Pitch inspections by Minister for Sport
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Smiles all around at the Kingscourt Harps AFC grounds as these two young players in the front of the picture are about to showcase their skills on the pitch. See sport for more photos.Image 2 of 9
Minister for Sport Jack Chambers hears about vision for Cootehill Celtic GAA grounds. From left: Senator Joe O’Reilly (FG); Jim Argue, club secretary; Deputy Brendan Smith (FF); Cllr Carmel Brady (FG); Conor Delaney, grandson of the late Charlie Gallagher and his father Conor Delaney played hurling for Kilkenny; Minister Jack Chambers; Malachy Magee; Deputy Niamh Smyth (FF); Cllr Aidan Fitzpatrick (FF) and the Chairman of the Cootehill Celtic GAA Club, Chris Smith.Image 3 of 9
A fine panoramic view of the Cootehill Celtic GAA grounds from the clubrooms’ window.Image 4 of 9
Minister for Sport Jack Chambers visits Cootehill Harps AFC Soccer grounds.From left: Johnny Sherlock, committee; Gerry Arrowsmith; Seamus Clarke, club chairman; Senator Joe O’Reilly (FG); Minister for Sport, Jack Chambers; Deputy Niamh Smyth (FF); Deputy Brendan Smith (FF); Collette Sherlock, assistant secretary; Cllr Carmel Brady (FG); Malachy Magee and Cllr Aidan Fitzpatrick (FF).Image 5 of 9
The Minister for Sports, Jack Chambers, completes whistle stop tour at the Kingscourt Stars GAA Grounds. The stand in the background at the ground showcasing some beautiful murals.From left: Senator Joe O’Reilly (FG), Philip Smith, Kingscourt Stars GFC; Deputy Niamh Smyth (FF), Michael Farrelly; Cllr Clifford Kelly (FF); Colm Higgins, chairman of the Kingscourt Stars GFC; Minister Jack Chambers; Agnes Clarke, secretary of Kingscourt Stars GFC and Deputy Brendan Smith (FF).Image 6 of 9
Sport Minister Jack Chambers inspects the new Craig Lynch High Performance Centre (in the background) at the Shercock Athletic Club grounds.From left: Terry Lynch, deputy principal, Shercock NS; Peadar Mohan; Ciaran O’Reilly, secretary of Shercock Athletic Club; Cllr Aidan Fitzpatrick (FF); Senator Joe O’Reilly (FG); Minister for Sport Jack Chambers; Frank Corbally, treasurer of Sports Recreation Facility (SSRF); Deputy Niamh Smyth (FF); Brian O’Reilly, chairman of Shercock Sports Recreation Facility (SSRF); Francie McDermott, vice chairman Shercock/ Killann Rural Development; Deputy Brendan Smith (FF) and Michael McCluskey.Image 7 of 9
The chairman of Shercock Sports Recreation Facility (SSRF) telling Minister for Sport, Jack Chambers, about the potential and feats of the late Craig Lynch, and the fact that the new centre is named after him.Image 8 of 9
Some of the Drumgoon ladies footballers post for a picture at O’Hagan Park Shercock in the presence of the Minister for Sport, Jack Chambers (at back).Image 9 of 9
Minister Jack Chambers on the ball as the remainder of the Drumgoon players prepare to go out onto O’Hagan GAA Park in Shercock. The chairman of Shercock GFC John Joe Carroll gave the Minister a lowdown of the developments at the club and plans for the future.The Minister for Sport, Jack Chambers, paid a visit to County Cavan last Friday afternoon for a tour of various sport facilities, all of which have benefited from Government Sports Capital funding and, some of which, are lobbying for more.
On his itinerary were St Anne’s Park in Bailieborough, the Cootehill GAA grounds, the Cootehill Celtic Soccer Club, the Shercock Athletics Club and the local GAA Club, as well as Kingscourt Stars GAA grounds and Kingscourt Harps.
Minister Chambers was full of praise for the various clubs and the volunteers behind them: “The Craig Lynch High Performance Centre at Shercock in Cavan is an amazing resource for athletics and many other sports in the region. It is a brilliant example of a multi-sport facility at the heart of the community,” he said, giving one example.
Fianna Fáil Deputy Niamh Smyth welcomed the Minister to show him first hand the impact and value Sports Capital funding.
“Minister Chambers recognises the importance leisure facilities are playing in the lives of towns and rural communities. The physical and mental health of these communities are enhanced and enriched by expanded and better-quality facilities. They are meeting places for people,” she said.
The Minister commenced his tour at St Anne’s Park Bailieborough.
“He witnessed the continuous development of excellent accessible facilities at the ‘Shamrocks’ playing fields. The walking track, astro playing area, clubhouse facilities and playing fields are all open and widely used by the community,” outlined the local TD.
Cootehill was the next stop with visits to Celtic grounds and Cootehill Harps. “Both venues represented the vast improvements and development that are possible with State funding supporting voluntary fundraising, coupled with the dedicated commitment, time and work of committees and volunteers,” said Deputy Smyth.
Shercock Athletic and GAA clubs were next to receive Minister Chambers who was said to be hugely impressed by both centres of active living. “Again, the volunteerism behind the excellence of their grounds stood out and he really embraced the hard work of the ‘chosen’ few,” said Deputy Smyth.
The final leg of the journey saw a visit to the playing grounds of Kingscourt Stars and Kingscourt Harps. “The coaching activity at both venues impressed the Minister and he saw the value of over €575,000 investment in Sports Capital funding paying rich dividends. It was a really enjoyable afternoon meeting and greeting your heroes,” concluded Deputy Smyth.