Game on for sports groups

At a ceremony in Ennis on Monday, Clare Sports Partnership awarded €21,070 to 42 sports clubs and community groups from around the county.
The money for the grant scheme came from core support from the Irish Sports Council and also from monies raised over three years of the Local Sports Partnership’s involvement with the Tour de Burren.
“We are delighted to be in position to be able to give out grant aid in these austere times. The standard of application was very high and unfortunately there are some organisations that did not meet the criteria,” Máire Johnston, chairperson of the partnership said.
The largest figure granted was €900 and the smallest was €200. Four groups, Clare Cascaders, Clarecastle basketball, Ennis Rugby Club and Shannon Athletic were granted €900 apiece. Kilmaley GAA Club, Killaloe Scouts, Clare Athletic Association and Bluestars Basketball all received €700.
A group called Desperate Housewives were granted €600.
All applicants had to show how their project would lead to increased physical activity levels within their organisation, especially amongst specific target groups.
“This is the first grant scheme since 2007 that the Clare Sports Partnership has been able to run. We would not be in this position if it were not for the support of the Irish Sports Council. We would hope that we could also be in a position to do something similar at the end of 2012 or the beginning of 2013.
“The projects selected will help sustain existing programmes with the organisations and to help promote sports and physical activity in the county,” John Sweeney, co-ordinator of the Local Sports Partnership commented.
A full list of successful organisations can be found on www.claresportspartnership.ie.