The Irish Sports Council (ISC) last week made its announcement on the funding available for sport in 2014.
Triathlon Ireland’s core funding received a slight reduction from €97,700 in 2013 to €96,038 in 2014. However Triathlon Ireland’s Women in Sport program received a seal of approval and was given a slight increase from €14,250 in 2013 to €15,000 in 2014.
So, overall Triathlon Ireland’s funding remained largely unchanged from 2013. High Performance funding from the ISC remains at €260,000, which Triathlon Ireland uses to develop a talent development pathway and provide a support infrastructure for aspiring elite athletes. The funds also help develop a Talent Identification System, along with providing services to the country’s senior athletes that will allow them to develop to their maximum capability.
Elite funding
Ireland’s top ranked triathlete Aileen Reid, née Aileen Morrison, is one of three senior triathletes to receive direct ‘carded funding’ from the Irish Sports Council for 2014. The ISC’s International Carding Scheme provides funding for elite athletes across 15 different sports.
Aileen Reid is to receive the top level of ‘Podium’ funding in 2014. Her funding increases to €40,000, up from €20,000 in 2013; and is a welcome boost following her silver at the PruHealth World Triathlon Grand Final in London last September.
Other triathletes benefitting from ISC carded funding in 2014 are Bryan Keane and Ben Shaw, who both receive €12,000.
As one of 59 national governing bodies, Triathlon Ireland (TI) receives core funding for the day to day running of the sport. This is intended to cover administration, participation programmes, coach development, hosting events, implementing strategic plans and the employment of professional staff. TI is also one of 18 NGBs to receive support for a High Performance Program.
TI’s Junior Squad has increased from 6 athletes in 2013 to 17 in 2014; and the number of senior athletes on program has also increased from 5 to 8. This obviously puts increased pressures on the High Performance budget.
Tri on the up
Triathlon Ireland notes that, over the course of 2013, the number of people participating in triathlon increased – with membership of Triathlon Ireland up by 15% to 8450. The number of tri clubs increased by 15.5% to 82 while the number of clubs with junior sections also increased and now stands at over 25.
www.triathlonireland.com
www.irishsportscouncil.ie
