Major funding boost for GAA clubs in County Clare under government strategy

MORE than €357,000 in funding has been announced for eight GAA clubs in County Clare under the Government’s strategic five-year rural development plan, Our Rural Future.

A total of 113 sporting clubs across the country are to receive a total of almost €5 million.

Announcing details the successful projects, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys said: “This funding is targeted specifically at supporting clubs in rural communities and not surprisingly the vast majority of successful projects are from local GAA clubs. The GAA is at the heart of rural parishes across the country, instilling a strong sense of pride of place, community and belonging in young and old. 

“While many of the successful projects are focused on improving playing and training facilities, I also want to improve the experience for local supporters and spectators. For this reason, I put a particular focus on the upgrade of Spectator Stands so that further seating and shelter can be provided to ensure that older people can enjoy games in comfort. Similarly, some projects focus on upgrading local clubhouses and improving access for people with disabilities and mobility issues.”

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The Clare GAA clubs which are to receive funding are

*Michael Cusack's GAA Club - surfacing of walking track at Gleann Ciosog, Bellharbour (€50,000)
*O'Callaghan's Mills GAA Club & Community Council - upgrade of car park (€50,000)
*Killanena GAA Club - upgrade of spectator stand at community sports ground (€49,500)
*Smith O'Brien's GAA & Camogie Club and Killaloe Boys National School - resurfacing of existing car park (€50,000)
*Naomh Eoin GAA Club - upgrade of community walking track (€50,000)
*Clondegad GAA Club - upgrade of car park and walking track (€34,590)
*Kilmaley GAA Club - upgrade of car park (€50,000)
*Feakle GAA Club - upgrades at Grounds of Feakle GAA facility (€23,239) 

Congratulating the successful projects in Clare and across the country, Minister Humphreys added: “I appreciate the time and effort put in every week by local club members and volunteers to make our local communities a better place. I want to congratulate all of the clubs who have been successful in securing funding today and I look forward to seeing work get underway on these projects over the coming months.”