Irish Deaf Sports Association

Ireland Deaf in Unlucky Russian Defeat
29th June 2011

Ireland 0 – 1 Russia

The Ireland Deaf Men's Football team impressed in their opening European Deaf Football Championship group match in Denmark, going down to a 1-0 last minute penalty defeat against pre-tournament favourites Russia. This was a game the Irish lads dominated for long periods playing some excellent football but luck deserted them at crucial stages.

The Irish started brightly with Andrew Wynne seeing two early shots blocked and Eoin Burns driving wide from the edge of the box after a good team build up. Ireland suffered a blow losing the experienced Dougherty to injury after 15 minute, although replacement Bobby McAra had a rock solid game at right back throughout. came more into the game in the latter stages of the first half but expert defending from Roy McKee, Noel O'Donnell and Stuart Foy restricted them to long range efforts. Indeed for Foy, Ireland's most capped player with 82 appearances today's occasion saw him break yet another record, becoming the eldest person in history to wear the Ireland Deaf International Jersey. Foy's performance throughout the 90 minutes was simply inspirational.

Ireland almost took the lead on the stroke of half time, a great ball from Sean Young put Mark Sinclair clean through with only a last ditch tackle blocking the wingers shot at the expense of a corner. They went close again from this set-piece, Young's well struck shot forcing a great save from the Russian keeper. The half ended 0-0 and it was Russia who threatened briefly on the restart but Keeper' Mike Walsh dealt well with the danger. The period from the 50th minute to the 80th saw a great spell of pressure from the Irish. They tackled like men possessed and pinned Russia back inside their own half. Darren Dunne was outstanding controlling the midfield battle with Joe Watson playing well and driving his team forward with a succession of pinpoint passes. Half-time substitute Brian Babb was excellent, his pace constantly troubling the Russian defence. Burns played intelligently on the left flank nullifying the Russian widemen as Ireland dominated. Babb made an excellent run in the 55th minute shooting agonisingly just past the post with Young having a close range goal-bound shot blocked 5 minutes later. Wynne went even closer from a 20 yard free-kick that flicked the wrong side of the post and further shots from Watson, Babb and Young just missed the target as the Russian goal led a charmed life. From a rare Russian counter-attack in the 80th minute Irish keeper Walsh made a fabulous one-handed save to keep the scores level. As the game entered its final minutes Ireland poured forward and Watson connected perfectly with a half volley from the edge of the box which the Russian keeper managed to parry. Centimetres to either side or the ball would have rocketed into the net. With Russia seemingly content with a draw a hopeful punt forward into the Irish box in the final minute saw the Russian centre forward take a tumble and to Ireland's dismay the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Russian converted and the final whistle sounded giving Russia an undeserved 1-0 victory.

Irish Manager Rino Giglione said he was pleased with the display if not the result. 'We can take many positives from the game and build from this, the mood in the camp is upbeat, we played very well and now we know we have nothing to fear against the best sides in this tournament. We are fully now fully focused on Thursday's match against Belgium and 3 points will put us right back in the reckoning'.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Ireland Deaf Football Heading to Denmark
25th June 2011

Ireland Deaf Football Team left Dublin airport this morning for the 7th European Deaf Football Championship in Denmark. The team trained so hard for the last 6 months and they are in good preperation for the Championship.

They will play Russia in their 1st game on next Tuesday at 3pm (Irish Time). IDSA will have live action on IDSA Facebook for the support. If you do not have like page on your Facebook, click "Like" before you will be able to watch live action; www.facebook.com/irishdeafsports

If you would like to leave message for the team, you can email IDSA, irishdeafsports@gmail.com, and we will added your comments here. Also, you can make comments on their facebook, www.facebook.com/irishdeafmenfootball

Ireland Deaf Football Team at the Airport (photos by Paul Ryder)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Invitation to an Opening Meeting of the Deaf Community: Deaf Village
25th June 2011

Invitation to an Open Meeting of the Deaf Community and Deaf Organisations regarding the development of the National Deaf Village / Centre Project on Saturday 2nd of July in St. Vincent’s Centre beginning at 8.15pm

Dear all,

As you may be aware the construction of the National Deaf Village/ Centre Project is now underway. The developer Sisk is on site with a scheduled finish date of August 2012. This is a good time therefore to show the final plans and to agree with the Deaf community the process for the next stage of consultation around layouts, colours, gardens etc.

Most of the Deaf organisations have been participating in a Committee – the Management Company Committee. The Committee has been designing the Company which will govern and manage the Village when it is built. The Committee held a meeting with the Deaf community in June of last year to consult on the initial ideas about the Management Company. Now the Committee has designed the Memorandum and Articles of the Company i.e. What the Company will do and how it will manage itself and who will be on the Board of the Company. This detailed document is a legal one which is required when you set up a Company. The Committee has also produced (via IDS) an ISL video explaining this legal document (Memorandum and Articles of Association) will be sent to you next week and should be shared with all your members. This video will be shown and discussed at the meeting.

Finally the meeting will discuss the name of the Village – the Management Company Committee asked a Public Relations expert to offer some initial ideas on the name and the logo; these will be discussed at the meeting. Currently the name on all the documents is the National Deaf Centre / Village but this is temporary until the Deaf community have decided what name is best.

Tea and coffee will be available from 7.30pm on Saturday the 2nd of July.

Looking forward to seeing you all at the meeting.

Yours sincerely

Liam O’Dwyer CEO of CIDP on behalf of the Management Company Committee

Read More:

Memorandum and Articles of Association 23rd May Final Version 2011.doc
Poster for Open Meeting all Deaf orgs and community 2nd of July 2011.doc
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Interested in learning Tennis from a Deaf Professional Coach?
25th June 2011

Anyone interested in learning Tennis from a Deaf Professional Coach?

Anthony Sinclair will be in Derry on Saturday 3rd July 2011.

Check out poster attached
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Job Vacancy at CARA APA Centre, Tralee, Co. Kerry
25th June 2011

The CARA National APA Centre ( www.caraapacentre.ie) wish to recruit a Co-ordinator to plan for, manage, execute and evaluate the EUCAPA Conference.

Read more:
Coordinator Job Specification.pdf
Coordinator Application Form.doc
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ulster Deaf Sports Council's First Ever Golf (Netts)Championship
25th June 2011

UDSC is organising the UDSC's first ever Golf (Netts) 9 holes Championship which will be held at Ormeau Golf Club, 50 Park Rd,Belfast BT7 2 FX on Sunday 3rd July.

The tee off will be at 2pm. The Greens fee is £15.

We hope there will have two competitions for men and women.

Please let me know if you're interesting to take a part in this new Championship as the limit of numbers is 20 players, by email: eamber.mccaffrey@ntlworld.com

Eamon McCaffrey
UDSC Golf Organiser
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NUI Galway Sports Scholarship Scheme
25th June 2011

Final Call for Applications for the NUI Galway Sports Scholarship Scheme

The deadline for students interested in taking part in NUI Galway’s Sports Scholarships Scheme for 2011/12 is Sunday, 31 July, 2011. NUI Galway has a long tradition of excellence in sport and this has been enhanced by the recent success in Rowing, Hurling, Basketball, Soccer and Rugby as well as numerous individual achievements.

The Scholarship Programme is aimed at student-athletes of outstanding calibre who register as students of the University. In the current academic year, student athletes at NUI Galway received significant financial and professional support services. The scholarships aim to help aspiring young sportspeople to continue to develop their sporting prowess. Through the Sports Scholarship Scheme, more than 50 students were supported in sports such as Athletics, Basketball, Gaelic Football and Hurling, Cycling, Rowing, Rugby, Soccer, Swimming and Tennis. Outstanding sportspeople from all sports are considered.

Applicants for Sports Scholarships must satisfy the academic criteria for entry to NUI Galway and must have applied to the CAO in the usual manner.

Elite Sports Development Officer at NUI Galway, Gary Ryan says, “The Sports Scholarship at NUI Galway is aimed at helping our athletes improve at their sport while they are succeeding academically at University, it is not just a reward for what you have achieved in the past, it is an award to help you succeed in the future.”

A former Irish Olympian and record-breaking sprinter, Gary Ryan sees a bright future for the NUI Galway Sports Scholarships, “Our efforts in developing a high performance sports environment in NUI Galway have already shown significant success with a large number of our Sports Scholarship students representing national teams and the success of our Hurling, Basketball, Soccer and Rugby teams amongst others in the past year. All of these achievements have been secured by students who are also receiving a world class education, and being supported by the scheme to meet the challenges of these dual goals.”

For the Scholarships, students who meet the University’s entry requirements will be selected on merit by an independent panel. In addition to the Scholarship, students will receive specialist support including physiotherapy, treatment of injury, fitness training, coaching and support for travel to national and international competitions.

More details on the Sports Scholarship Scheme at http://www.nuigalway.ie/sports/scholarships_info.html or by calling the Sport and Recreation Unit at NUI Galway on 091 493482. All applications must be submitted online at http://www.sports.nuigalway.ie/scholarshipform.html

NUI Galway is one of Ireland’s foremost centres of academic excellence. Over 17,000 students undertake an extensive range of degrees and diplomas at the University, which is renowned for the quality of its graduates.
NUI Galway is a research-led University with internationally recognised expertise in areas including Biomedical Science and Engineering, Web Science, Human Rights, Marine Science, Energy and Environmental Science, Applied Social Sciences and Public Policy, and Humanities, in particular literature, theatre and Irish Studies.

For more information visit www.nuigalway.ie.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ulster Deaf Golf Society 1st Team Matchplay Championship (2011) Results
25th June 2011

The final day of the UDGS 1st Team Matchplay Competition took place on Sunday 19th June at Kilrea Golf Club, Kilrea. The golf course proved to be challenging especially the narrow fairways and the uneven greens. Everyone enjoyed playing on the course and the teams battled throughout the 18 holes. The golfers are looking forward to returning to Kilrea Golf Club, hopefully in the near future.

Congratulations must go to Barry Campbell (Captain) and his East team for winning the 1st ever UDGS Team Matchplay Championship. The competition was closely fought and the East team won by half a point to secure the Championship. The runner-ups were Ken McCormick (Captain) and his South team.

I have enclosed below the results of yesterday's matches (Day 3) at Kilrea Golf Club and the final table:

(No) = means additional shots given based on handicap

South 1/2 v East 3 1/2
1. P. Canning (14) (South) lost to A. Sinclair (3) (East)
2. M. Dewart (14) (South) lost to M. Johnston (14) (East)
3. R. Morrow (14) (South) A/S C. Jones (14) (East)
4. M. Barr (14) (South) lost to B. Campbell (11) (East)

North 3 v West 1
1. N. Dallas (0) (North) lost to R. McFadden (5) (West)
2. K. McCormick (11) (North) won v E. McCaffrey (11) (West)
3. D. Rankin (11) (North) won v Ric. Beattie (14) (West)
4. M. McAteer (36) (North) won v S. Canning (36) (West)

Final Table (from 3 Days):

1st: East Team 7 1/2 points
2nd: North Team 7 points
3rd: West Team 6 points
4th: South Team 2 1/2 points

Please don't forget the Ulster Deaf Sports Council are hosting a 9 holes competition (Nett) on Sunday 3rd July, 2pm at Ormeau Park. Please inform Eamon McCaffrey if you are interested.

Michael Johnston
UDGS
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ireland Football Race nights - WINNERS
20th June 2011
The Ireland Men's Deaf Football team and the Irish Deaf Sports Association would like to thank everyone who supported our recent fundraising 'night at the races' event at the Odeon bar on 11th June. The contributions from our sponsors (listed below) was greatly appreciated and we thank all those who purchased a horse for the event and came along on the night.

10 races took place and a random ballot determined the winner drawn from winning horse numbers for each race. Prizes of 15 euro are on their way to the lucky winners listed below:

Results

Race 1
Name of Winning Horse: Triple 7
Name of purchaser: Bronagh Holland

Race 2
Name of Winning Horse: Debbie Doll
Name of purchaser: Eamon Dunphy

Race 3
Name of Winning Horse: Deci’s ass
Name of purchaser: Mary Byrne

Race 4
Name of Winning Horse: Scholes
Name of purchaser: Martin Rossiter

Race 5
Name of Winning Horse: Brian the muppets
Name of purchaser: Daniel and Carmel Maher

Race 6
Name of Winning Horse: Irish Legends
Name of purchaser: Thomas Coyle

Race 7
Name of Winning Horse: "You'll never walk alone"
Name of purchaser: Ciaran McDonagh

Race 8
Name of Winning Horse: Vegas
Name of purchaser: Noel O’Donnell

Race 9
Name of Winning Horse: E I Beauty
Name of purchaser: Larry Burns

Race 10
Name of Winning Horse: D-Man
Name of purchaser: Damien McMahon

Best of luck to our footballers in Denmark!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ireland Football Training Camps
16th June 2011

Ireland Deaf Football will have their last training Camp at Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare before they will depart Dublin on 25th June.

Training Timetable:

Sat 18th June:

12:00: Meet at Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare
12:15: Lunch
13:30: Training
15:30: Pool Session
17:00: Dinner
18:00: Session with Sports Psychologist
20:00: Back to Curragh Camp accomodation

Sun 19th June:

09:00: Breakfast
11:00 - 13:00 Match (or training)
13:30: Lunch
14:00: Home

Good luck to team.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sean Kelly Anniversary Mass
14th June 2011

IDSA is arranging a memorial Mass in DDA at 7.30 pm on Saturday 23rd July 2011 to mark the 10th anniversary of our former IDSA President, Sean Kelly who passed away on 21st July 2001 at the ICSD Congress in Rome. R.I.P. He was the longest serving President and was the most loyal member as well as a Co-Founder of IDSA. We hope to see a large crowd coming to it.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
General Secretary Resigned
14th June 2011

It is with much regret to have to announce that our General Secretary, Dillon Smith has resigned due to family and personal reasons. He leaves us with our best wishes in the future. It is hoped to have a new replacement at the next IDSA AGM in November 2011.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FAI Summer School Soccer Camps
26th May 2011

Deaf pupils from St. Joseph's & St. Mary's School for Deaf completed their FAI Summer Soccer School Camps on Wednesday 25th June.

The Camps organised by Geoffrey McCormack from St. Mary's, Sean Herlihy from St. Joseph’s and Oisin Jordan from FAI, to promote development football for Deaf pupils with 4 days. With IDSA 3 year Strategic plans, IDSA provided 4 Kickstart level 1 Deaf coach support the Camps and IDSA gave each pupils a free key ring LED Light at the end.

Geoffrey McCormack, Oisin Jordan & Sean Herlihy

For the beginner, the Camps are a great way to get started with football. These pupils will learn the basic skills essential to the development of the young footballer. For more experienced players they are the perfect way to maximise their technical skills and improve their overall game. All pupils will have fun, learn new skills, make friends and have a great week.

They enjoyed their experience and hope IDSA will see them play for Ireland Deaf Football in near future.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
New Committee for St Vincent's Deaf Ladies Basketball Club
26th May 2011

IDSA is pleased to see St Vincent's Deaf Ladies Basketball Team is still alive. New committee has set up for new season. Good luck to them.

Organiser - Shane Hamilton
Secretary - Sarah Falconer
Treasurer - Lisa Harvey
Committee members - David Costigan, Paul O'Callaghan, Ciara Moloney and Donna Costigan

Congratulations
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Press Release: Ireland Deaf Prepare for European Championship Finals
25th May 2011

The Ireland Deaf Men's Football team are in the final preparation stages for next months 2011 European Deaf Football Championship Finals in Denmark. The Irish lads have been drawn in a tough group containing tournament favourites Russia, hosts Denmark and dark horses Belgium.

The stakes are high for the Irish lads who are widely regarded as one of the top deaf footballing sides in the world. Indeed Ireland impressed at the previous European finals in Portugal 2007, securing a 3rd place finish in the process.
Ireland Deaf Men's football director Sean Herlihy is looking forward to the tournament, 'the lads have been working hard and are on a good run of form - undefeated for almost 2 years and with good performances in qualifying. We are under no illusions about how tough the competition will be with the 12 top European nations in attendance but we will give it our best shot and expect to contend strongly for silverware'.

The Irish squad has a useful blend of seasoned campaigners mixed with exciting youngsters. Captain Darren Dunne plays for Arsenal Deaf FC whilst players like record goalscorer Joseph Watson, Richard Dougherty and Roy McKee have all played at the top tier of league of Ireland/Irish league football. Flying winger Andrew Wynne will also have a big part to play whilst teenagers Sean Young, Kevin Dudley and Jason Maguire are exciting up and coming prospects in what is a strong squad with fierce competition for places.

The Ireland deaf football team would like to thank the Irish Deaf Sports Association, the Irish Sports Council and the FAI for all their continued hard work in supporting and developing deaf football which adds tremendous value in improving life quality for young deaf footballers. The squad would also like to express its appreciation to Bewleys Hotel Dublin airport for its sponsorship and use of their excellent facilities.

Irish Squad
European Deaf Football Championship 2011
Denmark

• Michael Walsh (Dungarvan United F.C, Waterford)
• Roy Keating (St Vincents DFC, Dublin)
• Damien McMahon (St Vincents DFC, Dublin)
• Richard Dougherty (Queens University FC, Belfast)
• Roy McKee (Belfast Deaf United FC, Belfast)
• Noel O'Donnell (Bonagee United FC, Donegal)
• Darren Dunne (St. John's Arsenal DFC, London, UK)
• Andrew Wynne (Mellows Boys FC, Dublin)
• Eamon Byrne (St Vincents DFC, Dublin)
• Brian Babb (Belfast Deaf United FC, Belfast)
• Joseph Watson (Waterford Crystal F.C, Waterford)
• Mark Sinclair (Doncaster DFC)
• Sean Young (Malahide United, Dublin)
• Kevin Dudley (Shamrock Rovers FC, Dublin)
• Stuart Foy (St Vincents DFC, Dublin)
• Bobby McAra (Tycor F.C, Waterford)
• Enda Dunne (Ridge Ranger, Carlow)
• Eoin Burns (UCC, Cork)
• Jason Maguire (St Vincents DFC, Dublin)
• Stephen Millar (Glencastle Sparta)

Management Team
Seán Herlihy IDSA Director of Football
Rino Giglione/Thomas Coyle Joint Managers
Geoffrey Foy Assistant Manager
Jamie Wilson/Reggie Dornan Team Coaches
TBC Physio

Bewley's hotel Dublin airport manager Ciaran O' Donovan presents a sponsorship cheque to Deaf Football star Jason Maguire. Also pictured is the team assistant manager Geoff Foy and IDSA football director Sean Herlihy.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FAI National 5 a side competition
25th May 2011

Please see below poster for the National 5 a side competition

• Teams can pay in three instalments so the upfront payment of 450 is split in three.
• Sign up before Fri May 27th and get 2 FREE tickets to crucial Euro qualifier Ireland vs Slovakia

Check this out as this may be a good way to keep your players in shape for the pre-season. Just check out the website.

Kind Regards

JamieWilson
Football Development Officer
Dublin City

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Urgent note: St Vincent's Deaf Ladies Basketball Club
25th May 2011

Dear Supporters,

St Vincent's Deaf Ladies Basketball will be hosting an EGM on Wednesday 25th May 2011 (tonight), at 6.30pm. The club has temporarily to closed down and unless we can find a new committee, it will permanently close down.
This is the only Deaf Ladies Basketball team in Ireland and it is vital that there is continued support for our club.
Please don't let our 30th Anniversary Celebrations have been in vain and help us to continue this club for another 30 years at least!
Your support and attendance on the night would be greatly appreciated.
Please spread the word to all your friends.

Yours in Sport,
St Vincent's
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Part time Contract to set up and manage the new Web and Facebook site on Deaf Village Project
19th May 2011

CIDP is seeking to recruit a person with excellent skills in website management to set up a website and Facebook site for the National Deaf Village / Centre project. The position is a part time contract position for half a day a week for one year. The main activities will be the design and setting up of both sites, keeping the sites up to date with information on the project as it develops. The intention is to ensure that the Deaf and wider community are aware of progress on the project on a weekly/monthly basis; have up to date information on the project together with photographs of the project as it develops and encourage people to ask questions and share comments about the Project. The information presented will be in written English and regular ISL video clips will need to be produced monthly.
Good written English and fluent ISL are essential for this position and the successful candidate will have a good track record in website design.

The closing date for applications is Friday the 27 of May.

Interested applicants should send their CV and letter of interest to Alison at alison@cidp.ie or post to her at 40 Lower Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9.

Interviews for the position will be held in the first week of June and the interviewers will be selected from the Committee currently designing the setting up of the company to govern and manage the Deaf Village.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
UDGS Match Play Championship - Day 2
17th May 2011

Day 2 of the UDGS Match Play Championship was played at Edenmore Golf Club at Magheralin near Craigavon last Sunday 15th May. The golf course was in great condition and the greens proved to be fast and testing. Thankfully it didn't rain much during play but the windy conditions made play more challenging.

The four regional teams throughly enjoyed the day at the Edenmore Golf Club and there were some competitive matches being played. The West team are currently sitting on the top of the league table. There is a final day to be played next month at Kilrea, County Derry which will determine the winners of this year's Match Play Championship.

The results from last Sunday were:

East 2 points v North 1point

Majella McAteer (North) (Handicap 36) lost to Chris Jones (East) (28)
3up
Ken McCormick (North) (24) lost to Barry Campbell (East) (24)
3up
Nigel Dallas (North) (10) won v Michael Johnston (28)
6up

West 3 points v South 1 point

Damien Morre (South) (11) won v Thomas Coyle (West) (20)
1up
Paul Canning (South) (28) lost to Richard McFadden (17)
1up
Gail Dewart (South) (28) lost to Eamon McCaffrey (24)
5up
Marvyn Dewart (South) (28) lost to Colleen Conway (28)
11up

Current Table:
West 5 points
North 4 points
East 4 points
South 2 points

The next golf meeting (Final Day of the Team Match Play Championship) will be held on Saturday 18th June (3pm tee off) at Kilrea Golf Club, Lisnagrot Road, Kilrea.

Matches to be played:

South Team v East Team

North Team v West Team

Future Fixtures:

Stableford Pairs Championship – September 2011(Venue to be confirmed)

For further information about the Ulster Deaf Golf Society, please do contact me at michaeljj1976@yahoo.co.uk

Michael Johnston
UDGU Secretary
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Press Release: 43rd ICSD Congress
13th May 2011

Dear Full Members, Associate Members, Executive Board, TDs, and Commissions;

ICSD To Hold 2011 Congress In The Eternal City

12 May, 2011; The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf today announced the venue and dates of its 2011 Congress: Rome, from 13-15 September.

ICSD is delighted to have the support of the Federazione Sport Sordi Italia as we all prepare for Congress. Rome will make for a memorable and productive meeting of the deaf sport world," commented ICSD President Craig Crowley. "Deaf sport faces huge challenges, to repair some poor decisions about hosting the Deaflympics and to take our movement forward. But at the same time, there are new opportunities for us to embrace. We must work together, and we must work quickly," added Crowley.

ICSD Congress will be held at Rome's Summit Hotel, conveniently located between the airport and the city centre. The hotel also regularly serves as a venue for FSSI meetings.

"Ten years after hosting the Deaflympics, FSSI is proud to welcome the world of deaf sport to Rome again. The Summit Hotel is the home of our own annual congress. We know you will find it to be a comfortable and productive place," commented FSSI President Daniela Mazzocco. "FSSI looks forward to hosting the organisation of deaf sport. We also look forward to competitions involving top deaf athletes from around the world. The ICSD World Deaf Basketball Championships will take place in Palermo, following the ICSD Congress in Rome," added Mazzocco.

ICSD and FSSI will provide further information in the coming days and weeks about accommodation, pricing and other details. The deadline for members to submit new motions for Congress has been set at 13 June.

"Considering the opinions of ICSD members is something we do every day, not just at Congress," commented Craig Crowley. "I was elected on the basis of making ICSD a more open and accountable organisation. It is only right that we consider new motions. Members must remember, however, that we already have a number of motions to consider from Vysoké Tatry. In addition, changes to our Constitution are required to conform with our partners in the Olympic Movement. We will have a very busy time in Rome, and also before, as we reform, restructure and renew our organisation," concluded Crowley.

Kind regards,

Sue Burnes
ICSD Office Administrator
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fund-raising for IDSA Swimming
13th May 2011

Swimming Director is organise the Swimathon for fund raising to cover the cost to run weekly swimming lessons for Deaf/Hard of Hearing School Boys & Girls in Dublin and Belfast.

Who can do the Swimathon? Anybody who enjoys swimming.
Where? St Joseph's School for the Deaf Boys' Swimming pool, Navan Rd, Dublin 7.
When? 26th May 2011
Time? 4 to 5.30pm

Anyone who wish to swim will require to sponsor card. You can collect your sponsor card from Director, Deirdre Byrne Dunne or Administrator at office.

Please come along and get fit to support Irish Deaf Swimming (IDSA).

There will be a prize for the highest money raised per person.

For more queries, contact Director, Dee:- swimming@irishdeafsports.net

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Belfast Deaf United make a History after win the British Deaf Cup Final
13th May 2011

Belfast Deaf United beat Everton Deaf FC 4-1 to bring the cup to Belfast for the 1st time in history.

Full report can be found in Irish Footall Association website.
IDSA is not responsible for the content of external information

IDSA congratulations to Belfast Deaf United for their greatest achievement in their history.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Belfast Deaf Canoeist Matthew Sykes is new Irish Master Champion
13th May 2011

An International paddler, Matthew Sykes (Deaf Canoeist) has been crowned the new Irish Masters Champion after a stellar performance at the canoe slalom Irish Selection races in Dublin.

Based on the ski slalom, canoe slalom was developed in the 1930s and has rapidly grown in popularity across the globe. It one of the most spectacular watersports to watch and demands skill, stamina and courage from competitors as they aim to run a rapid river course without touching the marked 'gates'.

Matthew, who has been deaf from birth, has been competing in the thrilling sport since his teens and was formerly in the Men's British Kayak Premier Division, Great Britain Under 16 and Senior team, England Junior and Senior team and competed in the British Youth Championships and Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.

He put away his paddles after the Olympics but came out of retirement last May and, just 10 months later, was selected for the Northern Ireland team.

At the Irish Selection Races last month Matthew performed excellently, finishing third in the seniors in all three races and taking the title of Irish Master Champion. He has been selected for the Ireland Canoe Slalom Reserve Team meaning that if any paddler drops out he will attend the World Cup, World Championships, European Championships and Olympic Test. Otherwise he will attend some International Races with the team in the UK and Europe and he plans to paddle in the Irish Selection Races for Olympic qualification next year. He also has his sights set on travelling to Lee Valley outside London to paddle the new Olympic slalom course.

He told Irish Deaf Sports Council: "I was so nervous beforehand but I was happy with my performances considering it was my first selection race since 2000. “I am looking forward to the challenges of the coming year and getting back into competing at a high level."

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Belfast Deaf United Prepares for British Deaf Cup Final
6th May 2011

Belfast will travel to Oxford, England tomorrow in a first ever bid to take the British Deaf Cup outside Great Britain in the competition’s history.

It will be their second final in three years and their opponent is the 2009 Cup winner Everton Deaf FC after having overcame Leeds Deaf FC (3-1), Glasgow Deaf FC (4-1) and defending 2010 Champions Fulham Deaf FC (2-0) along the way.

Eight players of the Belfast team (Michael Walsh, Richard Dougherty, Roy McKee, Eamon Byrne, Brian Babb, Chris Fisher, Stephen Millar & Jason Maguire) are current on the Ireland Deaf International Football Squad and they are preparing for 7th European Deaf Football Championship in Denmark in June/July. Also, current Ireland international & Doncaster Deaf FC, player, Mark Sinclair is the captain of the team in British Deaf Plate Cup final.

The 2011 British Deaf Cup final kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 7th May at Oxford City Football Stadium.

IDSA wishes the Belfast Deaf United team & Mark Sinclair the very best of luck and we hope they will bring the Cup and Plate Cup back home. .

Sean Herlihy
Football of Director

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Irish Sports Council Launches iPhone App
6th May 2011

Irish sportspeople can now check more easily that their medicines will not result in an anti-doping violation. The Irish Sports Council is pleased to announce the launch of an iPhone app which allow users to access the Eirpharm Drugs in Sport Database via their iPhone.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) issues a List of Prohibited Substances and Methods that designates what is allowed in- and out-of-competition. The List also indicates whether particular substances are banned in certain sports. The app allows the user to check their prescribed and over-the-counter medications, purchased n Ireland, against the WADA Prohibited List.

The app allows the user to look up their medication by name or to search by ailment type. Useful features include the ability to email a search result to any email address, to save the search in the app History, and to re-check medications in saved history against current database listings.The iPhone app is available free of charge from the Apple iTunes Store by searching for the 'Irish Sports Council' or 'Medication Checker'.

Download the app from the apple store or click here



IDSA is not responsible for the content of external information.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1st Youth Deaf Basketball Camp
4th May 2011

The Youth Basketball Camp ran for the last two days at Ballyfermot Leisure Centre. We had 23 kids in attendance, with ages ranging from 4-14, 16 kids over 10 and the rest under 10. It was a brilliant and well executed camp, the kids really enjoyed themselves and learned a lot. At the end of the camp, we presented awards for Most Improved, Best Potential, Best Shooter, Most Friendliest, Best Attitude, Best Player and presented them with basketballs and gave all the kids a t/shirt.

I have had requests from Parents to run a Summer Youth Camp so I will be looking to set it up in August.

This was the first ever Youth Basketball Camp and I'm delighted how successful it was. Of course it couldn't have been done without the help of my volunteers, Caroline Worthington, Sinead Smyth, Paul O Callaghan and Maura Moloney and Also to the two wonderful coaches, David Baker and Sean Kilmartin (who plays for Ireland team), they were excellent and the kids really admired them and looked up to them. They ended the camp by telling the kids to keep practicing and I'm positiive they will do with their new balls!

David spotted potential talent among the girls and advised me on setting up an Under 16s team now as there are enough girls to set up a team, if they train for the next four years, he says we'll have a good team for the euros and the world.

I'm all high fived out for now.

Cheers!

Sarah-Jane Moloney
Basketball Director

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
St. Vincent's Deaf Ladies Basketball EGM
26th April 2011

Message from St Vincent's Ladies Basketball...

Dear Supporters,

St Vincent's Deaf Ladies Basketball will be hosting an EGM on 25th May 2011. The club has temporarily to closed down and unless we can find a new committee, it will permanently close down.

This is the only Deaf Ladies Basketball team in Ireland and it is vital that there is continued support for our club.

Please don't let our 30th Anniversary Celebrations have been in vain and help us to continue this club for another 30 years at least!

If you wish to help them, contact Caroline Worthington, caroline.worthington@gmail.com .

Your support and attendance on the night would be greatly appreciated.

Please spread the word to all your friends.

Yours in Sport,

St Vincent's Basketball

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Aviva Stadium tickets available at IDSA office (Update 10th April)
26th April 2011

Carling Nations Cup: Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland
At Aviva Stadium on Tuesday 24th May at 7.45pm.

• 2x Premium Tickets (with seats & only level that have bar, coffee shop, hot food &
free match programme) for 100 euro.

Carling Nations Cup: Republic of Ireland v Scotland
At Aviva Stadium on Sunday 29th May at 7.45pm.
SOLD

European Championship Qualifying: Republic of Ireland v Slovakia
At Aviva Stadium on Friday 2nd October at 7.45pm.

• 2x Premium Tickets (with seats & only level that have bar, coffee shop, hot food &
free match programme) for 100 euro.

• 10x North Stand Seat Tickets: 20 euro each

If you wish to purchase the ticket, please contact to Administrator, Paul Ryder, by text 087 1349877.