Today, Wednesday 15th December, John Treacy, outgoing Chief Executive Officer Sport Ireland, joined the management committee and staff of Offaly Sports Partnership, the Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council, and Director of Services Offaly County Council to launch Offaly Sports Partnership’s newest strategic plan, “Active Offaly 2021 – 2025”.

Robert Mc Dermot, Chair Offaly Sports Partnership, saluted John Treacy’s and Sport Ireland’s ongoing commitment to developing sport, and the establishment of the local sports partnership network in Ireland. Sharon Kennedy, Director of Services, Offaly County Council acknowledged the support of John Treacy and his team at Sport Ireland; as well as the other organisations and agencies that have supported and funded the work of Offaly Sports Partnership across the years.

Cllr Declan Harvey, Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council saluted the work of Frank Fahey of Fizzical Ltd, the staff and management committee of Offaly Sports Partnership, and those who participated in the stakeholder consultation against the difficult background of the Cocid19 pandemic where conventional face to face consultations could not be held. He hailed the commitments to inclusion and diversity, gender equality, good governance, and the application of practices to reap the benefits of participation while reducing the carbon footprint of the sector contained within the plan.

Ms Kennedy reiterated Offaly County Council’s ongoing commitment to the hosting of the sports partnership within the Community and Culture section of the Council. Mr Mc Dermott went on to thank the outgoing management committee members for their steadfastness in the oversight of the work of Offaly Sports Partnership across the years; and extended a warm welcome to the newest members joining the committee for the next strategic period.

John Treacy, in his last official role as Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, wrapped up the evening by acknowledging the work of Offaly Sports Partnership in the provision of sport and physical activity opportunities across the years; and especially during this pandemic era for all abilities, ages and backgrounds. He commended Offaly Sports Partnership on the development and launch of the new plan; welcoming the significant mention of “including the least active” and “increasing the participation of older adults” in sport and physical activity.

Copies of the plan are available from Offaly Sports Partnership by contacting the office on 057 93 57462 or by downloading the plan from our website, www.offalysports.ie