The performance of SINI based athletes last weekend gives us great optimism for the future. It is also a pointer to the quality of the work being done by staff at SINI and the coaches of teams and individual athletes.

At the top of these performances was the Irish U21 Rugby Squad who on the way to the World Cup final in Scotland defeated such renowned world greats like France and Australia. To lose to New Zealand in the final was somewhat expected as the ‘All Blacks’ had been awesome in their performances during the previous rounds. Their physical strength added to their superb technical ability made them clear favourites and they did not disappoint.

The Irish team contained three members from the original SINI rugby squad namely: Tommy Bowe, Glen Telford and Gareth Steenson. Added to this were two members of the current squad Ryan Caldwell and Oisin Henessey. Gareth Steenson won the Golden Boot Award for scoring the highest number of points throughout the competition – quite an achievement.

Congratulations from all at SINI goes to David Haslett and his squad together with all his background staff – the coaches, strength and conditioning staff, physiotherapists etc all of whom have contributed to taking Irish Rugby up another notch – WELL DONE!

In Dublin on Friday night two SINI athletes, Athens bound Paul Brizzel and Kelly Reid put in seasonal best performances. Although finishing second Paul ran 21.03 seconds while Kelly defeated her Irish rival in the 800m winning in a time of 2m03.78 seconds. Looking to the future the performance of 16-year-old SINI athlete Stephen Aiken – a pupil at Dunmurray High School and coached by the experienced Bill Kelly won both Irish Schools titles running the sprints in 10.9 and 22 seconds respectively.

Also in Dublin the Irish women’s hockey teams won the Celtic Cup retaining the title they won in Cardiff last year. In their first competitive outing since the Olympic Qualifiers in New Zealand they defeated France (3-0), Scotland (1-0) and drew with Wales (1-1). The squad contained 6 SINI athletes namely Lynsey McVicker, Angela Platt, Jenny McDonough, Katherine Maybin, Suzanne Beaney and Bridget McKeever.

At the same venue the mens squad had to settle for runners up to Wales despite finishing with a superb 6 - 1 victory over France. The tournament saw 19-year-old Iain Lewers and another SINI athlete David Robb gain their first caps in what was a young experimental line-up.

So all in all a weekend to be proud of for those involved in those teams and the development of the athletes concerned. The hard work carried out by athletes and coaches throughout the winter paid dividends which hopefully Ulster and Irish sport can build on in the years to come.

SINI ATHLETES ACHIEVE SUCCESS AT CELTIC CUP

The Irish Women’s Hockey Team led by SINI athlete Lynsey McVicker were successful in retaining the Celtic Cup trophy over the weekend in Dublin. They drew with Wales 2-2 on the first day but improved as the tournament progressed to secure a I-0 victory over Scotland on Saturday and a 3-0 victory over France on Sunday to seal victory.

SINI athletes Angela Platt, Suzanne Beaney, Jenny McDonough, Katharine Maybin, and Bridget McKeever all played a valuable role in Ireland’s success. Ulster based athlete Emma Stewart also achieved a notable first in becoming the youngest player to gain a senior cap for Ireland. Emma is currently also involved in the Under Twenty One panel, preparing to compete in the European A Division tournament in Dublin in July. Newly inducted athlete Kirsty McCollum will also represent Ireland in this tournament. Kirsty and Pegasus team mate Nadine Graham were inducted into the SINI program this week .

In the Men’s Irish Team there were similar achievements with David Robb, Mark Cleghorne and Iain Lewers all gaining their first senior caps for Ireland. All three athletes joined the SINI program in February and were selected for Ireland having represented the victorious Ulster team at the Senior Interprovincials in May. Mark and Iain will also represent Ireland at Under Twenty One level at the Europeans in Belgium in July .

SINI athlete Patrick Brown achieved success when he captained Ireland for the first time over the weekend. The tournament was won by Wales with Ireland taking second place with a 6-1 victory over France on the last day of competition. Together with Mark Irwin, David Robb, Andy Barbour and Brian Waring the SINI athletes will now head to Belgium in mid July to play three friendlies as part of their summer program. Mark Irwin received his fiftieth cap against France during the tournament adding another notable achievement to the list from the weekend’s competition.

NORTH DOWN GAMES

Friday 16th July, Ballykillaire Sportsplex, Bangor.

This years North Down Games hopes to attract a host of Olympic hopefuls from all over the world to the popular event. 3 years ago Jonathon Edwards leaped to a seasons best; Steve Backley has graced the last two javelin competitions; and last year Sonia O’Sullivan won the 3000m in front of a large crowd.

The Northern Ireland Athletic Federation are promoting this event, with the first international race beginning at 7pm. Most of the SINI squad will be competing at the event which will be one of the last opportunities for Paul Brizzel to race prior to Athens. Paul will take part in the 100m and 200m.

SINI ATHLETES MAKE THEIR MARK ON IN THE ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP

Cavan v Derry in the qualifiers brings together Sports Institute Players who are now competing regularly with their Senior County Teams. Patsy Bradley and Conleith Moran will start for Derry as they take on Mark McKeever's Cavan. Mark and Patsy had excellent games for their counties in the previous rounds of the championship and Conleith Moran has settled well in the Derry attack. It looks like a good game in Celtic Park on Sunday.

Congratulations to Eamon Magee who has graduated to the Donegal Senior team and his first Senior Championship Final. Eamon on the SINI squad last year has won a Sigerson medal this past year with Sligo Institute of Technology and had a great game in the last round. He will enjoy his first big day on 11th July for a historic Ulster Final in Croke Park.

U21 RUGBY WORLD CUP

Ireland were defeated by New Zealand 47-19 in the U21 Rugby World Cup Final in Glasgow on Sunday 27th June. There was some pride for the Irish, though, as SINI’s Gareth Steenson, who scored a drop goal and two penalties during the game, emerged as the tournament's top scorer.

Steenson who had kicked 16 points against Tonga and Argentina, added another 12 against France, 11 against Australia and a further 9 points on Sunday brought his tally to 64.

A modest Steenson commented about his Golden Boot Award saying:

“ I am there to do a job. The team works hard to get into positions and if the opportunity arises for a penalty, then I am there to make sure I get those points for the team.”

Meanwhile former SINI athlete Tommy Bowe had to sit out most of the tournament due to a shoulder injury which he picked up against Argentina in the second pool match.

REVIEW WHAT YOU DO AND LEARN

In this article Performance Lifestyle Coordinator Peter McCabe offers a few tips to maximise learning

Reviewing and reflection involves thinking about what we have done, how we have done it and how it could be improved for the next time. A process essential in all aspects of life and certainly in performance sport.

Consider the process by which an individual or team might focus on, understand and therefore modify their behaviour. Awareness of the stages in this typical ‘Learning Cycle’ can ensure that the best opportunity for learning is developed.

STAGE 1 EXPERIENCING:

The individual or team sets their goals and then becomes immersed in the tasks involved in the performing phase. Commitment is essential for ‘total immersion’.

STAGE 2 REFLECTING

Stepping back after the performance and reviewing what was experienced. This stage is about ‘noticing’ and ‘reporting’ rather than ‘solving’. In team situations the reflection should often be an open discussion to share perceptions. It is a good idea to set key questions to guide this process in advance e.g.

Ø What did we find out that we didn’t already know?
Ø What did we confirm that significantly affects performance?
Ø What questions still need answering?

STAGE 3 CONCEPTUALISING

Interpreting what happened and why. Identifying possible connections between events. Theorising to help understanding. Recognition of limitations in the explanations derived. In team situations this stage can help develop cohesiveness within the unit through shared understanding of the events that took place.

STAGE 4 PLANNING

Using the understanding. Making predictions about what is likely to happen the next time and what action should be taken to improve. Examination of the programme and adjustments in its structure and balance. In team situations the planning stage should be a joint process with a clear consensus and expression of the will to act.

The timing of detailed formalised review will vary, for example following a specific performance, a period of preparation, a 4-year cycle etc. It is important to recognise that the outcomes of the process will need to be sub-divided into those targeted for short term, medium term and long term change.

In summary, the real value of such a structured review process is that it helps us to exploit learning situations more effectively.

Remember… change in behaviour (i.e. results) begins with change in thinking!

SINI'S ULSTER U16 PROVINCIAL SUMMER CAMP HAILED A SUCESS

The past few days have been busy at the Institute following the arrival of 85 GAA athletes – 40 Hurlers and 45 Footballers for SINI’s annual Ulster U16 Provincial summer camp, which got underway on Wednesday 30th June.

Players selected from the counties have been resident at UUJ throughout the camp. This three-day camp will certainly not be a holiday for these young talented players, with the programme beginning at 7:30 in the morning and running until 10:00 in the evening. During the camp the athletes will undergo fitness assessments, core stability and technical sessions and strength training. They will also receive vital information regarding nutrition, hydration and psychology and attend video analysis sessions with feedback.

All this will prepare the young footballers for the U17 Aussie Rules International Series which takes place next April.

POWERADE HELPS REPLACE THE SWEAT

SINI is grateful to Powerade for providing fluids for the summer camps and for athletes accessing the Strength and Conditioning Facility