About MONAGHAN SPORTS PARTNERSHIP

Monaghan Sports Partnership Board members 2006-2008

Back row left to right: Deirdre Mullen, Malachy Marron, Colm Casey, Hugo Clerkin,
Michael Dillon, Cllr Jackie Crowe, Nicola Thornton
Front row left to right: Fr. Peadar Ó Corragain, Jennifer Hill, Liam O’Connor,
Michelle Murphy, Eilish Markey
Missing from photo: Adge King, Eleanor Mulholland, Monica Boyle, John O’Callaghan, John Connolly
Cllr. Heather Humphries held the position of the first Chairperson of the board (2006-2007)

Monaghan Sports Partnership was established in 2006 under the direction of the Irish Sports Council and as a sub structure of Monaghan County Development Board. Its day to day activities are directed and guided by a board of members and implemented by the Sports Co-ordinator, Michelle Murphy and the Sports Administrator, Eilish Markey. In January 2007, Jennifer Hill joined the team as the Sport Inclusion Development Officer for Monaghan and Cavan and her remit is prioritised by increasing opportunities for people with a disability in sport and physical activity. Jennifer Hill has since departed from her position as Sports Inclusion Development Officer, and has since been replaced with Stephen Flynn.

The Irish Sports Council aims to have more people more active in sport and by achieving that goal, assist in the building of a healthier society. The Council recognises that it cannot achieve these targets working alone and will work in partnership with governing bodies, sports partnerships and other relevant agencies. The Local Sports Partnership network is seen as the mechanism by which the Irish Sports Council can achieve its aims through the encouragement, promotion and development of sport within its local community.

The 3 main functions of the local sports partnerships are:

Monaghan Sports Partnership is committed to its own core aims of increasing opportunities for people in Monaghan to participate in sport and physical activity and in making a real difference to their lives. The process of developing its first strategic plan has seen the Sports Partnership survey local clubs, facilitate public consultations and hold ongoing review meetings in an effort to capture the needs of local people. The long term vision of the Sports Partnership is to see the lives of people throughout the County enriched through their involvement in the sport or activity of their choice. This document targets the needs of the greater population, as identified through public consultation and places them in a comprehensive and detailed action plan for the next five years. While the individual actions present challenges for the Sports Partnership, its success will be based on the interaction and positive working relationships built up with partner agencies, sports clubs and community groups.

While the Sports Partnership aims to make a significant impact, it is essential that the work is prioritised so that actions are attainable and sustainable into the future. Therefore it is guided by directing its focus towards those groups whose participation must be actively targeted.

Monaghan Sports Partnership Board

While the original submission to the Irish Sports Council was led by the Monaghan County Development Board and the VEC, many others participated in the initial consultation and planning process. When the Sports Partnership was granted formal status in 2006, this group was re-constituted and a formal committee established. Monaghan Sports Partnership is made up of representatives of local agencies, statutory bodies, sporting and community groups. This reflects the broad sports spectrum within the county.

Monaghan Sports Partnership Board members (2011)