Clubs get €25 million to play with

By Finnian Cox

Sports clubs across Cork city and county have scored €25 million worth of funding.

The funds, announced yesterday, will be used by local sports clubs to improve infrastructure such as training and playing facilities, floodlights, walking tracks and astro turf pitches. More than 200 local clubs will have funds allocated to them for development purposes, with the grants ranging from €6,000 to €200,000. Glen Rovers Hurling Club will put €200,000 into upgrades for security and pitch maintenance, while Brian Dillons will invest the same amount in a new hurling wall and astro turf pitch.

Blarney United Soccer Club received €200,000 to build an extension onto the clubhouse, as well as an upgrade to facilities.

Macroom FC soccer club also received €200,000, which will go towards the construction of a full-sized floodlit pitch, as well as a community walkway.

Fine Gael Minister of State Colm Burke has described the variety of clubs availing of the grant as “fantastic”, and said he believes the funding will come as a major boost to members.

He said local clubs “are at the heart of our communities, and any help they receive is a great source of support to local teams and sportspeople.

“It is crucial that we invest in sport for the overall health and wellbeing of our population and that is why this programme is so important.”

“Active engagement in sports not only helps keep people healthy, but it also builds confidence, independence and promotes team building,” he added.

As well as the development funds, more than €285,000 was also allocated for eight clubs around the county to purchase equipment. The Cork Women’s and Schoolgirl’s Soccer League, which promotes and coordinates soccer for both underage and senior women’s teams received €40,000 from the scheme. Fermoy Rowing Club, the training ground of Olympian Alison Bergin was also allocated €114,000 worth of equipment funding. Grants were also awarded for the development of regional clubs, with a total of €4 million divided between 14 clubs and organisations in the county.

Cork County Council will receive the highest amount, with €496,000 being allocated for an upgrade of the Mallow Municipal Swimming Pool.

The Carrigaline Rugby and Athletics Partnership have received €493,000 for a new grass surface pitch and running track, while Neptune Basketball Club will fund a high-performance facility upgrade through a grant of €424,000.

Finally, Scoil Phobail Béara is also included in the regional grant scheme and will receive €196,000 to build a new Beara community sport campus.

The announcement comes ahead of the Budget, which is due to be delivered by the Government on 1 October.