Outgoing Chairman Michael Clarke set the ball rolling shortly after 2 today. After a brief intro it was time for the largely new Board to say hello and provide a brief cv.
After the adoption of Minutes of last year’s AGM it was on to the Annual Report, see document download icon at end of this item.
Highlights of the Report, read by Office Administrator, Pam Robinson – who got a special round of applause for her work later in meeting – include big increase in sports activity, new office admin, new Board membership and the huge involvement of members in the London Paralympic Irish squad. We wish them all well.
A special expression of sympathy to the family of Shane Hall who died recently and was a very active Blind Sports member.
The Financial Report was read by Board member Sarah McLoughlin and duly adopted.
Board Members
the following Directors were ratified…
Sarah mcLoughlin, Carol Anne Casey, David McNamara, Roisin Dermody, Maria Watchorn, Joe Geraghty and Eugene Delaney.
Having competed their terms of office the following Board Members stepped down from Office: Michael Clarke, Fintan O’Donnell and Tony Lyster. Both Michael Clarke and Tony Lyster saught re-election and were duely elected. Fintan O’Donnell did not seek re-election. He will, however, retain a role as Advisor to board until year end 2012. Fintal will also become Irish Blidn Sports Anti-doping Officer from September 2012 (following the Paralympic Games).
So, the new Government is…
Michael Clarke, Chairman;
Robert Dobbyn, Vice Chairman/ Fundraising/head of finance sub-committee;
Eugene Delaney, Website development – advise and assist with P.R;
Roisin Dermody, Development of Volunteers, PR;– implementing volunteers policy.
Ann Lyster, Incoming Treasurer – sit on Finance sub committee;
Tony Lyster, Outgoing Treasurer / overseer of co-ordinators;
Sarah McLoughlin, Minutes Secretary / implementing IBS Strategic Plan 2012-2014
Joe Geraghty, P.R. / website;
Carol Ann Casey, Governance / Compliance;
David McNamara, Development and finance Sub Committee;
Maria Watchorn, Advocate for children and youth;
Coming towards 4.on this Saturday afternoon we called it a day.
A good day’s work, positive attendance, positive debate, positive future.
Membership
To join, or renew membership, of Irish Blind Sports clinc on the “Join Irish Blind Sports” button at top of this page for instant registration and payment.
NEW!!!! – PAY BY STANDING ORDER! – Standing order forms available from the office – this would cover your membership and give us your support annually without you having to remember.
NEW!!! – Associate / Friend of Irish Blind Sports Membership : – Ideal for family, friends and past participants who want to continue to support the work of Irish Blind Sports. Set up a Standing Order or pay on line.
Annual Fee: adult €10 Junior (under 18yrs) €5.
Above pic of Office Administrator Pam Robinson chatting to Irish Blind Golf Society Secretary Paul O’Rahilly. Pic coutessy of Ann Lyster
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Click here to download Annual Report 2012 >> |
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All blind and visually impaired people in Ireland will enjoy, and derive the health benefits from, regular participation in the sport and leisure activities of their choice. |
To enable blind and visually impaired people to participate fully in the sporting and recreational activities of their choice. |
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Wed 15 May 13
MayFest – What You Said!
It was a roller coaster weekend for sure. Once you got on board you just did not know when and
Sat 13 April 13
Paralympics Ireland advertise administrator post
Paralympics Ireland are seeking a full time administrator for its Dublin office. The job offer is based on a 12
Sat 27 April 13
Congrats Oisin and Pat on birth of new baby Pixie Bell
Congratulations to Oisin and Tara Jordan on the recent birth of their daughter Pixie Bell. Oisin is the National co-ordinator
Wed 22 May 13
Last chance to join 2nd Irish Blindfold Classic This Friday
It’s one of the great golf challenges of the year. It’s the 2nd Annual Blindfold Classic out at Hollywood Lakes
Wed 17 October 12
Judo Assist: Checkout this link
Checkout Judo Assist www.specialneedsjudo.com/ i
which lists all the inclusive clubs around the country. Ideal for parents or adults interested in
Thu 18 April 13
Get Netted - Have Your Say - Kelly Family Splash out, and Sing Out
The Kelly Family – who will be our guest performers at our MayFest Gala Dinner – are among our most
Tue 15 January 13
Swimming Classes for developing and emerging talent begin this Friday
Friday evening swimming sessions at Belvedere (8-9pm) return this week.
The sessions are aimed at developing and emerging talent. training cost
Fri 15 March 13
Tandems to fore at Ballaghadarree ParaCycling Race
Ballaghaderreen Cycling Club hosts a brilliant start to the 2013 Invacare Paracycling Time Trial League.
We were delighted to see some
Mon 08 April 13
Spring into Summer with the Walk in Dundalk
Pat Kelly and Maureen Madden have posted the following:
Some more details on our walking weekend, hope your all out
Irish Blind Sports, 1 Christchurch Hall, High Street, Dublin 8 | info@ibsports.ie |
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