Carlow GAA clubs to benefit from investments

Two GAA clubs in both Carlow and Kilkenny are to receive €15,000 each to finance the development of walking tracks around their playing grounds, Fine Gael TD, John Paul Phelan, has confirmed.

The clubs to benefit include Dunnamagin and Danesfort in Kilkenny as well as Fighting Cocks and Grange in Carlow.

Welcoming the €60,000 investment in such crucial facilities in the constituency, Deputy Phelan said such developments not only improve leisure facilities in rural communities but also spur more people to get out and about, socialise and interact – something many have lost the habit of doing since the pandemic.

“These upgrades will help our clubs to empower people to stay active all year round by creating safe and inclusive spaces for people of all ages and mobility.  They play an invaluable role in fostering social connections in  Carlow and Kilkenny and by expanding access to their facilities they are helping to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone who uses them.

“I’d like to commend the Carlow and Kilkenny clubs who have been awarded funding and all clubs across this constituency for their wonderful contribution to their communities and I want to thank the GAA for the significant work involved in the process.”

The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton said the once off national funding of €815,000 provided by Healthy Ireland is designed to make community walking tracks located on GAA grounds more accessible to more people.

Minister Naughton said: “I am delighted to welcome the announcement of the successful clubs for this very worthwhile initiative. Healthy Ireland has been a long-standing partner of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Project and supporter of the GAA’s efforts to transform clubs into hubs for health in their communities, all of which makes a significant contribution to the Healthy Ireland agenda.”