There was some very exciting news for seven Handball clubs yesterday, and indeed Irish Handball in general as a total of €457k in funding was announced by the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport as part of the 2015 Sports Capital Grant Allocation.
Topping the pile is Cashel HC in Tipperary who have landed themselves a huge grant of €200k, with the club now set for a total revamp of existing facilities, building of a new 40x20 and a new outdoor One-Wall court. This will result in the club having two 40x20’s, one 60x30, and one One-Wall court and will be a massive benefit to not only Munster Handball, but also to Irish Handball, having this multi court facility.
Club member David Moloney stated his joy at the news, commenting,
"This is fantastic news for the club. It will really invigorate the club, and having these additional courts will enable us to expand and grow. We are over the moon all the hard work and effort club members put in during the application process has now come to fruition."
Over in the west, Claregalway HC are also on a high this morning knowing they have secured funding of €95, with Claremorris HC receiving €50k to help them refurbish their existing facilities. Claregalway have acquired a new site from the local GAA club and plan to build a second 40x20 court, which will provide much needed handball facilities to the growing population of the village and parish. The clubs juvenile membership has been steadily growing over the past few years along with the standard of players and this year had ultimate success as Niamh Heffernan captured four gold medals at this summers World Championships in Canada.
The clubs main coach Tommy Duggan has explained,
"Access to a court with full glass back wall and spectator stands are essential for players to progress, offers spectators a chance to see the game played at it's best and the bright inviting court will encourage newer players to join."
St Patrick’s College in Cavan has a big tradition of Handball, with the club boasting two 40x20 courts and several outdoor 60x30 facilities. A grant of €70k will enable to club to progress with a total revamp of their existing facilities; flooring, heating, galleries, with potential also to turn an existing Squash court into a third 40x20 court.
Currently a teacher in the school, James Brady was over the moon with the news commenting "this means a lot to me, as a past pupil my second home was those alleys."
"Myself and my cousin Paul Brady grew up training and playing in these alleys so I am delighted the courts will be given a new lease of life."
Tinahely HC in Carlow are a newly registered club, and receiving a grant of €17k is going to enable them to further their development of their new 60x30 court with new changing facilities, kitchen, heating and a revamp of their gallery.
Salthill HC, Galway are the final club to avail of funding and they plan to use their €8k grant to install a new full glass back wall to replace their existing three quarter panelled glass wall with a cement base.
GAA Handball National Manager John Kelly was obviously delighted with the news of the investment and stated,
"I am delighted to see nearly half a million euro being invested in GAA Handball. There is a comprehensive process involved in applying for this funding and I complement the clubs for their drive and ambition to seek this funding, which will enhance their facilities and drive Handball to greater heights in these regions."
Sports Capital Grant Allocations 2015:
- Cashel HC, Tipperary €200k
- Claregalway HC, Galway €95k
- St Pat’s College, Cavan €70k
- Claremorris HC, Mayo €50k
- Tinahely HC, Carlow €17k
- Ballymote HC, Sligo €17k
- Salthill HC, Galway €8k