News
Kinga Stefaniak - Synchronised Swimming Coach Interview
13th December 2011
We all the excitement of all the developments in Synchronised Swimming at the National Aquatic Centre, we thought we’d indulge in a little question and answer session with our Coach, Kinga Stefaniak, to let you know a little more about Kinga and also Synchro !
1. Tell us about yourself ?
As everyone knows my name is Kinga and I come from Poland, my home town is Poznań. Ireland will be visiting twice in the Summer !!
2. Tell us about your Synchro career ?
My Synchro career started when I was 12 and finished when I was 20. It wasn't as long as it could be but was very intensive. I was spending around 10 hours at the gym and more than 15 hours in the water per week, with morning sessions starting at 6.30 everyday. But I loved that feeling ,when you traveling through empty dark town, to do something you love ,while other people still asleep.
3. What was your greatest Synchro achievement ?
I repeatedly (a few times a year) took a part in national and international competitions as a part of the Polish national team both in Poland and abroad.
4. Tell us about your goals for this new squad ?
At first I'd love our girls to perform for everyone over Easter time and then for USA Team when they come to the NAC
5. Are you looking forward to the USA Team coming to the NAC ?
I am looking forward to the USA team coming to town, I hope I will get a chance to meet them :)
6. Where do you like to go to have fun ?
I don't need much to have fun ,I just need my bike ,I also like to go to gym ,I love swimming and meet my friends.
7. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be ?
If I could go anywhere I would love to go to Tokyo, and to Bora Bora :)
8. What song always makes you happy when you hear it ?
There is a lot of songs I really like but this time I picked JUST THE WAY YOU ARE - Bruno Mars
9. Who's the funniest person you know ?
It is not a person but my new kitten, Polka, is the funniest thing I have had in a long time.
10. What’s your favourite thing about Ireland ?
I like 3 things about Ireland : weather ,weather , and weather
Finnie's Grotto!!!
30th November 2011
This year for Christmas we’re doing something special in our lobby !! The magic of Christmas will be present and so will “Finnie’s Grotto” !!
Starting on December 2nd Finnie’s Christmas Grotto will be open for visitors !!
Finnie will be present at certain times and the kiddies can meet Finnie and get a nice Christmas photo with him, and it’s all FREE !!
Parents can take a snap or we’ll be on hand to take photos for our Facebook page
Finnie will appear at the following times:
Timetable of Openings:
Fri Dec 2nd 3pm – 6pm
Weekends:
3rd & 4th Dec 11 - 4 pm
10th & 11th Dec 11 - 4 pm
17th & 18th Dec 12 - 4 pm
Midweek (One week for all our Academy kids):
Mon-Thurs 12-15th Dec 3.00 -7.30pm each day
Come along, meet Finnie, get your photo taken and have some festive fun !!!
AquaZone Announcement
8th November 2011
Dear Users of AquaZone,
From Monday, November 14th, 2011, we will be changing the Opening Hours to the slides and rides in AquaZone.
Theses changes will apply from Mondays to Thursday only, and from 4pm to 7pm.
The Wave Pool will continue (without waves) as will the Pirates Ship. As a result prices from 4pm will now be the same as prices from 12 noon onwards - Adults €7.50, Children €5.50 and age 3 and under free of charge.
The reasoning for this is due to lack of demand midweek. We have taken this decision after analysing the visitor and member’s usage of AquaZone from Mondays to Thursdays. It is good management to preserve these rides rather than run them with no one on them; it is also good for the environment and the general management of the facility.
All Slides will then re-open at 4pm on Fridays and operate as normal with full prices. Saturday and Sunday hours will apply from 10am – 7pm with everything turned on with full prices – Adults €13.50, Children €11.50 and age 3 and under free of charge.
These changes will be reviewed and will remain from now until our Spring Season, however, for all School Holidays, AquaZone will be fully operational 7 days a week 10am to 7pm, with full prices, and will be advertised as such.
As the entrance to both AquaZone and the Main Competition Pool is through the same turnstiles this will mean that Swimming in the Main Pool is now reduced also from 4pm onwards with Adults €7.50 and Children €5.50.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Yours sincerely
National Aquatic Centre Management
Top Quality Award for the National Aquatic Centre
1st November 2011
Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, holding the Q Mark award with Emma Faulkner, Duty Manager NAC; David Conway, Director of Operations NSCDA (left) and Barry O’Brien NSCDA (below).
The outright National Winner of the Q Mark for Leisure Centres is the National Aquatic Centre, according to the Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA), the agency which provides the framework for evaluating compliance with the highest international standards in respect of quality services and best practices.
This is another well-deserved accolade for staff of the Centre. Taken in conjunction with other awards (see below), it testifies to the standards which have been achieved and should be a matter of considerable pride for all concerned. In congratulating staff on this latest achievement, NSCDA CEO Barry O’Brien remarked;
"You should all be very proud of where you work and what you do. Ongoing external validation is the best way to self-improvement and commercial sustainability. Through your efforts, the National Aquatic Centre is proving itself to be an exemplary model for the incremental development and operation of facilities at the National Sports Campus. Well done to all concerned”.
Other awards won in recent years by the National Aquatic Centre include the following;
Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management (ILAM) –
· National winner for both Disability Access and Training Ethos (2009)
· White flag winner 2007 - 2011
02 Ability Awards - Ability Company status (2010) for each of the following categories;
- Leadership
- Environmental Accessibility
- Customer Service
- Recruitment and Selection
- Leading Development and Progression
- Retention and Well Being
Primary Times – Best Family Visitor Attraction (2011) - Star Winner
D15 Chamber of Commerce – Best Sales and Marketing Team (2009)
EIQA – Hygiene and Quality Awards (2008)
Swim Ireland – Recognition Award (2007)
Parents Choice – “Best Family Day Out” award (2006)
UCD – Recognition Award (2004)
Special Olympics – Appreciation Award (2003)
FM104 Family Fun Wednesday
13th July 2011
It’s Wonderful Wednesday on July 13th
We will have the FM104 Road Hog & Crew broadcasting live from the National Aquatic Centre all day !!
There will be Face Painting from 12 noon and the FM104 crew will be giving out goodies all day.
All your favourite DJ’s will be here doing their shows live in the Hog for you to see !
It all takes place in the Picnic area, so come along and join in the fun
Finnie the frog will also be around during the day for photos, so bring your camera !!
See you from 10am !
International Waterpolo Challenge
13th May 2011
The current, and 3 times Olympic Champions, Hungary, take on Olympic Hosts, Great Britain, in two matches to be held at the National Aquatic Centre on June 6th & 7th.
The Irish Water Polo Association (IWPU) are organising this event, whist the National Aquatic Centre is hosting the event.
Tickets for this event are on sale now for a nominal cost of €5 or £4.50 (Northern Ireland) through The Irish Water Polo Association (IWPA) and Swim Ireland.
We will sell a limited number of tickets from Reception at the National Aquatic Centre from Monday May 16th
Full details of the event are available on this link
The National Aquatic Centre is hosting the event but the event is run and administered by the IWPA
The National Aquatic Centre is delighted to be hosting such a prestigious fixture
Important Announcement
10th May 2011
Starting on Monday May 16th at 10am our Official Summer Season commences.
All Concession pricing between 10am and 8pm will cease with no exception.
Full weekend charges will be in place as per below.
AquaZone will be fully open and all rides will be in operation.
Because of our one access policy, the same rules will apply to the International Competition Pool.
(Concession pricing will still be in place for Swimming in the International Competition pool from 6am-9.30am and from 8pm-10pm midweek, and also from 8am-10am at weekends)
AquaZone Easter festivities commence
14th April 2011
Our Easter Season kicks off at 2pm tomorrow !! We hope to see you here over the next 17 days !
We’ll have live Radio Broadcasts, Face Painting, goodies and special guests over the period !
Check out Finnie’s new adverts in Cinemas & on Setanta Sports this weekend – lets know if you spot Finnie !
The fun starts at 2pm Friday 15th April!
Britain... Brains... Just another day at the National Aquatic Centre
4th February 2011
Britain
The National Aquatic Centre is delighted to announce that the GB Paralympic Swimming Squad is booked in for a pre-Olympics training camp for the end of the year.
This is a major coup for the Centre, as we have attracted the hosts of the London Games out of their own country for a Training Camp in our National Aquatic Centre in advance of their own games!
We will have more details on this news item in the near future.
The National Aquatic Centre has already signed up the USA Synchronized Swimming Squad to base themselves at the centre for the 2012 London Games.
That makes it two very prestigious countries along with our own Irish National sides as we play our part in the run-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games of 2012. Hopefully there’s more to come…watch this space!
Brains
We would like to congratulate one of our younger Members, Alexander Amini, who recently won the BT Young Scientist of the Year Award!
Alexander won the overall prize for his project entitled, “Tennis sensor data analysis”.
Alexander was presented with a cheque for €5,000, a Waterford Crystal trophy and the opportunity to represent Ireland at the 22nd European Union Young Scientist competition taking place in Helsinki, Finland this coming September.
This is a huge achievement for Alexander. His Father Sean and his family are all members of the Centre and are really proud of him…as are we!
Congratulations Alexander. The future is very bright for you and all at the National Aquatic Centre.
Spring Swimming Academy
11th January 2011
Spring Swimming Academy Announcement:
- Classes commence the week beginning 14th February.
- Priority Sales begins on Monday 31st January. This is ONLY for those in the current Academy.
- The general Public sale begins on Monday 7th February.
- New Timetables will be on the websites from 24th January.
American Olympic Synchronised Swimming Squad to be based at the National Aquatic Centre before 2012 London Olympics
26th August 2010
US Synchronized Swimming has chosen the National Aquatic Centre, Abbotstown as its pre-Olympic Training Base for the London Olympics in 2012. The US squad of over 20 swimmers and team officials will be based in Dublin for 3 separate periods – a pre-Olympic qualifying tournament (2 weeks in April 2012); a pre-Olympic training base camp (2 weeks in July 2012) and as its training base throughout the Olympics (August 2012). The squad will be joined in Ireland by family members and friends at various stages during their stays.
Ms Sandra Mahoney, National Team Director, US Synchronized Swimming, said that Abbotstown had been chosen following a process where they had considered many options. “We have checked out all the alternative options prior to London and have concluded that the best place for us is the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin. The facility is world-class and the country is most welcoming.” Ms Gigi Grizanti, National Team Coordinator, looks forward to promoting both the National Aquatic Centre and the sport of Synchronized Swimming through appearances and demonstrations by the Olympic Squad which will be open to the public. She went on to say – “We hope to leave a footprint behind for the development of the sport in Dublin and in Ireland.”
Ms Mary Hanafin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport welcomed the development and congratulated the National Sports Campus Development Authority under whose aegis the Centre is managed;
“Ireland has a great deal to offer Olympic athletes and their training personnel, and the facilities available at the National Aquatic Centre are world class. I am delighted that the US Synchronized Swimmers have chosen Abbotstown and Ireland as their base for training in the lead up and during the London Olympics in August 2012. This is a first for Ireland and a great international endorsement of the facilities that we have to offer. I know that there will be a warm welcome for the team while training here and for their families who will join them to offer support. Given Ireland’s proximity to London, and the many accessible routes to and from the UK, we can benefit from a sporting, tourism and on a broader economic knock-on effect with the large number of people planning to travel to the Games from all over the world.”
Mr Patrick Hickey, President of the Olympic Council of Ireland, praised the staff at the National Aquatic Centre saying that the news was great for Ireland “and a wonderful boost for the association between Ireland and the London Olympics. Congratulations to all concerned.”
Earlier this year, the USA Junior All-Star Swimming team was based at the National Aquatic Centre. International squads from Egypt, South Africa and a number of other countries subsequently participated in the National Open Swimming Championship.
Swim Ireland also has a permanent High Performance Centre based at the National Aquatic Centre. Gráinne Murphy, Ireland’s silver medallist at the recent European Swimming Championships, competed in the Abbotstown facility before proceeding to the European Championship.
It is expected that other teams and individuals will now follow the example of US Synchronized Swimming and reserve pool time at the National Aquatic Centre in preparation for the London Olympics.
New Accessibility Film for the National Aquatic Centre
28th July 2010
In May, Robert McCann, a Lifeguard at the National Aquatic Centre, created a short film about Accessibility at the centre for his end of year exams in the Institution of Technology Blanchardstown. We were happy to assist Robert in this project to showcase the numerous Accessibility improvements that have been made at the National Aquatic Centre in recent times. Robert was delighted to let us showcase his film, and we must congratulate him on his excellent work.
Please click here to view: Accessibility Film
We hope you find this interesting, and if you have any questions please email access@nac.ie for a response
Special Guest Appearances by 'Finnie the Frog' this week
29th June 2010
Finnie will be appearing on the following days for photos and fun !!
Wednesday June 30th at 2.30pm & 4.30pm
Friday July 2nd at 2.30pm & 4.30pm
Saturday July 3rd at 2.30pm & 4.30pm
Sunday July 4th at 2.30pm & 4.30pm
Don’t forget to bring along all your camera !! See you here !!!
National Aquatic Centre Teams Up With Croke Park
14th December 2009
The National Aquatic Centre has teamed up with the Croke Park Experience to offer a special deal to all GAA clubs in Ireland. We’ve teamed up to provide a fun filled day out for GAA Clubs wanting to reward their players of all ages & levels for their hard work and dedication on the pitch.
For further information please click here.
National Aquatic Centre Wins 4 Major Awards
28th October 2009
The National Aquatic Centre at Abbotstown has received the Irish leisure industry’s highest accolade for the third year running. ILAM, the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management in Ireland, has awarded the Centre its White Flag, the industry’s quality seal of approval. This is the third year in succession for the National Aquatic Centre to receive the award which confirms the achievement for the highest standards in a leisure facility in Ireland.
The National Aquatic Centre is also the outright National winner of two significant category awards from ILAM in relation to Disability Access and Staff Training. The Disability Access Award was presented in recognition of the major programme undertaken by the National Aquatic Centre in recent years, with Government support, to ensure the Centre is fully accessible for people with disabilities. Included in that programme has been upgrading of all gym equipment for use by people with disabilities.
The Training Ethos Award was given in recognition of the Centre’s extensive in-house training programmes for staff. Specifically noteworthy were the programmes in relation to Child Protection and Life Saving. The award also noted the Centre’s Energy Map Awareness programme which has been developed in association with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and which is now being replicated throughout the industry.
Furthermore and separately, the D15 Chamber of Commerce presented the award of ‘Best Sales and Marketing Team’ to the National Aquatic Centre for the successful promotion of its Autumn Swim and Diving Academy. This award further confirms the successful efforts which has helped to establish the National Aquatic Centre as the fourth most popular recreational venue in Ireland with 708,000 fee-paying visitors in 2008.
According to Barry O’Brien, Chief Executive of the National Sports Campus Development Authority, under whose aegis the Centre is operated “These awards are due recognition for the hard work which has been put in by the General Manager, David Conway and his team to develop the services and reputation of the National Aquatic Centre as the premier venue for aquatic sports in Ireland”.
During 2009 Swim Ireland established a High Performance Unit at the National Aquatic Centre. So far this year 19 National Swimming Records have been achieved at the Centre.
Finnie the Frog & Haribo
28th October 2009
Finnie's friends at Haribo will be here from 10am - 4pm tomorrow and they'll be giving out sweets to parents for the kiddies. They will also have a giant Gold Bear here and some surprises ! As an extra surprise Finnie might pop out for some fun himself ! Finnie hopes to see all of you on Thursday.
Important Announcement
15th October 2009
On Thursday October 22nd AquaZone will not be open until 4pm due to a private booking. AquaZone will re-open at 4pm. The Main Competition Pool will be open all day whilst AquaZone is closed. We appreciate your understanding.
National Aquatic Centre Short Listed For Two Exclusive Awards
17th September 2009
The National Aquatic Centre today received news that we have been nominated for the two most exclusive awards in the Irish Leisure Industry.
The National Aquatic Centre has been nominated by ILAM (Institute for Leisure and Amenity Management) for two White Flag Awards. The White Flag Awards are Ireland's quality award for sports, fitness, leisure, spa & wellness and aquatic facilities, and are supported by a Jury of 12 Independent National/State organizations, including Failte Ireland.
The National Aquatic Centre has been nominated for:
1) The ILAM White Flag Disability Category Award
2) The ILAM White Flag Training Category Award
The winners of these awards are named in late October at the Leisure Industry’s European Congress, which takes place in Dublin for the first time. This adds extra credence to our nominations
The White Flag Awards take place on 23rd October at the Burlington Hotel
Watch this space !
It's Time To Make A Big Splash For Sick Kids
10th July 2009
Olympic swimmer and World Championship qualifier Aisling Cooney was joined by former Olympic Swimmer turned coach and Women in Sport Manager Earl McCarthy and former Miss World Ireland Lynn Kelly at the AquaZone in the National Aquatic Centre to launch a brand new fundraising campaign called The Big Splash in aid of Temple Street Children's University Hospital today. This event follows hot on the heals of the fantastic achievements of sixteen-year old Grainne Murphy who took gold in the 400m Individual Medley and bronze in the 1500m freestyle at the European Junior Swimming Championships in Prague yesterday.
Aisling Andrews, Fundraising and Events Coordinator for the Hospital said "The campaign aims to get swimmers or ‘splashers' to take the plunge to help purchase vital life saving equipment for the children of Temple Street. The event will run throughout September and people of all ages and abilities can take part to make a very real difference to sick children at the Hospital. Those taking part can swim or dive, set a water polo or aqua aerobics challenge and even toddlers will be making a splash for cash this September!"
This is a fantastic way to keep fit while also raising much needed funds for a very worthwhile cause. The National Aquatic Centre has also kindly allocated lanes for The Big Splash this September for anyone who would like to take on a team or relay challenge. Why not get your colleagues or friends together to make a real and lasting difference to the children of Temple Street?
To sign up today and get your Splash Pack, book a lane or get further information log onto www.thebigsplash.ie or contact Aisling in the Fundraising office on tel: 01 878 4344 or email: aisling.andrews@cuh.ie
Record School Tours Season For AquaZone
8th July 2009
With the School Tours season just finished, we’re delighted to announce that the 2009 season (which runs from mid-May until Schools closing at the end of June) was our most successful ever in AqauZone at the National Aquatic Centre.
Our season finished 6% up on 2008. In 2008 we doubled our numbers on 2007, and given the economic situation we were delighted to beat last year’s outstanding season.
David Conway , General Manager, of the National Aquatic Centre said 'It’s a credit to our facility and to our staff that we were able to increase on a very successful 2008. We had repeat visits from all over Ireland which is a testament to the experience children enjoyed in 2008. On top of this we were able to attract new schools to our unique facility, which is great news from a marketing point of view'
AquaZone is open and ready for the summer holidays season, we’ll see you soon !
2009 Summer Camps
27th May 2009
The 2009 National Aquatic Centre Summer Camps will run daily from 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, every week in July and August.
This year sees an increased number of activities again, but with kept prices at 2008 levels! The camps now focus on swimming & diving skills, outdoor games, learning the basics of water polo and other water games, arts & crafts, a mystery field trip at the end of the week... and lots of time enjoying the fun and the slides of AquaZone.
The 8 camps run each Monday to Friday on the following dates - July 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th and August 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th. The cost for each camp is €145 for a non member and €135 if you are a member of the National Aquatic Centre. An early booking offer of €250 for 2 children is in place until June 8th - this offer is open to all.
The camps cater for children aged 6-14 years and each camp will be split into three sections to cater for different age groups.
This year's camp will be sponsored by Deep River Rock and the theme will be 'Water & Healthiness'. Each child will also receive a special Summer Camp T-shirt as well as some of our sponsors healthy products.
General Manager, David Conway said “At the National Aquatic Centre we have a facility that is second to none in terms of Leisure facilities in Ireland, so we can offer so much more. Apart from our huge Olympic sized pool and separate diving pool, we have Irelands largest indoor fun park in AqauZone, and on top of that we have lots of lush green areas within our boundaries, so we thought we’d bring them into play this year to enhance our product offering even more.”
“We’re expecting the classes to sell out quickly as we know how popular the National Aquatic Centre is with children. We currently cater for over 1,800 children per week in Swimming lessons alone, separate to the huge numbers who come in for AquaZone. We think this year’s camps represent great value for money for parents as the children will be with us for 6 hours each day with a short break for lunch. Our Teachers have put in place an exciting and varied programme which ends with a mystery field trip every Friday – a perfect way to end a fun filled week”.
The camps are now on sale!! - First come, first served!
The following forms are to be printed, filled out and brought with you on the first day of your chosen Summer Camp:
1) Summer Camp Requirements 2) Summer Camp Screening Form 3) Field Trip Consent Form
Aquazone Summer Opening
13th May 2009
Due to popular demand, particularly from School groups across the country, AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre, will start it’s summer season early again this year.
From May 18th AquaZone will open daily at 10am and close at 8pm, daily including weekends.The summer season will run May 18th until August 30th
Speaking of the summer launch, David Conway, General Manager said “We’re delighted to be opening early for the second year in a row. The summer of 2008 was a record breaking period for us. The demand for school tours from the four corners of Ireland means that we are able to open early, which also benefits our regular visitors and tourists. We’re expecting a busy summer at the centre and in the AquaZone in particular. Last year we were ranked the 5th most popular visitor attraction in Ireland and this year we’re hoping to increase our visitor numbers even further.
