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American Football club needs you
Wanted: Secretary and Treasurer for the "Erris Rams" American Football Club 2009 Season
Club Secretary: The Rams need an individual that has good communication skills to become the club secretary for 2009. Duties will include keeping records ,calling meetings, and communicating with the board members of the I.A.F.L. and members and staff of the club internally. The secretary must be willing to travel to Dublin for a meeting once or twice annually if necessary.
Club Treasurer: Keep and report all financial records of the club. Be willing to attend meetings within the club and possibly attend meetings in Dublin with the I.A.F.L. once or twice annually if necessary.
Contact Michael Kelly 086 2631857, email: errisrams@gmail.com, website: www.errisrams.com
Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:46:00 GMTBe Active 55 Project Phase 2
Are you aged 55+ and looking for something to do in your area?
Do you want to feel fitter, have fun, have more energy and meet new people?
If you do why not get involved in
“The Be Active 55 Project”
A project designed specially for you in participating Leisure Centres throughout Mayo.
Commencing week beginning Monday 3rd November at the centres below
What is the project about?
Last spring Mayo Sports Partnership, H.S.E. West, Go for Life and Westport / Mullranny Leisure Centres joined forces in an exciting new initiative to get over 55s more active, more often. The aim of the initiative was to increase the usage of leisure facilities by people over 55 through a co-ordinated programme of activities at off peak times. As a result of the tremendous success of the initiative centres throughout Mayo have put together a programme of activities at a reduced cost especially for people in this age category. Recently the healthcare company Seven Seas have become one of our partners in the Be Active 55 initiative.
Participants can ‘come and try’ activities such as mobilisers, fun fit, social activities, movement for life, balance games, exercise to music and much more. You will meet new people, have a bit of craic, take some exercise and have a chat with a cuppa afterwards . It’s a win, win, win situation all round.
Why should people aged 55+ be more physically active?
We know that being physically active……
Improves your mental health, reduces stress and anxietyHelps reduce loneliness and isolation and is a great way of meeting new peopleCan prevent falls and reduce the risk of osteoporosisReduces your blood pressure, cholesterol, risk of strokes and heart diseaseIncreases your mobility and helps you maintain your independence for much longerHow much physical activity is enough?
Increasing your physical activity even by a small amount will give you health benefits but if you want to get the most benefit you need to be active for 30 minutes a day 5 days a week.
Are Irish adults active enough?
Only 15% of people aged 55+ do enough physical activity. 58% are sedentary which means they are not healthily physically active.
How can I get involved?
By contacting any of the participating leisure centres at the contact numbers below quoting the “Be Active 55” slogan. The project will begin on the week beginning Monday 3rd November at the times below with a come and try it week. A timetabled programme of activities will then take place over the following 6 weeks up until Christmas. Why not give it a go!
Is there any cost?
The aim of the initiative is to encourage older people to take part in physical activity through existing facilities. Each centre has their own individual pricing structure and each class will cost no more than €5 - €6. This price also covers a cup of tea for participants in most centres. Participants may then wish to discuss the possibility of joining the centre on a longer term basis with the leisure centre staff.
Participating Centres
Contact the centre you wish to attend to find out further information on activities.
Ballina Area
Ramada Hotel Tranquillity Leisure Yvonne or Jackie Phone: 096 23601
Castlebar Area
Castle Leisure Club Helen / Neville Phone: 094 9026749
Claremorris / Ballinrobe Area
McWilliam Park Hotel Leisure Centre Fallon Phone: 094 9373333
Erris Area
Broadhaven Bay Hotel Bernie Phone: 097 20600
St Brendans Hall Aughleam Bernie Phone: 086 3904370
Foxford / Swinford Area
Foxford Sport & Leisure Centre Michael Quinn-Bailie Phone: 086 8415305
Mulranny/Achill Area
Park Inn Hotel Leisure Centre Mulranny Phone: Adrian 098 36709
Westport Area
Westport Leisure Park Siobhan or Barry Phone: 098 29160
The C Club Castlecourt Hotel Maria Phone: 098 55000
Ocean Spirit Leisure Centre Hotel Westport Denise/Mary Jo Phone: 098 50006
To find out more about the Project
You can contact the Health Promotion Services of the HSE at 094 9042589 or Mayo Sports Partnership at 094-9047025.
Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:06:00 BST
5km Walk-Run in Balla on Sunday Oct 26th
Do you want something to do for all the family this Sunday October 26th?
Why not take part in a fun walk/run in Balla. Registration is from 2pm at the GAA club. The Walk/Run is Starting at 3pm at the GAA club. This is an opportunity to get a bit of exercise, meet others and for everyone in the family to take part, young and not so young alike. You can walk, walk with a buggy, jog, or run. This event is open to people of all abilities.
The Mayo Sports Partnership in association with Mayo Athletic Club is hosting this 5km fun Walk/Run. All proceeds go to Balla Bórd na nÓg.So why not come along and join us this Sunday.There will be plenty of prizes, t-shirts for everyone who takes part and lots of refreshments when you have finished.
or contact Anne Ronayne at 094-9047022
or Brendan Conwell on 087-2941227
Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:44:00 BSTTeam Challenge08
Third Year of the Successful Team Challenge Event
Takes place on 4thOct in Belmullet
Details have just been announced of the 2008 Mayo News / Mayo Sports Partnership team challenge taking place as part of a weekend Festival of Sport / Physical Activity in Belmullet on Saturday 4th October 2008. The hugely successful event which took place in Westport over the last two years as part of the Gaelforce Festival is now been brought to other areas of the county. The organisers Mayo Sports Partnership Co-ordinator Charlie Lambert, G.M.I.T. Lecturer in Outdoor Education Kevin O Callaghan and Director of Achill Outdoor Adventure Centre Tim Daly promise a challenging event full of fun and intrigue for all.
Teams of 6 will compete in a fun adventure challenge. Last year 15 teams competed and organisers are hoping to double the numbers this year. The event is open to anyone over 18 and there must be a least two male and two females amongst the team of six. Entries will be accepted from teams throughout the county and is not just confined to the Erris area.
Each team will be set a series of mental and physical challenges throughout which will earn points. At the end of these challenges they use all points earned to purchase equipment to complete a final task. Last year the teams had to construct a raft this year the organisers promise a different type of challenge. The first team to cross the finish line after completing the finale will be crowned winners.
Last year teams from sporting and social organisations, family teams and company teams participated and what provided fantastic entertainment for all who were there on the day. A prize fund of €500 worth of Sports Equipment Vouchers for a Club / Community Organisation of the winners choice will be available on the day.
The challenge takes place at 3pm on Saturday 4th October commencing in Belmullet Town Centre. To enter your team for the event by downloading an application form from the Courses and Events (Events Calendar) section.
An Information night will take place in the Broadhaven Bay Hotel at 8pm on Mon 8th Sept, Everyone is welcome.
Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:23:00 BST
NEW Sports Stadium Stewarding FETAC course
Mayo Sports Partnership, in association with the Mayo VEC Adult Education Service, propose to hold a Course on Sports Stadium Stewarding. The Course will cover all aspects of Stewarding at Sports events, including General responsibilities, Safety, Emergency awareness, Communications, Response to incidents, Planning, etc. The Course will be made available to all Sports Bodies in the County and will also be open to any individuals wishing to take part.
“ With more and more clubs / organisations holding events sporting or otherwise in their facilities it is vital that they are aware of the issues and obligations they are required to meet. This course, as like others the Sports Partnership offer, seeks to support all sports organisations in their endeavours towards providing quality sporting opportunities for all” stated Pat Stanton Chair of the Mayo Sports Partnership and Adult Education Officer for Mayo VEC.
It is proposed to hold the initial modules of the course over the October to December period, with the final module in the Spring of 2009.The Course will be FETAC accredited and will be at Level 5 Standard. It will be presented by a VEC Tutor, and will be submitted for accreditation through the VEC. The initial Course Presentation will take place on Friday 17th October (5.30 – 10pm) and Saturday 18th October (9am – 5pm). A final session will take place on Saturday 14th March 2009 (10am – 2pm). Further dates will be made available in accordance with demand.
An information night will take place on Monday the 22nd September 2008 in the Mayo Education Centre ( At rear of the GMIT ), Old Westport Rd, Castlebar at 8pm. So why not come along and see if this course is for you...
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:55:00 BST
Updated Info on Grant Schemes
The Partnership have just been notified of a number of grant schemes, which groups may like to apply for.
Financial Supports for Community & Voluntary Groups 2008
St Stephen's Green Trust grants scheme 2008
Community Participation in Primary Health Care Funding Initiative
The Community Foundation for Ireland's Small Grants Scheme (2008)
See our Grant Information section for further details.
Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:11:00 BSTLimited Places still available for Sports Partnership Summer Course
Teachers Summer Course
Are you a Primary School teacher looking to build a fun and inclusive P.E. programme in your school? Mayo Sports Partnership in association with Mayo Education Centre have limited places available for a week long summer course from Monday 18th till Friday 22nd August in the Lakeside Sports Centre in Ballinrobe. The course will run from 9.30am to 2pm each day and will incorporate activities such as Inclusive Games for People with a Disability, Athletics, Buntús Generic and Soccer Refresher Games, Volleyball, Fun Rugby etc.
All activities will be conducted by qualified sports development officers and the course will be certified by the Sports Partnership. The fee for the week long course is €30 and is recognised by the Department of Education. If you are interested in booking a place for this course please contact the Sports Partnership on 094-9047025 or by email msp@mayococo.ie
Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:14:00 BSTGo For Life Funding Launched
GRANTS FOR SPORT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR OLDER PEOPLE Go for Life the National Programme for Sport and Physical Activity for Older People is pleased to announce that €350,000 has been allocated under the eighth National Grant Scheme for Sport and Physical Activity for Older People. The Scheme promotes opportunities for older people to participate in sport and physical activity. Since 2001, over 3,500 grants totalling in excess of €2 million have been distributed to clubs and organisations to enable their older members to become more involved in sport and physical activity. Go for Life is an Age & Opportunity initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council.
Speaking at the allocation of the grants last year, the late Séamus Brennan TD, and then Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism said, “Our older people have contributed enormously to the building of modern 21st century Ireland. We must continue to recognise and reward that contribution by ensuring our older people are given every opportunity to remain active in their community and sport has a pivotal role in achieving this. These grants allow older people to decide for themselves how they choose to be more active and they are making a huge contribution to improving the physical, social and psychological well-being of those getting on in age.” Any local group seeking to provide increased opportunities for older people to participate in sport and physical activity may apply for a grant. Grants range from €500 - €3,000 and are typically used by groups to purchase equipment or so that members may explore a new sporting activity. Last year 627 groups nationwide shared just under €350,000 as part of the seventh phase of the scheme. Successful applicants included active retirement associations, senior citizens clubs, ICA guilds, sports clubs, day centres and community centres in 26 counties. The eighth grant scheme is launched at a time when a recent report by IPSOS MORI that was commissioned by Go for Life and the Irish Sports Council has found that 58% of older adults lead sedentary lifestyles. The Go for Life programme aims to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity as we age and to create opportunities for older people to engage in a wide range of physical activity and recreational sport in local, safe and sociable environments.
The Go for Life Programme was developed by Age & Opportunity and the Irish Sports Council and is overseen by a Steering Committee that also includes representatives of Active Retirement Ireland, the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and the National Council on Ageing and Older People. The National Grant Scheme is a central element of the Go for Life Programme which also provides workshops for members of community groups around the country to give them information and skills which enable them to lead sport and physical activity sessions within their groups. Application Forms are now available from Go for Life c/o Age & Opportunity Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9. Phone 01 805 7733 or email gfl@mie.ie
Details and Application Forms are also available from Age & Opportunity at www.olderinireland.ie
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Wednesday, 22nd October, 2008. Note for Editors: Go for Life is the National Programme for Sport and Physical Activity for Older People. The programme aims to get more older people more active more often. Go for Life aims to challenge stereotypical notions about sedentary lifestyles for older people. Some Physical Activity Facts: The benefits of physical activity can be enjoyed even if regular practice starts late in life. For people of all ages, physical activity improves quality of life in many ways: • it can help relieve the disability and pain associated with common diseases among older people (like cardiovascular disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, and hypertension.) • it can also contribute greatly to the management of some mental disorders such as depression. • it improves self-confidence and self-sufficiency—qualities that are the foundation of psychological well-being. World Health Organization, Extract from Factsheet: Physical Activity and older people
Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:12:00 BST
Latest Newsletter now available
Our latest newsletter is now available to for viewing , information on upcoming events and news from projects run over the first half of the year is just some of the interesting information contained in this addition, you may download it from out website in the Mayo Sports Partnership's Newsletters section in our publications section. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:15:00 BSTMayo gets Moving in June
Mayo in Motion Walking Initiative June 2008
Download a list of the scheduled walks for June here:
Mayo Sports Partnership was established in 2004 with the brief of increasing participation in sport and recreational activity. It is also a member of the Walking Partnership group which was established under the wing of the County Development Board to co-ordinate the development of walking in Mayo. Last year the Partnership in association with the Mayo County Development Board facilitated an initiative to promote walking locally, as an enjoyable way towards a healthy and active lifestyle. Twenty communities participated in the project which proved to be an outstanding success for people of all ages participating. The initiative involved the training of local people, in one of the communities, to organize and lead walks which will encompass the family, a stroller or a fitness walker with the emphasis on participation for all. In 2007 the Achill area participated in training while in 2008 the Cosgallen area in east Mayo have taken it up. This project has the backing of the Irish Sports Council and is part funded under the councils “Women in Sport” grant aid.
Following on from last years successful Mayo in Motion Walking Month the Sports Partnership is aiming to promote walking during the month of June throughout the county again this year. Communities and indeed workplaces are invited to schedule walks in their locality which will then be advertised by the Mayo Sports Partnership. The aim is to get as many communities / groups as possible involved.
With the launch of Mayo County Development Boards Walking strategy, the appointment of Anna Connor as Walking Officer and the development of a number of looped walks and Slí na Slainte routes in Mayo there is increased awareness of the health and social benefits of walking from a local perspective as well as from a tourists.
Speaking about the initiative Charlie Lambert Sports Co-ordinator of the Mayo Sports Partnership stated “ We had over 800 people walking during the month of June in 20 communities last year so this year we are inviting more communities / groups and workplaces to join our initiative. All that’s involved is to organise at least one walk during the month in their locality. It can be anything from a casual stroll to a more challenging event it all depends on who you want to include”.
Tue, 27 May 2008 09:47:00 BSTTable Tennis In Mayo
Monday 30th June saw the formal launch of Mayo Association of Table Tennis (or M.A.T.T.)
They have already established the Mayo Academy of Table Tennis, which will take the best of the club players and give them extra training, with top coach Eamon Nealon who has successfully produced national school girl champions. On Board they have also Kevin Devaney who is a coach to the Special Olympic table tennis team.
They will also encourage and assist schools to introduce table tennis, which is a sport that everyone can play, giving all the opportunity to participate in sport. They have planned a number of tournaments throughout the coming season. Along with a fundraising Table Tennis-athon and awareness event with displays and videos of matches to be held at Kilmovee Community Centre, which will launch the association and assist both Kilmovee Table Tennis Club and the Association with much needed funds. More information can be obtained through the Association contacts.
Rupert Davis-Chairperson can be contacted by email: r.d2208@gmail.com or phone: 087 9588357 or the Association secretary Eddie Ditchburn on editchbu@eircom.net or phone 087 9683308.
M.A.T.T will be involved with:
· Club development
· Table Tennis in schools
· Coach development
· Improving and finding suitable facilities
· Encouraging and recruiting volunteers
· Setting up competitions (Junior inter-school tournaments and leagues)
· Skills Awards
· Equality for all
· Promotion and publicity (posters and leaflets)
· Lobbying (stating the case for recognition and investment in Table Tennis)
. Funding
Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:35:00 BST
Community Sports Project Worker Appointed
New Community Sports Development Project Worker appointed
Irishtown native Anne Ronayne has been appointed to the role of Community Sports Development Project Worker with Mayo Sports Partnership. The post which has been funded by partner agencies such as the V.E.C. , HSE , Udaras na Gaeltachta and the Irish Sports Council will run initially for a one year term with the hope that it will continue to be funded based on positive outcomes.
Anne has worked for several years as a tutor/facilitator with the sports partnership and the Irish Sports Council delivering courses in Code of Ethics, Buntus generic and Buntus Start.
The project ‘ Building Communities through sport and recreation’ part of the strategic plan of Mayo Sports Partnership means that her new role will be developing, delivering and monitoring community sports and recreational programmes in specifically identified communities in County Mayo as well as supporting the ongoing work of Mayo Sports Partnership.
Anne aims to work with these communities identifying local sports and recreational needs. This will include facilitating community consultations, assistance in the development of clubs through training initiatives, promoting active and healthy lifestyles by targeting specific groups including older adults, people with a disability, ethnic minorities, youth, women and girls.
If you would like to make contact with Anne or to be included in her contact list please contact her at 094-9047022 or email aronayne@mayococo.ie
Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:36:00 BST
Interested in Volleyball?
Would you be interested in getting involved in Volleyball?
Recreational volleyball will now be available in the Castlebar area. Every Thursday commencing Thursday 31st January, in partnership with GMIT, Volleyball will be available from 7pm – 8pm in St Marys Hall, GMIT ( Beside Mayo General Hospital ), Old Westport Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
Anyone who has an interest in Volleyball is welcome to attend, there is no initial cost to the participant, it is requested that you come suitably attired ie Tracksuit, runners etc. This initiative which is part of a joint project between Mayo Sports Partnership and the Volleyball Association of Ireland aims to promote the game of volleyball in the county and target foreign nationals for inclusion through sport in Irish society. It is also hoped in the very near future to have volleyball available in the Foxford Sports and Leisure Complex and also in Kiltimagh. An introduction to volleyball coaching course took place in Castlebar recently. 14 Coaches were brought through their paces by the Volleyball Association of Ireland Tutors. It is hoped that this knowledge will be brought back to the local areas and built upon.
For further details about Volleyball opportunities in these areas please contact Michael Quinn-Baille-Foxford Sports Complex 086 841 5305 or Ann Marie Carroll Kiltimagh IRD 094 9381494, or contact us.
Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:11:00 GMT2008 Sports Capital Grant Scheme launched
Sports Capital Grant Scheme 2008
The 2008 Sports Capital Grant Scheme has been launched, close date is 29th Feb 08.
Check out the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism website for further information and application; www.dast.gov.ie or the following direct link: www.dast.gov.ie/sport/ .
Please note any requests for Letters of Support must be made in writing to Charlie Lambert, Mayo Sports Partnership, Mayo County Council, Co.Mayo or email them to msp@mayococo.ie
Sun, 13 Jan 2008 09:00:00 GMTPreparing for Success in Sport
Want to improve performance in your sport, learn more about sports psychology and sports nutrition?
Then this seminar may be for you. Following on from the inaugural and successful seminar of Preparing for Success in sport held last year. The Sports Injures and Sports Medicine Clinic (SISM) Castlebar and the Mayo Sports Partnership are proud to present Planning for Success in Sport 2 to be held on Saturday 1st March. The seminar is to focus on the area of performance enhancement, sports psychology and sports nutrition. It is a presentation and workshop styled seminar presenting the coach/ sports enthusiast with both theoretical and practical information for implementation on the field and in preparation for competition. It will provide practical and theoretical information on speed, strength and power development, psychological strategies and advice on nutrition supplements currently available to sports people.
The seminar includes a number of practical demonstrations and workshops in Speed, strength and power training and psychology These are presented by professionals with experience of working with Chelsea, Roma, Toulouse, Sale Sharks, Wales RFU, Irish Olympic team and nutrition experts from Sports Nutrition Ireland and Juice Plus.
All in all it promises to be an insightful conference into the successful preparation of sportspeople at the highest level. The event is aimed at coaches, sports leaders, managers, teachers and players from all sports. Like last year a subsidized fee of €40 for the full event will apply which will include lunch.. You may get further information and download an application from Courses and Events (Events Calendar) section
Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:08:00 GMT