The Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) and RCSI held its fifth Annual Scientific Conference, at the Hogan Suite in the Conference Centre at Croke Park Stadium from 12-13 September.

The Faculty were particularly delighted to welcome President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, who officially opened the conference.

The conference took place at Croke Park Stadium for the first time at a venue outside of the colleges. This is of particular significance as it brought together the importance of the interaction of medicine and sport, and the unique standing Gaelic games have in Irish sport with the conference taking place on the weekend in September between the All-Ireland Football and Hurling finals.

The objectives of the scientific conference were to provide delegates with continuing medical education and updates on recent research and developments in diagnostic investigations, therapeutic techniques and strategies to improve medical outcomes in sports and exercise medicine. The scientific programme was relevant and important to doctors and allied medical professionals involved with the treatment of those participating in professional, competitive and recreational sport and all athletic and leisure activities. The promotion of sport, exercise and leisure activities is, and will continue to be, important for the health and wellness of the population, and particularly children and adolescents.

The lectures were delivered by internationally well-known speakers, on topics to include hip and groin injuries, infectious diseases in sport, haematological conditions in sport and lower limb exertional pain. Practical workshops and original scientific papers, clinical case presentations and posters were also presented.

Prof. Per Renström, an international figure in sports and exercise medicine and world-renowned orthopaedic and sports surgeon from the famous Karolinska Institute in Sweden; and Dr Kieran Cuddihy, retired Pathologist and County Coroner, and Kilkenny Hurling Team Doctor for many interesting and successful decades received the Honorary Fellowships of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine, RCPI and RCSI. 

These two distinguished doctors have made major contributions to medicine and sport and the development and standing of sports and exercise medicine, both nationally and internationally over many decades.