5km Run on Tuesday, 17th June @ 5.30pm
SETU Arena | Carriganore
€5 includes a T-shirt
Over 16s
Men’s Health Week (MHW) 2025 GRANT – NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS!
We are delighted to announce the launch of a Men’s Health Week 2025 Grant Scheme.
Sports clubs and organisations can apply for a maximum of €500 to run a 4-week programme over an 8-week period, starting in Men’s Health Week (9th June 2025) and ending 10 August 2025. These programmes should focus on promoting mental health and wellbeing through physical activity and connection.
Please read the GRANT CRITERIA before completing the application.
Check out these SAMPLE ANSWERS which may be of help to you!
Closing date for receipt of applications is 9am on Tuesday 3rd June 2025
Applicants will be notified of the Grant Committee’s decision by 4pm on Friday 6th June 2025
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Thomas on 086 206 1083 or email tshawhamilton@waterfordsportspartnership.ie
Join us for Summer Steps
A monthly event designed to bring people together for a relaxed and enjoyable walk!
MAY WALK
Tuesday 20th May | 11am – 12.30pm
Anne Valley Walk Dunhill (meeting at car park beside Toilet)
JUNE WALK
Tuesday 24th June | 11am – 12.30pm
Tramore Promenade | Meeting at the Car Park opposite the Majestic Hotel
JULY WALK
Tuesday 29th July | 11am – 12.30pm
Dunmore East (meeting at park opposite Haven Hotel)
This is your chance to meet new people while staying active. The walks are suitable for older adults, people with disabilities and people living well with long-term health conditions, as the distance can be adjusted to suit each person’s ability. We’ll have a leader to guide the group and a sweeper to ensure no one is ever left behind. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just starting, Summer Steps provides a welcoming environment to get outside, connect with others, and enjoy the beauty of the season at your own pace.
It’s the perfect way to stay active, social, and healthy throughout the
summer months.
All places MUST be booked in advance, if you need help booking, please contact Jordan Kelly on 086 167 5642 or email jordankelly@waterfordsportspartnership.ie by 12pm the Monday before each walk.
PLEASE NOTE: The walks will go ahead WEATHER PERMITTING – please contact Jordan before travelling if in doubt.
National Bike Week 2025 takes places from Saturday 10th to Sunday 18th May and is a nationwide celebration of cycling—promoting it as a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to travel, get active, and connect with your community.
We have a wide range of FREE events on offer for all ages and abilities this Bike Week! Bikes and helmets can be provided.
We’ll also be showcasing our disability-friendly bikes—keep an eye out for those!
Waterford Wheels
– Durrow to Dungarvan | Monday 12th May | 8 to 9am
Kick off Bike Week with a scenic 30-minute cycle commute!
Meet at Durrow Greenway Car Park at 8:00am
Refreshments at Railway Cottage at 8:15am
Cycle into Dungarvan to arrive by 9:00am
Complimentary hot drinks and snacks included!
Over 55s Beginner Cycle | Men & Women
Waterford Regional Sports Centre (RSC) Tuesday 13th May | 11am to 12:30pm
Whether you’re brand new or returning to cycling, this fun and friendly session is the perfect reintroduction. All are welcome!
Bike & Hike – Cappoquin to Melleray
Meet at Cappoquin Community Centre Tuesday 13th May | 6 to 9pm
Cycle from Cappoquin to Melleray, enjoy a scenic hike, and cycle back.
A great way to enjoy nature and get moving!
Bike, Beach & Yoga SOLD OUT
Meet @ Walton Park Tuesday 13th May | 7 to 8.30pm
Join us for a relaxing 4-week summer programme!
Cycle 6km along the Greenway to Clonea Beach. Beach yoga session (hotel end) led by a qualified instructor
Mats provided — and we cycle back as a group after!
Lunchtime Cycle | Dungarvan
Meet @ Walton Park Wednesday 14th May | 12:30 to 2pm
Join us for a lunchtime cycle to Clonea Beach.
Lunch is provided! Meet at Walton Park at 12:30. Return before 2pm
Summer Social Cycle – Get Back on Your Bike!
Meet @ Walton Park Wednesday 14th May | 6.30 to 7.30pm
Led by Dungarvan Cycling Club, this supportive group ride is ideal for those looking to build confidence, enjoy the outdoors, and meet new people. Four Week Programme.
Pump Track – Come & Try It!
Fairlane Park | Dungarvan Thursday 15th May | 7 to 8pm
Master the bumps and turns of the pump track in this exciting session.
Great for all levels—come give it a go!
Bike & Hike – Crough Wood to Coumshingaun Lake SOLD OUT
Friday 16th May | 5.30–9pm
Cycle from Crough Wood to Kilclooney Woods, hike to the stunning Coumshingaun Lake, then cycle back.
A challenging and rewarding evening in the outdoors!
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE | Bookings open HERE on eventbrite.ie @ 9am Thursday May 1st
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Thomas on 086 206 1083 or email tshawhamilton@waterfordsportspartnership.ie
Title: ESF+ Social Innovation in Sport Officer.
Salary: Salary in line with the Grade 5 local authority pay scale (from €51,210).
Hours: 35 hours a week. This position will require flexibility around working hours with regards to evening and/or weekend work to accommodate the service needs, for which time off in-lieu can be taken.
Annual Leave: 30 days annual leave.
Travel Expenses: Travel expenses will be reimbursed where appropriate.
Location: The post will be based mainly in the Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP) offices at the Regional Sports Centre, Waterford and occasionally in the WSP offices at the Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. A level of flexibility and remote working will be considered following probation.
Reports to: WSP Chief Executive Officer.
Contract type & duration: 3-year fixed term contract, subject to satisfactory completion of a 6-month probationary period.
Application: Please apply by uploading a COVER LETTER and CV HERE by 1pm Monday 12th May 2025.
Interviews: Those shortlisted will be invited to attend for interview on Friday 23rd May 2025.
Background
Every day in communities across the country, through its network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), Sport Ireland helps people – irrespective of age, gender, disability, or social circumstance – to get active. The role of the ESF+ Social Innovation in Sport Officer employed within the LSPs will be to use sport and physical activity to foster social inclusion and provide education, inclusion, and personal development programmes for people at risk of social exclusion and poverty, such as ethnic minorities, youth at risk, persons with disabilities, and people from disadvantaged backgrounds throughout the country. All programmes will be developed with an innovation and user-centric focus.
This role is funded by the European Social Fund + (ESF+) Programme 2021 -2027 through Sport Ireland. The ESF+ Programme will support the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights by seeking to:
• Support access to employment for young people and underrepresented groups
• Promote skills and lifelong learning
• Tackle poverty and social exclusion
Sport and Physical Activity will be used as a mechanism to support these principles and the LSPs will be the main drivers on this project locally.
Sport Ireland published its first policy on Diversity and Inclusion in Sport in 2022, which expresses its vision for a sport sector that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion, and is pro-active in providing opportunities for lifelong participation for everyone. The ESF+ Social Innovation in Sport Officer will work in collaboration with key local and national stakeholders to support the implementation of this policy.
Job Purpose
The ESF+ Social Innovation in Sport Officer will support the delivery of Sport Ireland’s Sport4Empowerment (S4E) programme. This will involve leading the delivery of the S4E programme with the objective of fostering active inclusion, with a view to promoting equal opportunities, non-discrimination, and active participation, and improving employability, in ESF + target groups and organisations locally. The programmes on this project will be designed, piloted, and scaled using design thinking principles.
The ESF+ Social Innovation in Sport Officer will collaborate with local partners and stakeholders to strengthen the programme’s capacity and reach. This active involvement of stakeholders will contribute to achieving the programme’s objectives and the creation of innovative sport and physical activity projects.
Responsibilities
• Lead the design, planning and delivery of the S4E programme at a local level, with a focus on building skills and confidence to foster social inclusion and engage with and maintain sport participation independently.
• Coordinate ESF+ programmes with the objective of fostering active inclusion with a view to promoting equal opportunities, non-discrimination and active participation, and improving employability in ESF + target groups locally.
• Ensure the design and delivery of the ESF+ programme aligns with European Social Fund requirements and complements existing Sport Ireland and LSP policies and plans.
• Monitor impact on programmes and support the sharing of information and replication of programmes in other LSPs.
• Provide timely, standardised data and reporting on activity and outcomes on the programmes.
• Collaborate with Sport Ireland to support the successful delivery of this project.
• Develop and support strong working relationships with other LSPs and other outside agencies and relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in regular supervision, appraisal and education as identified.
• Undertake any other relevant and related duties that may be required.
General Responsibilities
• Contribute to and assist with the preparation and implementation of the WSP Strategic Plan and annual operational plans.
• Implement WSP monitoring and evaluation processes to understand the effectiveness of activities.
• Report with regular updates to the WSP CEO, WSP Board, and Sport Ireland as required.
• Support WSP communications and prepare promotional material for various platforms and audiences on upcoming events and achievements.
• Record accurately, and in accordance with WSP`s financial policies and procedures, all relevant financial transactions and prepare timely and accurate budgets and financial reports.
• Promote best practice health and safety awareness and reporting of all incidents.
• Be flexible in approach to work and undertake any other duties that may be required within the remit of WSP.
• Work as part of/cooperate with the WSP staff team as required.
• Ensure that all activities undertaken as an officer of WSP are in line with WSP values, codes of conduct and relevant legislation.
Diversity & Inclusion
Sport Ireland and LSPs are committed to building a diverse sport sector and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. LSPs are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background. LSPs strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Essential and Desirable Skills, Qualifications and Experience
If interested in applying for the position, Please apply by uploading a COVER LETTER and CV HERE by 1pm Monday 12th May 2025
Candidates may be shortlisted based on information provided in the Cover Letter and CV.
Canvassing will disqualify any candidate from the competition process.
Those shortlisted will be invited to attend for interview in Waterford on Friday 23rd May 2025.
WSP shall require the person to whom the appointment is offered to take up the appointment as soon as possible.
Waterford Sports Partnership is an Equal Opportunities Employer
Lismore Library First to Pilot Play Packs Building on Waterford’s Playful Communities Spirit
Lismore Library, in partnership with Waterford Sports Partnership and Healthy Waterford, is pleased to announce the launch of its Play Packs loan scheme designed to foster creativity, learning, and fun for young children in the community.
The Play Packs, carefully curated, contain a variety of engaging toys, games, and sporting equipment suitable for children of various ages. From toys and building blocks to puzzles and imaginative play sets, these packs are designed to spark curiosity and encourage play.
The launch event was attended by local councillors, library staff, Waterford Sports Partnership’s Active Cities Officer Lauren Walsh Kett, and Eoin Morrissey from Healthy Waterford, who have been delivering the Playful Communities (Streets) programme over the last number of years.
The launch of Lismore Library’s Play Packs was met with resounding enthusiasm from elected members in the community. Cllr. John Pratt praised the initiative as a testament to the library’s dedication to young residents, highlighting the invaluable learning opportunities through play, while Cllr. Donnchadh Mulcahy emphasised the packs’ role in fostering inclusivity and essential skill development, commending the library staff’s dedication.
Cllr. Niamh O’Donovan expressed her delight at the new resource, recognising its potential to provide more opportunities for families and organisations in the area to arrange community play days.
Debbie Johnston and Alan Butler explained the inspiration behind the Play Packs and their hopes for the initiative. Debbie Johnson remarked, “This adds to our library’s offerings to the community. We have seen the popularity of the Playful Communities project over the years and wanted to enable libraries to become a service to offer these packs to the community for loan.”
Alan Butler added, “In consultation with Waterford Sports Partnership and Healthy Waterford, we carefully selected the items in each Play Pack to ensure they are age-appropriate and aligned with early childhood development principles. Our goal is to provide resources that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction. We are excited to see how these packs will inspire and engage the children of Lismore and West Waterford.”
This initiative also builds upon the valuable work of the Playful Streets and Communities program run by Waterford Sports Partnership and Waterford City and County Council over the last number of years, in which over 80 individual communities throughout Waterford city and county participated.
The Play Packs will be available for borrowing by library members or local community groups. For further information, contact Lauren Walsh Kett at lwalshkett@waterfordsportspartnership.ie or Eoin Morrissey at eoinmorrissey@waterforcouncil.ie.
COMPLETE THE PLAY PACK BORROW FORM HERE
We are hosting the following events:
Walk & Petanque | Taster Session
Join us for a leisurely walk in the People’s Park followed by a Pétanque taster session led by Waterford Pétanque Club
Monday 7th April @1.30pm | €5pp People’s Park | Waterford | Meet at main gate
Beyond the Trail | Outdoor Safety Webinar
Join us for an online webinar with an outdoor first aid expert! Learn essential safety tips for exploring hills and mountains,
and make your adventures safer and more enjoyable
Tuesday 8th April @7pm | €5pp | Online Webinar
‘From the Victorians to the Vikings – heritage along
the Waterford Greenway in Woodstown and Carriganore’
Join us for a guided heritage walk on the Waterford Greenway, led by James Eogan, of Waterford Archaeological and Historical Society and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Wednesday 9th @ 1pm | €5pp | Meeting at the Waterford Greenway Car Park Carriganore (beside SETU Arena)
Fitsticks | Taster Session
Fitsticks/Activator Pole Walking is suitable for adults of different abilities.
We will explore how Fitsticks can improve your: Aerobic Fitness | Mobility | Strength | Balance
Thursday 10th April @11am | FREE
SETU Arena | Carriganore | Waterford
Coastal Walk | Guided Walk
Join us for a moderate 7km guided coastal walk in beautiful Dunmore East.
Friday 11th April @10.30am | €10pp
Dunmore East | Meeting at the car park near the pier.
Happy Hiking | Hill Skills Day with Mountaineering Ireland
Participants will get an opportunity to join a qualified instructor for a full day’s training and gain useful information and skills that will help keep them safe on the hills.
Saturday 12th April @10am to 2pm | €20pp
Meeting at Bay Lough Car Park | R668, Glentaunemon, Co. Waterford
BOOK here now on eventbrite.ie
FOR BOOKINGS OR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Liz McEnaney on 087 739 6050 or email lmcenaney@waterfordsportspartnership.ie
GAVIN LONGERAN HONOURED AS COUNTY WATERFORD’S 2024 RECIPIENT OF THE VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS
The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to announce that Gavin Lonergan has been named County Waterford’s 2024 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards. Gavin will be honoured at a special awards ceremony on Friday, 28th February 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, alongside a volunteer from every county in Ireland (four in Dublin) in recognition of their dedication and passion for their local club.
Breaking Barriers with Little Vikings
Gavin Lonergan’s commitment to Little Vikings, a club that introduces children with intellectual disabilities to a variety of sports, has been instrumental in expanding opportunities for children in Waterford. Gavin, along with his wife Karen, became involved as Head Coach and a volunteer, despite having no direct links to anyone with special needs. His passion for helping these children has led to the creation of Deise Stars, a new program for children aged 11 to 14.
Gavin’s dedication extends to fundraising, where he has secured sponsorships and support from local businesses. His care, kindness, and love for the children have made a lasting impact on both the club and the families involved.
Honouring Volunteers Who Keep Irish Sport Thriving
Throughout November and December 2024, the Federation of Irish Sport called on the public, sports clubs, Local Sports Partnerships and Governing Bodies to nominate volunteers whose contributions have made a meaningful difference. This year’s awards saw a record number of nominations from over 53 sporting disciplines, reflecting the incredible diversity of volunteering in Ireland.
Every week, 460,000 volunteers dedicate their time to support 1.47 million club members around the country to keep them engaged and active, making a social and economic contribution valued at €1.5 billion annually. These volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport, keeping communities active, healthy, and connected.
Speaking about the importance of the awards, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, Mary O’Connor said: “The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to celebrate our volunteers in sport and to pay tribute to these incredible individuals who give their time and energy to enrich Irish sport and strengthen communities. These awards are a vital nationwide recognition of the scale of volunteering that is required every week to support 1.47 million club members around the country.”
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of Irish sport, driving participation across all disciplines. Sport Ireland research reveals unprecedented levels of engagement, with nearly two million adults participating in sport weekly. That’s a real testament to the tireless efforts of volunteers. They don’t merely contribute – they transform aspirations into achievements, making sport accessible and enjoyable for all. We all owe them a debt of gratitude and we’re happy to play our part in recognising their dedication.”
Head of Louth Sports Partnership, representative of the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships and member of the judging panel, Graham Russell said: “The Volunteers in Sport Awards is a unique opportunity for the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships each year to collectively celebrate the terrific work being done in every county in Ireland to drive greater and more inclusive participation in sport and physical activity. The National Network of Local Sports Partnerships work closely with volunteers in the community and see the impact they have at grass roots level and in breaking down boundaries to participation. We are proud to champion the unsung heroes of sport.”
See below for full list of County recipients.
#DedicatedtotheDedicated
To keep up to date with all the latest awards news visit: www.volunteersinsport.ie
You’ll find a full list of the 2024 VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS winner by county here
We are looking for qualified Fitness Professionals and Fitness Facility Managers to join us in delivering the Prime Time of Life programme. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact on the health and wellbeing of middle-aged and older adults across Waterford City and County.
PRIME TIME OF LIFE is a 12-week multimodal physical activity programme
aimed at improving fitness, strength, balance, and flexibility for adults 50+.
Training Details: 2½ days blended training provided by Edufit (In-person & online)
Training Dates & Times: Tues 8th April, Tues 22nd April & Tues 6th May | 10am to 4pm
Training Location: Brandon House Hotel | New Ross | Co. Wexford.
For more details or to submit your interest, please email Sinéad at sbrannigan@waterfordsportspartnership.ie
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Prime Time of Life’ is designed and delivered by EduFIT in partnership with Laois Sports Partnership, Sport Ireland, and Sláintecare.
Find out more about Prime Time of Life here:
https://edufit.ie/prime-time-of-life-sign-up/
https://edufit.ie/research/with-slaintecare-government-of-ireland/
Waterford’s first Fitsticks Trail was officially launched on Wednesday 19th February in SETU Arena. Waterford Sports Partnership, SETU Arena and FitWalk Ireland came together early in 2024 to facilitate and develop this great new amenity in Waterford City which was funded by the Active Cities Waterford Project via Sport Irelands, Dormant Accounts Fund.
The looped trail is just over 2km in length and follows the route of the ParkRun that is located at the Arena. The new trail provides an accessible and safe pathway that is well lit for people to use activator poles on and is free to use. The trail consists of an information board that demonstrates some warm-up and cool-down exercises, there are also stations placed along the route which provide the user with suggestions of different exercises they can try out using their activator poles such as squats and calf raises. All types of walking poles can be used on the trail, and it will be open to the community to use during SETU Arena opening hours which are 6am-10pm on weekdays and 9am-6pm on weekends. Activator poles will be available to borrow free of charge from reception at SETU Arena from the start of April 2025.
Waterford Sports Partnership is hosting Waterford Walking Week from Monday 7th April so keep an eye on our social media for your chance to come and try out a tutor led session on the new Fitsticks Trail!