'You really are the custodians of a part of history in Donegal's sporting heritage'

The Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy has hailed North West Golf Club members as Historic Custodians of sporting history in Donegal.

Warmly welcomed during a courtesy visit to the Lisfannon Links last weekend, Minister Charlie McConalogue pointed to the golf club's foundation in 1891, having emerged as founder members of the Golfing Union of Ireland.

Addressing members of the club, he said: "I have noted with interest that your club dates back to 1891 and you really are the custodians of a wonderful part of history in Donegal's sporting heritage here.

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"It's a great credit to all of you for the service you continue to provide and great credit must go to all those who have come before you in terms of how this wonderful golf club has been built up and maintained over the years.

"North West Golf Club provides a great service to both the local community and to your membership. Indeed, I saw a figure recently that one third of the links courses in the world are based in Ireland and that one third of Ireland's links courses are actually based in Donegal and I believe this is a wonderful asset for our county. North West Golf Club is certainly a leading example of that.

Minister McConalogue was also delighted to have assisted the club in securing a Sports Capital & Equipment Programme Grant (SCEP) to the tune of €157,462, which was funded by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

"I was delighted as a local representative and Minister to be able to assist and support you in getting the work done to secure the grant and it was great to see the fruition of that, both in terms of the Toilet Facility Upgrade and, indeed, the impressive new Greens Mower as well which, I'm sure, will make life a lot easier for your greenkeeping staff as it will also contribute to show off the excellent quality of your golf course," he added.

"I will look forward to supporting you ahead of the next round of the Community Sports Facilities Fund, in terms of making the application."

The local Minister was also acutely aware of the Inishowen club's battle against coastal erosion, which remains a constant worry.

He commented: "I will also work with you as you face the challenge of coastal erosion and I also note that the work which has been done over the years in reference to coastal erosion defences has been phenomenal. Thanks for the warm welcome I've received, and keep up the good work.”