FlowState Issue 8

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
Welcome to the latest edition of Flowstate. As we
approach the end of 2020, we reflect on an unusual year
impacted solely by the global pandemic. We would like
to thank all our members who have continued to
provide an environment to support our community
during this time of uncertainty, despite many club
activities and discipline competitions being cancelled
both at home and abroad.
Canoeing Ireland has experienced a disrupted events calendar,
nevertheless 2020 has been a very constructive year with
many strategic objectives being achieved and exceeded. The
downtime dictated by Covid-19 has permitted more time to
review and reflect on our organisation’s purpose. We have used
this time productively to engage with staff, committees and
working groups to further understand their needs, document
requirements and continue planning for our future.
We congratulate Liam Jegou on his brilliant performance and on
making history by winning Ireland’s first ever World Cup Gold
medal in the C1 Men’s category at the ICF World Cup in Pau,
France. It was an exciting competition to watch that showcased
the talent of our athletes at the highest level.
In August, Canoeing Ireland held its 59th Annual General
meeting by video conference. The meeting was well attended
with strong club representation from across the country. Luke
Logan was re-elected as Honorary Secretary, Lynda Byron was
re-elected to Executive Member and Déaglán O’Drisceoil was
elected as Olympic Discipline Representative by majority vote
of the meeting. Members approved the motion to amend Rule 21
which defines the role of the Olympic Discipline Representative
to reflect the current professional structure of Canoeing
Ireland. At the Board meeting on the 24th August 2020,
Brendan Quinn and Eoin Brereton were reappointed to the
Board as Independent Directors. The 2019 Annual Report has
been approved and adopted by the Board.
A principal undertaking for us this year has been Canoeing
Ireland’s new Strategic Plan 2021 - 2023. The Board would like
to thank all our members and stakeholders who have
contributed to the development of the new plan. Having
commenced our consultation process at the start of this year, a
framework identifying 4 strategic priorities and 12 goals with
associated and measured actions has now been established.
These four priorities of Sustainable Development,
Strengthening Leadership, Enhancing Experience, and Athlete
Progression define the direction and ambition for Canoeing
Ireland during the life of the plan. The 2021 - 2023 Strategic
Plan is in its final design stage with publication expected by the
end of the year and we look forward to its implementation in
2021.
The Board also welcomes the publication of the 2020 Awards
Scheme Review, findings and recommendations. We would like
to thank everyone who contributed to the report and in
particular, those who were involved in its preparation, evaluation
and analysis. The report is the product of an extensive
consultation process and will form the basis for future
development of the Awards Scheme. This work will be aligned
with the strategic goals outlined in the Canoeing Ireland
Strategic Plan 2021-2023. Specific focus will be given to
supporting the advancement of club volunteer instructors
through additional resourcing. To optimise the work associated
with this review, activities will be benchmarked against best
practice as various actions are completed. Further reviews will
be carried out biennially.
The Board has continued to prioritise implementing practices to
promote better governance and in particular aligning Canoeing
Ireland’s compliance with the Governance Code. We were
delighted to be announced the winner of the 2020 Carmichael
Good Governance Awards following submission of our Annual
Report to the competition earlier this year. The awards were
developed by Carmichael who are a leading specialist training
and support body for non-profits in Ireland with the support of
their partner organisations, sponsors and leading national
bodies in the non-profit sector.
Winning the award is particularly important to us as an
organisation as it recognises, validates and consolidates the
pathway of change, which we as a National Governing Body have
taken over the last number of years. It is a significant milestone
for Canoeing Ireland which acknowledges and confirms that the
collective responsibilities which have been implemented for
driving positive change through a series of measures designed
to increase accountability and transparency are effective.
Improving our governance structures, policies and practices
has been a core enabler to facilitate this transformation
process.
The Board continues to implement and prioritise new initiatives
to support and facilitate club formation and growth. Next year
will see the introduction of a standardised membership year,
improved club portal and the trialing of an exciting new club
development programme targeted at identifying common
challenges and opportunities that clubs face in devising
sustainable development plans.
As we move to 2021, I would like to thank all our paddling
community who continue to adhere to published health advice
and guidelines. The behaviour of our sport has been exemplary
in how we are managing our way through this pandemic. I would
like to especially acknowledge the dedication and commitment
of our staff led by Moira Aston for their high degree of
professionalism and ability to adapt to the current challenges.
My very best wishes to you and your families,
B Oе
PRESIDENT
Member Spotlight
Interview with Patrick O’Leary 10
Interview with Emer Carton 18
Paddling News
LKA Charity 10K 4
#BEACTIVE Paddle Day 2020 6
Limerick Fun Junior Boatercross 17
Canoe Slalom
World Cup, Pau 21
2020 European Championships 22
Canoe Sprint
World Cup, Szeged 23
RIP Rodger Greene 26
Southeast Freestyle 28
Performance Corner
The Controllable and Uncontrollable with Aoife Hanrahan 14
Flowstate Focus
Governance Corner 24
Liffey Descent 26
Volunteer Ivan Barrett 30
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