€70K in funding for walking tracks at local GAA clubs

€70,000 in funding has been awarded to four GAA clubs in counties Cavan and Monaghan for develop walking tracks at local facilities.

The largest allocation in the Breffni county went to Kildallan GAA club, which is set to receive €25,000; while Cornafean GFC has been allocated €10,000 under the GAA Walking Tracks initiative.

In neighbouring County Monaghan, Blackhill is set to receive €25,000, while Gaeil Triucha was awarded €10,000 under the scheme.

Nationally, €815,000 in one-off funding was provided by Healthy Ireland to 54 clubs across the 26 counties to make community walking tracks on GAA grounds more accessible to more people.

Cavan Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed the announcement. Healthy Ireland has been a long-standing partner of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Project and supporter of the GAA’s efforts to transform clubs into hubs for health in their communities.

“The objective of the funding is to assist clubs in upgrading existing facilities to maximise participation in physical activity at community level (access must include community as well as club members).

"It is also intended to support and increase existing track usage by older people and people with disabilities, to extend usage and availability through the winter months through appropriate lighting installation and to support the sustainability of the amenity from an environmental and risk and maintenance perspective," said Deputy Smith.

Minister Heather Humphreys was also congratulated the successful clubs.

“These are wonderful clubs which I know will use this funding to great effect in upgrading and improving their walking tracks.

"Our GAA Clubs play a vital role in their communities, providing facilities and activities to people young and old. These upgrades will help our clubs to empower people to stay active all year round by creating safe and inclusive spaces for people of all ages and mobilities.”