Canoeing Ireland High Performance

Canoeing Ireland has been reviewing its operational structure with regards to high performance activities for some time now.  It has been acknowledged that the current support for this area falls below the standard set by other Olympic/Paralympic National Governing Bodies and that significant action is needed if Canoeing Ireland athletes are to fulfil their potential on the International Stage.  To address this issue, Canoeing Ireland’s Training And Development Officer Jon Mackey is taking on the additional responsibility for High Performance.  Jon is no stranger to high performance, he is a National coach for Kickboxing Ireland whose team enjoyed huge success at last month’s  junior World Championship in Italy, finishing 4th in the medal table out of 65 countries. Jon is currently studying for a Masters degree in ‘Coaching Science in Sport’ at UCD.

Jon will work closely with all the performance disciplines, Sport Ireland, the Sport Ireland Institute and the Olympic Federation to identify and nurture the undoubted talent within our sport.  Canoeing Ireland are exploring ways to support Jon with his diverse roles, to ensure that all areas receive the attention they deserve.

Paddy Boyd, Canoeing Ireland CEO, said  “I am really delighted that we are addressing this important area of our sport.  There is undoubted paddling talent in Ireland, borne out by recent results.  It is incumbent on Canoeing Ireland to provide the support for our ambitious young athletes”.

Jon Mackey said “I’m very much looking forward to working with the athletes, coaching staff and discipline committees within Canoeing Ireland. 2018 has seen some of our best results on the international stage across a number of competitive disciplines. We have a team with huge potential and I look forward to working alongside them as we endeavour to make our mark on the European, World and Olympic stage.”