€533,500 awarded to South Galway clubs

Grants totalling €533,500 have been awarded to 11 GAA clubs and sporting organisations in South Galway under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme.
Minister of State at the Department of Sport Michael Ring allocated significant finance to local projects following applications made by sports clubs earlier this year.

The largest allocation of €140,000 was made to Leitrim Sports and Recreational Development Group, Tommy Larkin’s GAA Club secured €75,000, while Portumna Tennis Club were awarded  €54,000.

Other clubs who benefited included Craughwell Athletic Club: €16,000; Craughwell United FC: €22,000; Killimordaly GAA Club: €60,000; Killnadeema Leitrim GAA Club: €10,000; Leitrim Ballydugan Community Centre and field €25,000; Loughrea Boxing Club: €75,000; Loughrea Boxing Club: €6,500 and Loughrea Tennis Club: €50,000. Galway County Council was also given a €40,000 grant.

Portumna Tennis Club dates back to 1880 and is one of the oldest clubs in the country. In recent years it has been reactivated and its committee has embarked on a fundraising campaign.

With a membership of over 100, this funding will now enable necessary improvement works to be carried out to the courts and pavilion.
Tommie Larkins is a very progressive GAA club, which has started a major programme of works to improve existing and provide new facilities for all its members.

The club, which encompasses the parishes of Woodford, Looscaun, Ballinakill and Derrybrien, is like many rural clubs facing great challenges, with emigration on the increase once again and it is very important that their efforts to provide facilities are recognised and supported.

Councillor Jimmy McClearn said the Sports Capital Fund, which had a national budget of €30,000,000 was massively over subscribed and this resulted in many more very worthwhile local clubs being disappointed on this occasion.
He hoped these grants will continue on a yearly basis and he pledged to meet with Minister Ring to discuss this possibility early in the New Year.