Tag: Featured

by Colum Lavery

On the 2nd Softball Day of Christmas …

On the second Softball Day of Christmas, Softball Ireland gave Softball Ulster a Softball Development Bag.

Softball Ireland are delighted to confirm the granting a bag of softball development equipment to Softball Ulster to allow them continue growing the game in the region. We hope the grant will assist Softball Ulster in running open days or providing starter equipment to new teams in Ulster. 

In addition to the Wilson team bag, Softball Ulster will receive indoor bases, bats, gloves and a surprise.

by Colum Lavery

Board Meeting Update

The Softball Ireland Board held its latest meeting on the evening of Wednesday December 11, 2019

Attendees:

Colum Lavery (President), Conor Sayles (Secretary), Massimo Lepri (Treasurer)

Reginald Clark (Softball Ulster), Melanie Cunningham (Fastpitch Ireland), Amanda Ní Ghabhann (Softball Leinster)

Declan Carty (Ordinary Member), Andrew Craven (Ordinary Member), Jordan Sylver (Ordinary Member)

The below is a list of key decisions/actions of the Board taken at its Wednesday December 11, 2019 meeting

Co-Option of Softball Ireland Board Members & Postponed AGM

The Board noted that the nominated candidates for Board positions had been co-opted in accordance with the constitution and that this had been communicated to the membership by email and placed on the website here. The Board further noted that the Regional representatives and Ordinary appointments will need to be ratified by the AGM, however Massimo Lepri appointment as Treasurer is confirmed for the remainer of the current term through the 2020 AGM.

The Board noted that Colum Lavery continues to act in the capacity of President pending the holding of the election at the postponed AGM on January 11, 2020 (or EGM on January 26, 2020 if required).

The Board noted that the postponed AGM will take place on January 11, 2020 in ALSAA and will be followed by an EGM to consider a number of constitutional amendments (and Presidential election if required) on January 26, 2020.

2020 Tournaments

The Board confirmed the dates of the 2020 tournaments as set out below. The Board noted that no decision can be taken on SINCC pending the postponed AGM on January 11, 2020.

  • BWC 2020 – Saturday April 25, 2020
  • IOST 2020 – Saturday & Sunday August 22/23, 2020 

(Post Board meeting: Registration links and full details on BWC & IOST are available by clicking here)

Finance

The Board considered the 2020 draft Budget and noted that a final draft would be circulated to the board for consideration once Massimo had an opportunity to review the numbers.

The Board further agreed that Massimo would propose updated financial processes in accordance with the Governance Code in advance of the next meeting of the Board.

Regional Updates

The Board noted updates from the three Regional representatives in attendance.

European Softball Tournaments 2020

The Board noted that the deadline for entering teams into the 2020 European Softball Tournaments is December 31, 2019 and confirmed the entry of the following:

  • Slowpitch European Championships – Mens National Team
  • Fastpitch European Championships – Women’s National Team
  • European Slowpitch Cup – Dodder & Belfast Brawlers

Slowpitch National Teams

The Board agreed to the creation of a new (non coaching) role to head up the Slowpitch High Performance programmes. The Board created a sub committee to draft a job description for the Director of Slowpitch HP which would be advertised prior to year end.

Medical Working Group

The Board noted concern raised at the SL AGM that medical treatment/advice was been provided by individuals who may not be suitably qualified. The Board formed a Medical Working Group and requested that Dr. Melanie Cunningham (Chair of WBSC-Europe Medical Commission) and Dr Andrew Craven consider Medical/First Aid guidelines for the sport which may be implemented at all tournaments and by the Regional Associations.

Umpiring Working Group

The Board noted a brief update on progress to date and further noted that an update will be circulated in due course.

Baseball Softball Ireland

The Board received an overview of progress to date with the development of Baseball Softball Ireland and the Sport Ireland membership application.

by Colum Lavery

On the 1st Softball Day of Christmas …

On the first Softball Day of Christmas, Softball Ireland gave four sets of indoor bases to the Dublin Indoor Softball Tournament.

Softball Ireland are delighted to announce the granting of four sets of indoor bases to the organizers of the Dublin Indoor Softball Tournament ahead of the January 25, 2020 tournament. We hope the grant will assist in keeping the costs down and assist in the running of this must not miss event by Julie Trundle.

The tournament was resurrected by Julie in November 2018 with great success and we look forward to full tournament on January 25th. Follow Dublin Indoor Softball Tournament for more details – click here

by Colum Lavery

Santa Arrives Early – WBSC Development Grant

Softball Ireland Community to benefit from WBSC Grant

Softball Ireland are delighted to have taken receipt of a development grant in the form of 12 boxes of equipment from the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).

The boxes arrived into Ireland and consist of equipment which will be circulated throughout the Softball Ireland Community to help the continued growth of our sport.

Speaking on receipt of the equipment Softball Ireland President Colum Lavery said “Santa has come early for Softball Ireland and we look forward to providing equipment grants in the coming days once a full stock take of what has been received is completed.”

“I am delighted that following a number of discussions with the WBSC at recent conferences and through the personal relationships I have created with our world governing body that Softball Ireland is benefiting from an estimated US$13,500 (€12,000) of equipment.” added Lavery

Stay tuned to Softball Ireland’s social media over the next week  for the Softball Days of Christmas to see what has been delivered!

 

Jigsaw
by Colum Lavery

Softball Ireland Board Appointments

Softball Ireland Announce Board Appointments

Following on from the open discussions with the membership on Saturday November 30, 2019 and in accordance with the Softball Ireland Constitution, the Softball Ireland Board has agreed to co-opt the nominated candidates for Board positions (with the exception of President) to the Softball Ireland Board with immediate effect. The Co-opted members will act as Board members for a period of 12 months subject to ratification of their appointments at the re-arranged AGM on January 11, 2020. It should be noted that the Board following discussions with members were satisfied that this was the correct approach as each nomination was uncontested.

With the appointment of the nominated candidates, for the first time in a number of years, all positions on Softball Ireland Board will be filled. The Softball Ireland Board is as follows:

  • Colum Lavery – President (this position will be considered for election at January 11, 2020 AGM)
  • Conor Sayles – Secretary 
  • Massimo Lepri – Treasurer
  • Amanda Ní Ghabhann – Softball Leinster Rep
  • Reginald Clark – Softball Ulster Rep
  • Melanie Cunningham – Fastptich Ireland Rep
  • Declan Carty – Ordinary Member
  • Andrew Craven – Ordinary Member
  • Jordan Sylver – Ordinary Member

The first meeting of the incoming Board will be December 11, 2019.

Softball Ireland would like to thank the outgoing Board members for their time, efforts and support during their terms on Council.

by Colum Lavery

Softball Ireland Presidential Candidates

Three Presidential Candidates Declared

Three candidates have been proposed and seconded for the position of President of Softball Ireland in accordance with the consitution. The Softball Ireland members will have their opportunity to elect the President at the Annual General Meeting to be held on November 30, 2019 in ALSAA.

In advance of the election, the three candidates have prepared their manifesto’s/visions for Softball Ireland which may be found below.

by Colum Lavery

Annual General Meeting 2019

Annual General Meeting Documentation

To Softball Ireland Membership

Acting in accordance with the Constitution, the 2019 Annual General Meeting Pack is attached as follows (please click links for papers):

*External clarification on the Accounts/Treasurers Report Required and will be provided in due course.

by Colum Lavery

SPORTFEST 2019 a Success

Softball Proves Popular at SPORTFEST 2019

Softball Ireland’s exhibition at the 2019 Sport Ireland Family SPORTFEST went down a treat with over 500 adults and children and 1 Leo The Lion getting an introduction to the sport.

Softball Ireland created a Softball Village at the Family SPORTFEST demonstrating slowpitch softball and allowing those attending an opportunity to try the different skills of the game including throwing, hitting and pitching. The Softball Village was one of the more popular exhibitors on the day with a constant flow of willing participants trying to hit the target or hit the ball from a Batting Tee.

Speaking on the success of the Softball Village, Softball Ireland President Colum Lavery said:

“The SPORTFEST event for Softball Ireland was an amazing day with non-stop lines of children and adults looking to try out of the sport. We hope that everybody who tried the activities walked way knowing more about our sport and hopefully they will follow it up by getting involved with local clubs.” Lavery added “I was encouraged by the number of PE teachers who were interested in the coed nature of the game and this something we will explore further whilst developing our youth strategy with Baseball Ireland within BSI.”

The exhibition stand manned by Softball Ireland President Colum Lavery together with current and past Softball Ireland national team players and representatives from National Champions Dodder. Softball Ireland would like to thank Caitlyne De Lange, Brian Connolly, Jordan Sylver and Niall Lavery for volunteering their time on the day. 




by Colum Lavery

Softball Ireland to Exhibit at Family SPORTFEST

Softball Ireland are delighted to confirm that we will be exhibiting and promoting softball at the 2019 Sport Ireland Family SPORTFEST

Following a presentation of the case for the inclusion of Softball at the SPORTFEST event by Softball Ireland President Colum Lavery, Sport Ireland have allocated an exhibition space at the event.

Softball Ireland will have a Softball Village at the Family SPORTFEST demonstrating slowpitch softball and allowing people attending an opportunity to try the different skills of the game including throwing, hitting and pitching. The exhibition stand will be manned by current and past Softball Ireland national team players.

Speaking on Softball Ireland’s inclusion as an exhibitor Colum Lavery said ” I am delighted that we are able to exhibit at the SPORTFEST and would like to thank Sports Campus Ireland for including us. It provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate and promote all disciplines of our sport whilst hopefully expanding our database of players interested in playing softball.” Lavery added “We will also provided details to any potential players interested in Baseball as part of our shared commitment under Baseball Softball Ireland to promote and grow our membership.” 

This event, in association with the European Week of Sport, takes place on Sunday 22nd September from 12pm to 5pm in the national sports campus and tickets are sold out.

If you happen to be at the event please drop by and say hello!

More details on Family SPORTFEST can be found here.

Dodder win the Softball Ireland National Club Championship in 2019.
by Colum Lavery

Dodder are 2019 National Champions

Dodder Win Softball Ireland National Club Championships

Dodder Softball Club have retained the National Championships with a 17-5 win over Belfast Softball Club on damp day in Belfast.

SINCC is played annually between the winners of the Softball Leinster Premier Division and Softball Ulster League to determine the Irish National Champions. The 2019 game was  replay of the 2018 fixture and it was clear to see that BSC had learnt its lessons holding the powerful Dodder line up to a couple of runs in every inning bar the 4th. Unfortunately for BSC, Dodder had brought its “A” defensive game up the M1 to Belfast and held BSC to 5 runs over 7 innings though BSC did leave a number on.

Softball Ireland streamed the game live on Facebook and if you missed the the stream on the day you can click here to watch the full game.

The SINCC game was held as part of the Softball Ulster end of season tournament which saw 3 teams travel up north from Softball Leinster to participate. Softball Ireland would like to thank Softball Ulster for hosting the SINCC game.

With the completion of the 2019 SINCC tournament, Dodder Dynamoes and Belfast Softball Club have been confirmed as Softball Ireland’s entries to the 2020 European Softball Federation Slowpitch Club Championships.

SINCC 2019 Box Score

  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total
Belfast Softball Club 1 0 2 0 0 0 2 5
Dodder Dynamoes 4 2 2 8 1 0 X 17
by Colum Lavery

Carathon 2019

Carathon 2019

Carathon 2019 will be held at Wanderers Rugby Club in aid of the Alzheimer’s association and Enable Ireland on Friday September 6, 2019.

It is one of the most eagerly awaited events on the Softball calendar, Carathon, which is arranged by Kegs Softball Club and has raised over €115,000 in recent years and supported charities such as Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Pieta House, Focus, The Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Heart Foundation, etc.  Every year Carat nominates a different charity to support and for 2019 it’s two, the Alzheimer’s association, and also Enable Ireland. It is anticipated they will benefit to the tune of €15,000 from Friday afternoons softball activities.  

Speaking about the event this Friday, organiser in chief Peter Murnaghan said ” I would like to thank you all for volunteering your time. It is very much appreciated and reminds us about the great things that we can achieve for others with our sport. Carat very much appreciates our help in this too, in fact this couldn’t operate without your help.”

Kegs running of the event has been supported by numerous softball volunteers from the Softball Ireland community and Softball Ireland over the last number of years and once more Softball Ireland and the softball community has stepped up to support.

The event itself is starting at 14:00 pm in Wanderers rugby club on Friday September 6, 2019 with four diamonds running all day until 6:30pm followed by a BBQ. Umpires, Pitchers and team helpers as well as floating helpers to get the teams to the pitches on time and give them some initial advice on playing will be in attendance all day!

If you haven’t had a chance to volunteer but are still interested in doing so, please do note hesitate to contact Peter Murnaghan.

To Peter, all we can say is THANK YOU!


by Colum Lavery

Ireland Development Team Announced for World Series

Ireland Development Squad Announced for World Series

Following on from Ireland’s bronze at the European Championships, an Ireland development squad will once more compete at the 2019 World Series organized by the British Softball Federation.

The tournament consists of 18 team representing the country or region they are from in a weekend of Slowpitch Softball. The team will be led by the National Team assistant head coach Jonathan Spielberg under the watchful eyes of head coach Senan Dormer.

The Slowpitch National Team Management have announced a development roster for theCo-ed World Series to be held in London on September 7/8 as follows:

Women:
Jennifer Ó Buachalla
Allison Marano
Suzanne Hannon
Kayla Martell
Hazel Kilduff
Merilin Neiland
Meabh Hogan
Rachael Rogan

Men:
Ken McCarthy*
Niall Lavery
Paddy Donnelly*
Salvador Rizo*
Wayne Cullen
Kevin McGreevy
Dermot Donnellan
Gary O’Shea*
Jonathan Spielberg*
Timothy Healy

*Capped players

Munster will also compete in the tournament as part of their rotation with the Leinster Craicers.

Please follow our social media channels over the course of the weekend for updates.

Tournament Schedule

TIME

PITCH 1

PITCH 2

PITCH 3

PITCH 4

PITCH 5

PITCH 6

9.00

GROUP A:

Canada v Dutch

GROUP A:

Japan v Masters

GROUP A:

Heath v Ireland

GROUP B:

Waynes v Wales

GROUP B:

Belgium v USA

GROUP B:

England v Africa

10.15

GROUP C:

Munster v Latins

GROUP C:

Scots v Futures

GROUP C:

UCE v Anzacs

GROUP B:

USA v Africa

GROUP B:

Belgium v Wales

GROUP B:

Waynes v England

11.30

GROUP C:

Futures v Anzacs

GROUP C:

Scotland v Latins

GROUP C:

Munster v UCE

GROUP A:

Masters v Ireland

GROUP A:

Japan v Dutch 

GROUP  A:

Canada v Heath

12.45

GROUP B:

Wales v Africa

GROUP B:

England v USA

GROUP B:

Waynes v Belgium

GROUP A:

Dutch v Ireland

GROUP A:

Heath v Masters

GROUP A:

Canada v Japan
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.00

GROUP B:

USA v Waynes

GROUP B:

Africa v Belgium

GROUP B:

Wales v England

GROUP C:

Latins v Anzacs

GROUP C:

UCE v Futures

GROUP C:

Munster v Scots

15.15

GROUP A:

Masters v Canada

GROUP A:

Ireland v Japan

GROUP A:

Dutch v Heath

GROUP C:

Futures v Munster

GROUP C:

Anzacs v Scots

GROUP C:

Latins v UCE

16.30

GROUP A:

Heath v Japan

GROUP A:

Ireland v Canada

GROUP A:

Masters v Dutch

GROUP B:

Engl’d v Belgium

GROUP B:

Africa v Waynes

GROUP B:

USA v Wales

17.45

GROUP C:

UCE v Scotland

GROUP C:

Anzacs v Munster

GROUP C:

Futures v Latins