Kilkenny sports clubs given significant funding boost

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin and Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne have announced funding of €657,245 in equipment grants has been awarded to sports clubs in Kilkenny under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme ('SCEP').

The allocations announced today are in response to equipment-only applications with over €26 million in equipment grants awarded to clubs across the country.

Over 900 sports groups including 24 clubs locally were successful in their applications for various types of equipment which will be of practical benefit to multiple sports organisations, their members and athletes.

Graignamanagh Rowing Club (€91,760), Muckalee Gaelic Football Club (€70,000) and Shamrocks Camogie Club (€60,651) received the largest allocations locally.

Further allocations under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, including those for capital works, and capital works tied with an equipment component, will be announced later.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor, Pat Fitzpatrick welcomed the funding injection for Kilkenny clubs which 'recognises their dedication and enormous efforts.'

"Community is the heartbeat of rural Ireland," Cllr Fitzpatrick stated, adding, this funding will assist clubs across the county and he's delighted to see local clubs who 'soldiered hard' finally receive funding recognition.

Cllr Andrew McGuinness also welcomed the funding, stating: "It is fantastic to see the time and effort put in every week by club members and volunteers in Kilkenny be rewarded with this grant funding.

"I want to thank the volunteers and club members in our county for the invaluable work they do at the very heart of our communities."

"While I'm delighted to see this funding I’m also conscious of the many sporting organisations who have not been granted funding and I urge them to work towards making a strong application for next years allocations as we have many fantastic sports groups in Kilkenny and alternative sports that I would like to see avail of these grants," concluded Cllr McGuinness.

Cllr Maria Dollard was pleased to see funding of €64,795 for Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Aqua Canoe Club included, commenting: "Through Kilkenny Special Olympics Club’s involvement with Kilkenny Aqua Canoe Club, we have found the club to be a warm, welcoming and inclusive place for families and athletes alike. Every summer for some years now KACC has welcomed us. Roger McClure of KACC initiated the connection and every year so many fab volunteers have given our athletes an opportunity to try a sport they might otherwise not have a chance to try. Some of our athletes have even competed in Special Olympics events as a result of that opportunity," she said.

FULL LIST OF KILKENNY GROUPS TO RECEIVE FUNDING: