Call to action as new research reveals barriers to disability sports in Ireland
The report found girls and those who become disabled in later life face more challenging pathways when attempting to access disability sports.
The far-reaching study, a collaboration between the University of Limerick and Paralympics Ireland, examined the lived experience of Para athletes and coaches across the country.
It found that girls with disabilities begin participating in Para sport nearly a decade later than boys.
The finding 'points to a stark gender disparity that limits early engagement' the report authors state.
The study also found that individuals with acquired disabilities face significantly more obstacles to participation than those with congenital disabilities.
Pictured at the launch (l-r) Dr Seán Healy, research assistant Alan Dineen, Paralympics Ireland COO Neasa Russell, Disability Minister Hildegarde Naughton, Limerick Councillor Frankie Daly, the University of Limerick's Professor Elaine Murtagh and Dr Ian Sherwin (Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile)
Despite these challenges, the report highlighted the 'profound impact' of Para sport in improving physical and mental health, fostering independence, and enhancing quality of life for participants.
The report calls for better use of the untapped potential of schools, families, and rehabilitation settings as entry points into sport.
These environments, the study finds, are 'critical to long-term engagement but remain underutilised'.
The research also calls for 'targeted investment in local programmes, increased access to trained coaches, and improved availability of adaptive equipment to create more inclusive sporting opportunities across Ireland'.
Ireland's Disability Minister, Hildegarde Naughton attended the launch of the report, titled Gateways & Pathways: Athlete and Coach Experiences of Para Sport in Ireland, at the University of Limerick this month.
'Sport and physical activity is crucial for the health and wellbeing of our society, she said.
'I am a firm believer that all people should have the right to enjoy sport which brings so much to all our lives.
'It keeps us healthy, and it is the backbone of our communities.'
She added: 'Despite recent and welcome progress, there remains an enduring participation gap between persons with a disability and those living without such challenges.
'The research we are publishing today will form a critical part of how we will continue to work together, as a government and a sporting community, to break down barriers to sport.'
Dr Sean Healy, who was the lead researcher on the project, said that the findings of their study must be a catalyst for change.
'This research is a call to action,' he said.
'By identifying where the system is falling short, we now have the opportunity to reshape how Para sport is delivered in this country.'
He added: 'The recommendations offer a clear roadmap for making sport more inclusive, equitable, and impactful for people with disabilities.'
Neasa Russell, Paralympics Ireland's Chief Operating Officer, said the findings reinforce what was 'already felt' among the Para sports community.
'This research shines a powerful light on both the barriers and the opportunities within Irish Para sport,' she said.
'It confirms what many in our community have long felt – that access is unequal, especially for girls and for those who acquire a disability later in life.
'But it also highlights the transformative role sport can play when those barriers are removed.'
She added: 'Our job now is to act on these findings and ensure that every person with a disability, regardless of gender, age, or background, has a clear and supported pathway into sport.
'That is the vision we are committed to delivering.'
Paralympics Ireland and University of Limerick will now begin working with key stakeholders to explore steps to implement the report's recommendations.
See More: Barriers, Disability, Ireland, Para Sports, Report
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Nathan Collins says Ireland ‘in a positive place' under Hallgrimsson as he shares exciting verdict of World Cup hopes
Ireland begin their qualifying campaign in September WORLD BEATERS Nathan Collins says Ireland 'in a positive place' under Hallgrimsson as he shares exciting verdict of World Cup hopes NATHAN COLLINS does not believe it is "bullish" to suggest Ireland have put themselves in a position to qualify for the World Cup. Heimir Hallgrimsson's men begin their pursuit of qualifying for next summer's competition at home to Hungary on September 6. 2 Nathan Collins believes Ireland are in a good place to qualify for the World Cup Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 Heimir Hallgrimsson and Collins have both been positive about their chances Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile The more truncated qualification campaign will conclude with a trip to Budapest in November, with games home and away to Portugal and Armenia in between. The mood music around the team has changed in recent times, particularly after their two-legged Nations League relegation play-off win over Bulgaria in March. And Collins believes they are in a good place heading into the campaign. He told SunSport: "I think the way it's been since the start of last year, it's been positive for Ireland as a whole. "Our results, the way we've been playing our football, it's been positive. I think we're in a good place overall. "The fact that a lot of players have been playing football before then, a lot of players in a better place this time than potentially last year. "It's all really good and well for Ireland football. "It's exciting times. We've given ourselves a chance and that's all you can do before it kicks off." A common concern for the Republic of Ireland has been the level to which the senior squad are playing. To this end, this past summer has seen some progress, even if the number of Ireland players in the Premier League (12) is down on 2024/25. 'Don't say that on camera' - Nathan Collins' admission about Caoimhin Kelleher's move leaves Heimir in stitches Nathan Collins will be captaining Brentford, managed by ex-Ireland assistant Keith Andrews, and has been joined by Caoimhin Kelleher after his move from Liverpool. Josh Cullen, meanwhile, will be skippering Burnley after they were promoted from the Championship. Seamus Coleman is the Everton club captain, and is joined on the books at the Merseysiders by Mark Travers and Jake O'Brien. There are 47 Irish players at Championship clubs, more than any other country. Quartet Dara O'Shea, Chiedozie Ogbene, Sammie Szmodics and Jack Taylor are seeking a return to the top tier with Ipswich Town after they were relegated last season. Bristol City also have a heavy Irish influence, with Jason Knight leading the pack, while Finn Azaz will be looking to have another strong year with Middlesbrough. Gavin Bazunu is back from a long-term injury and will be Southampton's No1 this season. On the continent, Troy Parrott continues to impress at AZ Alkmaar having scored six goals in his last three games including a brace in their Eredivisie opener win over Groningen last weekend. And Evan Ferguson will be looking to relaunch his career in Serie A after signing for AS Roma on loan. HIGH LEVEL Collins added: "I think it's great that a lot of players are playing at the higher level but it's football. Everything can change. "We could have more next season or we could have less. That's what happens. "Football chops and changes so quick and we can move around so quickly. "The fact that we do have a lot now with a lot of players playing regularly and that's the main thing before we go into this campaign is always a positive. "It's nothing to worry about for the next few years." Heimir Hallgrimsson has been positive about Ireland's chances of getting to the 2026 World Cup. The Boys in Green have not been to the tournament since 2002, while they have not been to a major competition since Euro 2016. Collins shares that positivity and believes he and his gaffer are not being bullish in saying so. He said: "I wouldn't say bullish. I'd say that we all have a similar feeling that it is a good opportunity to get to a World Cup. "It's different for Heimir because his whole job is focused on Ireland. We have the Premier League or Championship to worry about. "When it comes to the round, we're all in a positive place and we're all excited. We all think we've given ourselves an opportunity."
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Owners remove £195,000 Grade 2-winning horse from Gordon Elliott's yard with his blessing and send to his protege
It was Elliott's suggestion the horse could benefit from a move FIND THE SPARK Owners remove £195,000 Grade 2-winning horse from Gordon Elliott's yard with his blessing and send to his protege GORDON ELLIOTT has given his blessing to a £195,000 Grade 2-winning superstar being removed from his yard - and sent to his protege. The legendary Irish handler believes a change of scenery at Olly Murphy's Warren Chase stables in Warwickshire could spark him back into life. Advertisement 2 American Mike actually beat future Ryanair winner Fact To File on chase debut - but has failed to hit the same heights since Credit: Sportsfile 2 Olly Murphy, who was former assistant to Gordon Elliott, will be tasked with bringing American Mike back to his best, after he left Elliott's Meath yard with his blessing Credit: PA American Mike, who is owned by Noel and Valerie Moran's Bective Stud, has some amazing back form but hasn't quite hit the heights expected. He beat subsequent Ryanair winner Fact To File by more than three lengths on chase debut. And he got the better of this year's Grand National hero Nick Rockett in a 3m chase on heavy at Navan in February 2024. But the eight-year-old son of Mahler hasn't won since - finishing in the places only once from seven further runs. Advertisement Elliott thinks the time is right to send him to Bet365 Gold Cup-winning trainer Murphy, his former assistant, to work his magic. Murphy has been busy in the horse transfer market this summer. He has acquired Cormac Farrell's recent Galway Listed hurdle winner Sticktotheplan. And former Nicky Henderson inmate Kingston Pride has arrived too after being sold for £285,000. Advertisement Both of those come loaded with potential, while the goal with American Mike is to bring him back to his former glory. Murphy told Racing TV's Josh Stacey: "He's been a horse who hasn't quite reached the expectations as a novice it looked like he might. "I am just starting to get to know him. "Gordon filled me in about him and it was actually Gordon who said the change of scenery would do him good. Advertisement "I'm very lucky to have a horse like him and hopefully he can be competitive in some handicap chases. "We're working as a team. Owners Noel and Valerie Moran who sponsor Gordon's yard are also good supporters of me. "Hopefully just a change of scenery will spark a small bit of a revival. "Albeit he has some good form from last season so it's not like he's completely gone off the face of the earth. Advertisement "We're not just trying to find something that was there three years ago, he has got recent form as well." FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Extra.ie
Irish rugby's biggest issues heading into new season
With a marathon season over, there is a brief window to take stock of the shape of Irish rugby before the next campaign begins. And the unsustainable demands on players thanks to a merciless calendar should be a global warning. On specifically Irish interests, the Lions tour and, to a much lesser extent the brief national trips to Georgia and Portugal, highlighted areas awaiting Andy Farrell's attention on his return to Ireland duty. The Lions tour and, to a much lesser extent the brief national trips to Georgia and Portugal, highlighted areas awaiting Andy Farrell's attention on his return to Ireland duty. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan A period of significant change awaits, provincially and nationally. Andy Farrell has got one decision consistently right in his near-six years coaching Ireland: ignoring the tyranny of World Cup cycles. Andy Farrell has got one decision consistently right in his near-six years coaching Ireland. Pic:Ireland's failure to get past New Zealand in 2023 was not down to a failure to nurture new talent. While the enormous reliance on Johnny Sexton looked regrettable as he struggled to find an opening late on against the All Blacks, there was no compelling alternative over the preceding weeks, months or years. Farrell won't pick his teams in November or next spring based on games due to be played in two years' time. Ireland couldn't get past New Zealand in 2023. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland But if that doesn't impel him to shake his squad up in the new season, the evidence of the one just over should. Ireland flatlined for much of it, through November and into the Six Nations. Some of this can be addressed through selection, with James Lowe and Bundee Aki obviously vulnerable, but more options are needed in the back row, too. However, team selection is only a part of it. Farrell will not need reminding of what happens when a team fails to update its tactics – he was part of Joe Schmidt's support staff during the misbegotten 2019 when buoyant World Cup hopes were done for long before the tournament started. Bundee Aki and James Lowe. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile It was clear from the first match of that Six Nations that Ireland had been worked out, and in the absence of Plan B, disaster couldn't be averted. Farrell's priority now should be to steer the national team away from revisiting that fate. There were signs at times in Australia of Schmidt visiting the type of game on the Lions that Ireland don't like: the breakdown was a mess, power carriers kept the defence in retreat, and come the third Test, the Lions couldn't summon an answer. It was a similar story against France in Dublin in the Six Nations. A tweaked game-plan is vital – especially given the access to Irish coaches enjoyed by players from England, Scotland and Wales over the past two months. Ireland have relied on Jamison Gibson-Park. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile The dependency on Jamison Gibson-Park was evident long before Sexton retired. In fact the latter's final season saw the scrum-half rival him as Ireland's most influential player. His influence has grown and Ireland's reliance on him has, too. He had a fine Lions tour, implementing Farrell's plan perfectly and barely putting a foot wrong. He will, though, be 34 next February and while there's no sign of him slowing down, the need for ready-made alternatives is becoming pronounced. Jamison Gibson-Park had a fine Lions tour. Pic:It helps in that regard that Craig Casey had an excellent season in another campaign beset by turmoil in Munster, and he earned the honour of leading the summer tour to Georgia and Portugal. Beyond him, Ben Murphy at Connacht has been identified as a coming force, but Fintan Gunne in the Leinster academy excites connoisseurs of the scrum-half art. Gunne won an Under-20 Grand Slam two years ago, and looks to be right in the thick of the succession planning at Leinster for life after Gibson-Park and Luke McGrath. Craig Casey led the summer tour to Georgia and Portugal. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady Casey will be the understudy to Gibson-Park for the season ahead, but there were times last term when he rivalled the form of the Leinster player, and it was obvious he should have been promoted to the bench ahead of Conor Murray on a consistent basis. That will happen now, but it would take injury or an extended collapse in the form of Gibson-Park for Casey to take his place. The incumbent showed in Australia that he has recovered his best form, and if the plan remains to bed in Sam Prendergast at No10, the head coach will be minded to pair him with a more experienced scrum-half. In a country with decidedly finite resources, it's hard to avoid a dependence on influential players, but there is clearly scope to encourage competition for the No9 shirt. It's a position where, unlike other parts of the pitch – wing, flanker, even second row – there is a decent spread of options and potential. That should be explored, and not just in the November Test against Japan. More importantly, rewarding form should be the policy. Andrew Porter is one of the most impressive athletes in the world game. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile Ireland finished the Six Nations ranked fifth of six teams for the percentage of scrums won. Their 75% success rate was better only than Scotland's, and the figures confirmed the eye test of the previous rounds. It was evidence that a part of the game where Ireland believe themselves formidable remains one where officials disagree. This invariably brings the conversation back to Andrew Porter. One of the most impressive athletes in the world game, his willingness to play for an hour or more in every game has been a priceless asset for Farrell's sides. But his tendency to concede penalties has been a recurring problem, and so it proved on the Lions tour, as well. Specifically, in the third Test he was unable to cope with the power of recalled Wallaby tighthead Taniela Tupou. He deserved some sympathy in that regard given Will Skelton was backing up Tupou, but it nonetheless raised long-standing concerns about his technique. The Six Nations last season saw an Irish scrum deprived of Tadhg Furlong bear up well initially before finding itself in deep trouble. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie It also gave opposing fans a fresh chance to criticise his scrummaging online. The problem for Ireland is that plenty of referees agree. The Six Nations last season saw an Irish scrum deprived of Tadhg Furlong bear up well initially before finding itself in deep trouble. It didn't lose a scrum in the opening match against England, and then lost one in beating Scotland at Murrayfield. That was given against Cian Healy, who had replaced Porter with 11 minutes left in the match. The round-three fixture against Wales was supposed to be a gimme, but instead the hosts, under temporary management, were magnificent and frightened Ireland. Cian Healy has retired. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile They channelled their resistance through the scrum, where the recalled WillGriff John dominated Porter. Ireland's travails weren't helped by the decision to select Thomas Clarkson for his first start at tight-head just as the team's previous stability in the set-piece gave way. They conceded four first-half penalties at the scrum, two apiece agianst Porter and Clarkson. A repeat of that disaster was avoided against France; Porter was instead embroiled in the ugly fallout to the injury suffered by Antoine Dupont, with France publicly highlighting the roles they claimed he and Tadhg Beirne played in the injury. That came to nought, but Ireland ended the championship with a listing set-piece and old fears stirring again. They needed to be confronted once more. Leinster suffered a disastrous semi-final loss to Northampton in the Champions Cup. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher The four Irish provinces will begin the new campaign under various states of stress. Ireland's over-reliance on Leinster looks less like a quirk of the system here than the actual system; Leinster are now the base of the pyramid, keeping everything else supported. That is an indirect compliment to the work Leo Cullen has done over the past decade, but their completely disastrous semi-final loss to Northampton exposed poor planning and terrible selection. Leinster to win the Champions Cup in the coming campaign. It's as simple as that. Clayton McMillan arrives from New Zealand with a big reputation but an daunting task at Munster. The departures of Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray deprive him of players who were past their prime, but priceless in terms of experience and influence. Clayton McMillan arrives from New Zealand with a big reputation but an daunting task at Munster. Pic: DJ Mills/AFP via Getty Images More of the burden now falls on Tadhg Beirne, but Craig Casey is shaping up to be a big influence, too. McMillan's problem is the same one that has undone every coach at Thomond Park: big expectations that an ordinary playing group are expected to deliver. The flow of underage talent at Ulster is creating genuine excitement, and not just because there is precious little else for fans to seize on. Richie Murphy's reputation remains strong, and there is a handful of potential breakout players, led by Nathan Doak, who could improve the side. Consistency remains a major problem, which itself is down to too little quality. The appointment of Stuart Lancaster has rightly caused excitement throughout the Irish game, and it seems an inspired choice by Connacht. His reputation alone means what fans expect will rise a notch or two above the normal. The appointment of Stuart Lancaster has rightly caused excitement throughout the Irish game. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher His two best players will not, based on recent evidence, appear a whole lot, given the injury problems of Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki. Lancaster is masterful at developing talent, though, and the Connacht squad will improve under his watch. Under the traditional measure, that will mean more Ireland call-ups, and Ben Murphy is primed to step up and compete with Casey and Gibson-Park. But beyond that, the need for four province functioning effectively is vitally important with uncertain times looming. It's not been like that for too long, but the Irish system is too small and delicately poised for passengers.
