Funding boost secures future of Cusack Centre

The procurement of €170,000 in funding has secured the future of the Michael Cusack Centre and the jobs of three permanent employees at the Carron tourist facility.
Guaranteed funding of over €57,000 per annum over the next three years is being provided under the Government’s Community Service Programme and will enable the centre to continue to employee staff on a full-time basis.
The Michael Cusack Centre is dedicated to the founder of the GAA. Located on his original homestead in Carron, which has been fully restored, a contemporary visitor centre has been developed nearby. It is a treasure chest of history and a popular destination for school groups and sporting enthusiasts.
The centre is a valuable community facility as well as a popular tourist attraction.
Minister Tony Killeen, from nearby Kilnaboy, said the allocation of funding for the continued operation of this historically and culturally significant centre will be welcomed by members of the North Clare community, anyone with an interest in Irish culture and history and Gaelic Games supporters throughout the world.
“The Michael Cusack Centre is fast becoming one of Ireland’s best known and most visited heritage centres. 
“The decision by Eamon Ó Cuív TD, Minister for Social Protection, to allocate funds to the centre highlights the Government’s recognition of this fact,” he said.
Minister Killeen added, “Despite its growing status as a must-see tourist site, the Michael Cusack Centre project remains very much part of the wider community.
“The centre’s facilities are open to outside groups for social functions, committee meetings, public lectures and special events.
“I have no doubt that the centre will continue to make a valuable contribution to the local community and economy in the months and years ahead.”
The Community Service Programme is designed to work in partnership with local service providers. 
A key requirement is that each supported organisation develops non-public forms of income by way of service fees, trading and or fund raising.