Money for fun!
The memberships of more than a dozen local clubs woke this morning to news of a major financial boost through the Government's 'Equipment Only' Sports Capital Grant scheme.
Clubs across the region, in counties Cavan and Monaghan are set to benefit from respective investments to the tune of almost €314,000.
Details of the successful applications were revealed to The Anglo-Celt by local Fine Gael Senator Joe O'Reilly, who himself received word directly from Brendan Griffin, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport with special responsibility for Tourism and Sport.
Cavan
Among the big winners is the County Cavan Golf Club, who have received €111,610 to help facilitate the purchase of two new golf course mowers.
Virginia Golf Club are also in for a windfall, with €38,127 for the purchase of golf course maintenance equipment at their site.
Taking to the water, Cavan Cavan Canoe Club have been allocated €34,542 for the purchase of kayak equipment, while Virginia Kayak Club got €9,633 to assist in buying boats and a trailer.
In total, €231,455 was allocated to a total of eight clubs in Co Cavan.
Others allocations include €16,811 to purchase swim equipment for the East Cavan Swim Club; €10,299 for Ballyhaise Celtic Soccer Club to purchase of a generator and strimmer; €2,550 to Knockbride Ladies GFC for sports equipment; and €7,883 to 3rd Cavan Virginia Scouting Group to assist the local troop expand their capabilities.
Monaghan
Some €82,039 was allocated to five clubs in Monaghan.
That saw €25,435 allocated for accessible gym equipment at Monaghan Leisure Complex; €24,141 for a shortmat bowls equipment and shirts for the Indoor Bowling Zone; and €11,550 to buy automated lawnmowers for Ardaghey Community Development Association.
There was €11,998 also for grass maintenance equipment at Glaslough Villa FC; and €8,915 allocated to the Special Needs Active Parents (SNAP) to facilitate the purchase of equipment for Equine Therapy.
Its understood the top 75% of equipment only applications received funding, and that clubs that didn't make the cut may appeal the decision. About 1,500 further non-equipment only applications are still being processed, and its understood these will be allocated no later than September.
Welcome
Welcoming the allocations, Senator O'Reilly told The Anglo-Celt: “I'm delighted to have been informed by Minister Brendan Griffin of these Sports Equipment Grant allocations. We have a wide variety of vibrant and active sports clubs and societies across Co Cavan and Monaghan, and I know that these grants will make a huge difference in the quality of life in many communities, but deliver a very welcome boost to the local economies also.
He added: “I am look forward to working for, and lobbying to secure the maximum funding for applicant groups in other grant schemes. Since the restoration of the Sports Capital Grant, many clubs throughout Co Cavan and Monaghan have been able to develop new pitches, clubrooms, walkways and other important facilities.”