Digest/SPORTS INSTITUTE:The Irish Institute of Sport was further expanded yesterday with the appointment of Phil Moore as director of athlete services, writes Ian O'Riordan.
One of four key appointments within the Institute, Moore will be responsible for delivering lifestyle support services to the elite Irish athletes, including the balance between training and education and career development, in addition to family life.
Seán Kelly, who last August was named as executive chairman of the Institute, introduced Moore in Dublin yesterday, emphasising his role within all governing bodies of sport, employers and educational institutions in developing a flexible support culture that accommodates the particular needs of elite athletes.
"We appreciate that we have a particular duty of care to young people who come under the auspices of the institute," said Kelly. "Representing Ireland is about fulfilling talent and not losing other opportunities. This applies across the sporting spectrum and Phil will work with all sports, including the FAI, GAA and IRFU, to ensure consistency of approach to athlete support in all agencies."
Moore, already established as one of Britain's leading practitioners in the area of elite athlete support, joins Kelly and Greg Whyte, the director of sports science, with the imminent announcement of the director of sport medicine to complete the main four.
Seminar calls for curb on clubs selling lands
SEMINAR:Complemented by a collection of international experts, a two-day seminar focusing on the national sports facility strategy called for government legislation to hinder sports clubs from selling land to property developers and relocating outside town centres, writes Gavin Cummiskey. Such a law already exists in Britain.
According to Gar Holohan, chairman of the Holohan Leisure group - who were appointed to develop the government's sports facility strategy - the impact of this practice will hinder the progression of Irish sport.
"The legislation in place in the UK ensures an alternative space must be available within the locality before a sports club sells off its land.
"This is becoming a serious problem in urban areas like Drogheda where the rugby and soccer clubs have already sold their land.
"Where clubs and sports facilities are located is hugely important when it comes to promoting participation in sport. Children who have to walk miles to a facility or who have to rely on parents to transport them there may opt out of playing sport.
"Similarly, volunteer coaches, who are a great asset to clubs, may not be willing to travel or may not have the means to travel to facilities if they are located too far outside of towns."
The 'Vision for Sport in Ireland 2012' seminar, which takes places at Killashee House Hotel in Naas, Co Kildare, continues today.
Simmons names squad
CRICKET:Ireland have announced a 13-man squad for the InterContinental Cup final with Canada, which gets under way at Grace Road, Leicester, on May 22nd. The defending champions, who defeated Kenya in Windhoek in 2005, were unable to secure the release of Boyd Rankin or Niall O'Brien from their respective counties, but Middlesex have allowed Eoin Morgan to play. Andre Botha misses out due to a finger injury.
Ireland coach Phil Simmons said: "The team played exceptionally well to defeat UAE so comprehensively, and I'll be looking for a similar performance. It's unfortunate we haven't got either Boyd or Niall, but we have got a lot of talent and experience in the squad."
