Huge boost for Longford sporting clubs as €1.8million funding allocation announced

Sporting groups in Longford are set to receive funding of over €1.8m which has been described as a huge boost to members and athletes in the region.

A total of 17 sporting organisations will receive allocations of between €8,000 and over €400,000

Longford Rugby Club  will benefit from the largest funding amount of more than €436,000, while Longford Slashers will receive nearly €200,000 and Dromard GAA will get €170,000.

Other clubs receiving large six figure allocations include St Brigid's Killashee GAA  of more than €152,000 and St Mary's Granard GAA and Ardagh-Moydow  GAA  who are both set to receive over €150,000.

The funding allocations have been welcomed by local Oireachtas members Fianna Fáil TD Joe Flaherty and Fine Gael Senator Micheál Carrigy.

Fianna Fáil TD Joe Flaherty  said this week’s announcement represents one  of the largest ever investments in local sport. 

"It would not have been possible without the tireless efforts and commitment of club volunteers and officials across the county.” 

Deputy Flaherty said the big winners were local GAA clubs and 12 clubs across the county will share a €1,376,000 allocation.

He stated several of the clubs to get grant announcements were also successful in the 2022 round of funding. 

"Over the two rounds of funding and the earlier equipment grants (May 2024) when Clonguish GAA  received - €25,031," he said. "GAA clubs in  the county have now received  €2.2million in capital funding over the past two years."

Meanwhile, Fine Gael Senator Micheál Carrigy stated he is very pleased by the allocations made today to local clubs which will be used for improvements to infrastructure such as improving playing and training facilities, astro-turfs, handball alleys, walking tracks, hurling walls, and floodlights.

“Its fantastic to see a huge variety of clubs in Longford receiving funding and will come as a major boost to members," he added. 

Senator Carrigy stated it is also great to see over €51,000 funding being provided for equipment in Longford. 

"I know this will be really welcome news to members of Abbeyshrule Canoe Club and Wolfshead Company of Archers

“Our local clubs are at the heart of our communities and any help they receive is a great source of support to local teams and sportspeople and a boost for participation in sport," he added.

Senator Carrigy stated the funding will benefit 17 clubs in Longford. 

"Active engagement in sports not only helps keep people healthy, but it also builds confidence, independence and promotes team building," he said. "“It is crucial that we invest in sport for the overall health and wellbeing of our population and that is why this programme is so important."

The full list of grant recipients in 2024

Longford Rugby Club (€436,663), Longford Tennis Club (€57,919), Longford Golf Club (€8,801), Ardagh/Moydow GAA (€150,167), Ballymore GAA €141,899, Carrickedmond GAA (€33,200), Cashel GAA (€147,648), Dromard GAA (€170,259), Emmet Óg GAA (€12,468), Grattan Óg GAA (€39,000), Longford Slashers (€199,290), Rathcline GAA (€42,565).  

Other clubs that are receiving funding are Sean Connolly GAA (€36,279), St Mary's GranardGAA (€150,913), St Brigid's Killashee GAA  (€152,066), Abbeyshrule Canoe Club (€30,783), Wolfshead Co of Archers (€20,435).