Minister visits local clubs
Sports Minister Jack Chambers is said to be “very satisfied” with the decisions he made to allocate funding to local clubs and groups.
Jack Chambers, who’s also the Government Chief Whip, stopped at nine local sports facilities on a visit to Co Cavan on Saturday, following an invitation by local TDs.
“It was very much a listening exercise”, said local Fianna Fáil TD Niamh Smyth.
“He was left very satisfied with the decisions he made under the latest round of Sports Capital Grants.”
The Minister’s first stop was at Knockbride GFC where the club were running a family fun and healthy eating day.
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Jack Chambers TD (Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht) paid a visit to Cavan on Saturday last and his first stop of the day was to Knockbride GFC for a Fun and Healthy Eating Day, pictured with Deputy Niamh Smyth TD, Martin McBreen (Chairperson Knockbride GFC) and Senator Joe O'Reilly. Photo by Alex Coleman.Image 2 of 14
Basking in the Knockbride sunshine, TJ Lynch, Teagan Lynch and Wendy Lynch. Photo by Alex Coleman.Image 3 of 14
Sharing a joke Kieran Callaghan (Chairman Cavan Co Board) and local referee Kieran McCarville catching up in Knockbride on Saturday last. Photo by Alex Coleman.Image 4 of 14
In Knockbride on Saturday for The Fun and Heathy Eating were Natasha Tierney, Robyn Tierney, and Collette Reilly. Photo by Alex Coleman.Image 5 of 14
Ally Reilly, Samaira Coleman and Meabh Taaffe having lots of fun in Knockbride on Saturday. Photo by Alex Coleman.Image 6 of 14
Lucy Clarke, Olivia Carragher, Emma Clarke and Holly Carragher enjoying the sunshine in Knockbride. Photo by Alex Coleman.Image 7 of 14
Larry Reilly, Dearbhal Shanley and Stephen Shanley in Knockbride on Saturday. Photo by Alex Coleman.Image 8 of 14
Emer Meehan, Terry McCabe, Mary McCabe and Garreth Tackney relaxing in The Knockbride Sunshine. Photo by Alex Coleman.Image 9 of 14
Cavan Rose Tara Rogers relaxing with her Knockbride Teamates Nicola Rogers, Sarah McCabe and Katie Rogers on Saturday last at the fun and healthy eating day. Photo by Alex Coleman.Image 10 of 14
Mia Clerkin, Kelly Clerkin and Lily-Kate Clerkin in Knockbride for THe Fun and Healthy eating. Photo by Alex Coleman.Image 11 of 14
Briege Smith and Yvonne McDermott loving the sunshine in Knockbride on Saturday. Photo by Alex Coleman.Image 12 of 14
Jack Chambers TD (Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht) chatting with David Cosgrove and Deputy Niamh Smyth TD when he visited Knockbride GFC on Saturday last. Photo by Alex Coleman.Image 13 of 14
Deputy Niamh Smyth TD, Jack Chambers TD (Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht) meeting Knockbrides own Cavan Rose Tara Rogers and Martin McBreen (Chairman Knockbride GFC). Photo by Alex Coleman.Image 14 of 14
Deputy Niamh Smyth TD, Martin McBreen (Chairman Knockbride GFC0 Kieran Callaghan (Chairman Cavan Co Board) talking football with Minister Jack Chambers TD (Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht) on his visit to Knockbride on Saturday morning last. Photo by Alex Coleman.A visit to Mullagh allowed the Minister to see what use Cuchulainn GFC made of €125,000 in funding. The club is continuing work promoting biodiversity, with a walk in place and plans for an athletic track.
“There’s huge scope to increase facilities,” said Deputy Smyth. “Their hope is to create a regional athletics complex.”
She praised Barbara and Ronan Carolan, who gave the Minister a tour of the facilities.
Plans for the county’s new sports campus are also said to be progressing. Forty-five acres of land next to the Royal School and Kingspan Breffni have been acquired for the major project.
A meeting between Minister Chambers, Cavan County Council and other stakeholders on Saturday heard that up to €13 million could be needed to get that project over the line.
Minister Chambers also met with clubs in Tullacmongan, Drumalee, Cavan Gaels and Killygarry, as well as Cavan Tennis Club and Cavan Rugby Club.
Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith commended the “great commitment” in local clubs “to continue to enhance and expand playing facilities and make the organisations as inclusive as possible of the local community”.
He highlighted the importance of Sports Capital Grants to these clubs.
“Running sporting organisations on a day to day basis and developing playing facilities takes hard work, commitment and diligence and that was very evident throughout the county,” said Deputy Smith.
“Government financial support is critical in assisting sporting and voluntary organisations in providing playing and recreational facilities for people of all age groups,” stated Deputy Smith.