Age and Opportunity Scheme announces funding for 47 Donegal groups

Age & Opportunity has announced €13,810 in grants to support sport and physical activity for 47 groups in Donegal.

The Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme, funded by Sport Ireland, will assist over 1,000 clubs, groups and organisations across the country to the tune of €300,000 in grants this year.

Age & Opportunity Active is the national sport and physical activity programme for older people, funded by Sport Ireland and the HSE. The programme is designed to get us more active.

Sue Guildea, Active Programme Manager at Age & Opportunity, said: "Once again, we have seen an incredible response to the grant scheme with applications coming in from across the country. 

“Older age should be a time of opportunity, and through this grant scheme, older people have improved access to recreational sport and targeted opportunities to engage in physical activity.

“The 2026 funding allocation will support physical activity initiatives aimed at family carers and those in care settings, as well as sport clubs and community groups who specifically target members who are over the age of 50. Table tennis, pétanque and ever popular sports like walking football and pickleball all benefit from this funding, helping to increase participation rates nationally. 

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 “A third of this grant is going to areas of disadvantage, and 60% is funding physical activities and sport in active retirement and other older adult groups. Each year we see the rise in applications from both Men’s and Women’s Sheds who can access this funding to add physical activities to their own programmes.”

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport Charlie McConalogue said: “This Scheme supports local clubs, groups and organisations in growing participation in sport and physical activity among older people. 

“Over 1,000 groups will directly benefit from today’s announcement, which will have a positive impact across the country in terms of providing older people with more opportunities to exercise.  

“We know that participation levels among this cohort continue to increase, so we need to ensure that we are catering for people of all ages. The allocated grants will enable organisations to adapt and tailor activities for older people.”  

The 47 groups that received funding were The Forge Family Resource Centre, Carrowmenagh Community Centre, Áislann Rann na Feirste, ADoPT, Swilly Sisters' Shed, Lakehouse Nursing Home, Pobal Eascarrach, Greencastle Community Development CLG, Spraoi Agus Sport, Redcastle Community Development, Killaghtee Active Retirement Association, Ramelton Indoor Bowling Club, Cranford Womens Group, Letterkenny Community Centre CLG, Ballindrait Badminton Club, Drimarone Development CLG, Family Carers Ireland Donegal, Pobail Le Chéile, Sliabh Sneacht Centre, Serenity House Learning Centre, Downstrands Family Resource Centre, Mevagh Day Centre CLG, Lifford 50+ Group ARA, Rosbeg and Downstrands Care of the Aged Committee, Club Rothaíochta Chú Uladh, The Black Memorial Hall Committee, Lár Chomhairle Paróiste Ghleann Cholm Cille, Coole Cranford Community Centre, Carrick Sheltered Housing, Ballybofey & Stranorlar Women's Group, Rossnowlagh Surf Club, Ballybofey & Stranorlar Golf Club Ladies, Active Seniors Lettermacaward and Doochary, Kilmacrennan Young at Heart Group, Mens Shed Carn, Friends of the Glen Active Retirement Group, Mná Phort Mhaise, Twin Towns Friday Club, Ballyshannon & District ARA, Arranmore Welfare Committee, Manorcunningham Women's Group, Letterkenny ARA, Kurling Club Raphoe ARA, Ballintra Active Group, Manor Kurling Club, Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoth Dobhair - Club 50, Bundoran Social Club.