It is often said that sports is the universal language that breaks down barriers and in the local community, Limerick City Sports Partnership is also working towards this goal, according to co-ordinator, Elaine Barry.

Elaine—who is originally from Ballinacurra—has been in the role since December and it “involves the strategic development, management and direction of the Limerick City Sports Partnership”.

“My role is very diverse and it’s reactive in many ways because a lot of what we do depends on what’s happening in terms of the changing environment in Limerick. We’re very fortunate that so many possibilities and benefits are opened up by all the development going on. We try to demonstrate that sports and recreation can be the crux of any community,” she said.

The LCSP set up in 2002 and was one of the first organisations of its kind in the country. Much of its work is liaising with and supporting clubs and facilities as well as developing areas such as youth sports and providing sports access to those with a disability or disadvantage.

“We work very closely with local authorities and bodies like the regeneration agencies to promote sport and recreation. The LCSP consulted with the agencies on its vision documents and masterplans—our strategies tie into the plans,” she explained.

“In April, we launched our second extensive strategic plan, which will bring us up to 2012. This month, we’re welcoming three new sports development officers—a part-time officer for the Watergate/King’s Island area as well as youth officers for the north and south sides under regeneration.”

Elaine said that the strategic plans have several areas that the LCSP—which will have a staff of seven by next month—would like to focus on.

“We’d definitely like to do more work to do with women and sport because that’s an area we feel needs more development and promoting sports within disadvantaged areas is another aim. We also want to do more work with older people in providing more sports and recreation opportunities for them,” she said

Elaine spent 11 years in Manchester where she built on her degree in Sports and Business and her Masters in Educational Psychology through teaching and lecturing as well as gathering experience with sports development.

“The idea of sports partnership has been happening in the UK for longer; it’s still relatively new here. I’ve seen how successful it can be if it’s done properly and hopefully I can help to develop our own set-up to a very high standard.”

The Scoil Carmel graduate and keen swimmer and hockey player found on her return that Limerick had changed for the better and kept its sporting fervour.

“Limerick has a fantastic sporting reputation and it’s easy to see why. The enthusiasm and dedication of the voluntary sector here, in particular, is immense. That’s a great base to move forward from and the volume of support we get is phenomenal. We’re always working to establish links with other organisations,” she added.

“The infrastructural changes in Limerick are huge. Driving into the city from the airport now, it looks absolutely beautiful with buildings like Riverpoint. The new skatepark is by the river, and we also need to put more resources into the rowing clubs.”

“The multi-cultural nature of Limerick city is also growing in stature and that’s a great thing as well. Limerick is definitely going places—in sport and across the board,” Elaine said.

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