€780,000 windfall for Westmeath sports clubs
Photo shows, Deputy Peter Burke with Minister Brendan Griffin.
Mullingar and Westmeath Clubs have been significant beneficiaries in the Sports Capital Grant funding again this year, and some €780,000 is being shared among 22 clubs in the county.
Welcoming the news, Deputy Peter Burke said it was appropriate that these volunteer-led clubs receive government funding as they provide the lifeblood and backbone to communities, especially in rural areas.
“I want to warmly welcome the news which sees €780,568 being awarded to 22 sports clubs across our county.
“I worked with many local clubs on their applications, with smaller grants being awarded earlier in the year. I have lobbied Minister Brendan Griffin and department officials and I am glad these fantastic clubs are being recognised today.
“These larger grants will go a long way to upgrade and promote our sports club which do fantastic work to engage both young and old in all manner of sports in our communities.
“The application process can be arduous so a special well done to the volunteers and parents who worked hard to ensure their club received funding.
“However, I am fully aware that some clubs are disappointed and it is vital we get feedback on these applications to assist us next year. I am always available to assist clubs work through this process and I have already been in contact with Minister Brendan Griffin and Minister Shane Ross to see where unsuccessful clubs fell short and how we can modify applications next year to make sure no club is overlooked and everyone gets their fair share.
“Active engagement in sports not only helps keep young people healthy, but also builds confidence, independence and promotes team building. Many of the clubs listed are the cornerstone of their communities, and government funding to the tune of €70,659 to Multyfarnham GAA and €67,773 for Mullingar Shamrocks is extremely welcome.
“Bunbrosna GAA Club receives €60,042 and Mullingar Tennis and Badminton Club have been allocated €8,489. Castletown Geoghegan Hurling Club receives €75,000, Mullingar Elite Boxing Club €9,784 and €67,513 for Coralstown GAA. Cullion Hurling Club have been awarded €24,668, the Rosemount GAA application yields €37,869 and Scoil na gCaithre Máistrí will get €14,080.
“Another local school St Colman’s NS has been awarded €25,141 with €2,506 going to Dysart NS. Ballymore Gaelic Football Club have received €46,222, Ballynacargy Boxing Club €29,403 and in Kilbeggan, the Soccer Club have been awarded €15,764 and €1,807 goes to Kilbeggan LTC and Community Centre.
“The Sports Capital Programme was re-instated by the last Fine Gael government in 2012, after it had been cut by Fianna Fáil in the wake of the economic crash. I am proud to be part of a government who realise how important our sports clubs are in small, rural communities and provides substantial investment based on this.
“The process is extremely rigorous and complex and as I have repeatedly stated, I would urge clubs who were unsuccessful this year to inquire where they lost marks, and to address these issues in time for the next round of the grant.
“I believe this money represents an excellent value for money investment. It is crucial we invest in sport and the health of our population, particularly with obesity on the rise. It is also a key time for rural Ireland, with many young people returning from abroad and involving them in local sports clubs and communities is a worthy pursuit for all involved.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS
WESTMEATH
Mullingar Shamrocks – €67,773
Bunbrosna GAA Club – €60,042
Mullingar Tennis and Badminton Club – €8,489
Multyfarnham GAA Club – €70,759
Castletown Geoghegan Hurling Club – €75,000
Mullingar Elite Boxing Club – €9,784
Coralstown Kinnegad GAA Club – €67,513
Cullion Hurling Club – €24,668
Rosemount GAA – €37,869
Scoil na gCaithre Máistrí – €14,080
St. Colman’s NS – €25,141
Ballymore Gaelic Football Club – €46,222
Ballynacargy Boxing Club – €29,403
Dysart NS – €2,506
Kilbeggan Soccer Club – €15,764
Kilbeggan LTC and Community Centre – €1,087
Caulry GAA – €29,576
Delvin GAA – €49,965
St Paul’s GAA Club Clonmellon – €40,164
Garrycastle GAA Club – €13,994
Maryland GAA Club – €38,825
Moate Golf Club – €26,070