February 11, 2022
Over the last number of years, the Swim Ireland Education team have continued to evolve and grow to meet the needs of our membership, with a wide range of virtual and blended learning options now available. With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions the Education team look forward to further supporting the ongoing training and development of Swim Ireland teachers and coaches.
We want to update you on some staffing changes in the Education team planned in the coming months, which we hope will show our continued commitment to supporting our teaching and coaching community.
Joni Harding, who has led the Education team for the past six years will move to a contractor role from 1st April onwards. Joni remains committed to the Organisation and will have a substantial role working with Swim Ireland as a Consultant on several strategic projects. Harding commented ‘I have had an incredible journey with Swim Ireland over the last number of years, having the opportunity to shape aquatic education and training in my home country has been a dream come true! As I move on to establish my own company, I will leave a bit of my heart with Swim Ireland - but am delighted to be supporting them strategically - hopefully for many years to come! I wish Aisling all the best in her new role and look forward to seeing how Swim Ireland evolves moving forward.’
We are delighted to announce that Aisling McKeever, Club Support Manager, will become our new Head of Education. Aisling has worked with the Clubs and Community team for over eight years, providing governance and development support to Swim Ireland clubs. Speaking on her appointment, McKeever said “I have really enjoyed my time working with club volunteers in my current role and I am excited to take this experience with me into the Education team. In the short term I will focus on delivering the practicals needed for coaching and teaching courses, whilst also exploring new e-Learning opportunities for Continuous Professional Development (CPD).”
February 11, 2022
Commenting on the staffing updates, Swim Ireland CEO Sarah Keane; “Joni has brought about exciting changes in teacher and coach education during her time with Swim Ireland and I am grateful for the commitment she has shown over the last six years. I look forward to continuing to work with her on several exciting strategic projects that are on our agenda. I am also excited to welcome Aisling to her new role. Having recently completed a MSc. in Education and Training (e-Learning), I am confident that Aisling will bring new ideas, along with an awareness of club support needs to the Education team whilst continuing our support of the industry.”
A transition plan is in place to support the relevant departments, along with recruitment for a Club Support Manager to join the Clubs and Community Team.
In the meantime, the Education department continue to to support all our clubs and industry, contact details below:
Paul Cain - Practical course queries paulcain@swimireland.ie
Csenge Deak - Coaching and Teaching course queries cdeak@swimireland.ie
Cathal Rafferty Walsh - Safeguarding, CPD, Officials and Team Managers cathalraffertywalsh@swimireland.ie
General Enquiries education@swimireland.ie or call 01-6251120
