Government Chief Whip Joe McHugh has paid tribute to Donegal’s sports clubs and administrators after it was announced that over €2 million had been allocated today to 71 clubs in the county.
The clubs and organisations will benefit from €2,003,000 that was granted to Donegal under the Sports Capital programme.
“Over €2million has come into the county and I would like to commend and acknowledge the hard work of volunteers in various club,” Minister McHugh said.
“They have put in hours and hours of hard work, but good work, not just for this generation but future generations.
“To the clubs who were not successful, I have already spoken to Minister Griffin and we will try to facilitate and find a pathway for them because I know they will be disappointed.”
County councillors praised clubs and organisations across the county who contribute so much to life here.
Cllr Martin Harley praised Minister McHugh and Minister for Sport Brendan Griffin for providing more funding to grassroots sports clubs because of the enormous benefits these groups bring to the communities they serve.
“All the clubs being funded today by the Government deserve enormous credit for the work they do in their communities including GAA, soccer, boxing, rowing, cricket, community groups, swimming and multi-sports facilities,” said Cllr Martin Harley.
“I am delighted with this massive allocation. Each application was graded and funding allocated accordingly. I know clubs in the Finn Valley areas are over the moon with their allocations.”
Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh said: “These clubs across the county contribute so much to healthier communities.
“They operate in what I would call the illness prevention sector; they contribute so much not just to the physical health of people young and old, but also to the mental wellbeing of our people too.
“It makes sense therefore for Sports clubs to be part of the health sector, to be acknowledged for the work they do and for Government to spend more money supporting that work. It makes sense – morally and financially.
“Prevention is better than cure and as a country we owe a huge debt of gratitude to our sporting organisations and this large allocation to Donegal today recognises that.”
And Cllr Bernard McGuinness said: “I know in this age of technology, sports clubs now also have to compete with online gaming, gadgets and SnapChat. Getting young People involved in sport is key to the future of our country and our Government we will do more to help. We have to.
“We have to do all we can to help young people engage in sport for longer and to take that healthy lifestyle into adulthood. On behalf of the people of Inishowen I want to thank Minister McHugh for this splendid allocation this evening to the peninsula. It’s great news.”
