The International Liffey Descent is Ireland’s premier Paddlesporting event and has been since its inauguration in 1959. With over 500 competitors competing in the 2017 event, the event is still as popular and has huge potential for growth.

With the 60th anniversary approaching in 2019, the strategic development of the event will require a combination of innovative thinking and respect for the almost 60 years of tradition that the event represents. A successful Liffey Descent will enhance the sport’s growth and stimulate and engage event participants and the paddling community, while showcasing the event to a wider audience. This can best be achieved through the combination of a professional management team supported by the wonderful contribution of a great team of volunteers. Consequently, Canoeing Ireland invites Expressions of Interest from event organisers who wish to be considered for selection for co-coordinating and managing the Liffey Descent in 2018 and 2019, with an option on future years.

Organisations that wish to be considered must:

  • Be an established entity with a positive trading history of at least two years.
  • Have been successfully involved in the race management of recent events.
  • Have experience in outdoor site management.
  • Have demonstrated effective supervision of volunteers.
  • Have a history of planning and co-coordination with other agencies:
    • water safety
    • security
    • light and sound
    • infrastructure
    • signage and visibility
    • audio/video
    • caterers
    • transport
    • publicity

Experience in water sports events, particularly Paddlesports will be a definite advantage.

The successful candidate organisation must commit to engaging with current and potential sponsors, retailers and service providers to deliver the event on a cost neutral basis, with no negative expense legacy for Canoeing Ireland.

Qualified, interested organisations are requested to submit an application consisting of a cover letter, details of relevant experience and an indication of fee structure.

Applications should be sent as attachment to an e-mail, with ”Liffey Descent – EOI” in the subject line, sent to ceo@canoe.ie. The closing date for applications is November 24th 2017.

The applications will be considered by the Canoeing Ireland Executive and an appointment is expected in early December 2017.

Liffey Descent EOI