New grant rules ‘important step towards equality in sport’ says Kilkenny rural camogie club chair

Making equal access to facilities a condition for sports capital funding has been hailed as ‘innovative’ by the chairperson of a Kilkenny sports club.

Sports facilities that do not provide equal access to both males and females will not be eligible to apply for future Sports Capital Grants, the latest government funding scheme has announced.

The move has been welcomed by Chairperson of Bennettsbridge Camogie Club, Cllr Deirdre Cullen.
Cllr Cullen said there was a lack of funding over the years for infrastructure and as a result females tended to be disadvantaged, often through no fault of the club.

“I welcome the announcement of funding streams, and in particular the increase of up to €200,000 for clubs. Funding will now only be given if access is given to men and women on equal terms.”
The Bennettsbridge Camogie Club chair said the government move to link future capital funding to equal access for men and women is ‘really important’.

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She said it is also timely in terms of the female GAA players’ campaign for equal facilities.
“We see a trend, a drop off of female participation in sport around mid teens and the lack of facilities for females can be a big factor in that,” said Cllr Cullen.

“That’s why I welcome future funding has to guarantee equal access to male and female players.”
Cllr Cullen said she fully supports the actions of female intercounty GAA players who have called on the GAA to address issues raised in the name of equality.
That equality would see basic supports such as medical, nutritional and other services, facilities and transport provided to men and women, at both county and country level.

“Being involved in a club it’s great to see the work put in at under-age level, and players’ progress to county level,” she said.
“But the males don’t have to worry about physio, nutrition etc while the girls are eating sandwiches out of the back of cars,” Cllr Cullen said.

Cllr Cullen said the conditions of this funding call will encourage all clubs to address facility deficits, to ensure females have the basics that have always been available to male players.
Describing it as a ‘very progressive step’ by the Minister of State for Sport Thomas Byrne, Cllr Cullen also thanked Minister Jack Chambers for his work on equality in sport.

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“There is a good bit to go but this is an important step on the road to equality for all players,” Cllr Cullen said.
“I encourage all clubs to register and to assess the needs for their own facilities and participate in terms of access and engaging with the applications for sports capital funding.”