SUBSTANTIAL NEW GAA FUNDING ANNOUNCED

The Culture and Agriculture Ministers have today announced substantial additional funding to Ulster GAA over the next three years, including a boost to the Tyrone County Centre of Participation at Garvaghey totalling over £1 million. The funding comes as part of a wider £4.5 million package from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure targeted at gaelic, soccer and rugby. Speaking after meeting Ulster GAA officials today, Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín confirmed an additional £1.5 million each to gaelic, rugby and soccer over the next three years.

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill, who also attended the meeting, confirmed that almost £600,000 will also be allocated to the Garvaghey Centre of Participation under the Rural Development Programme (RDP). This follows a previous award of £250,000 to the Centre. Minister O’Neill added: West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle said: “This is an important announcement of extra funding to support the three codes of gaelic, soccer and rugby. I am especially pleased that Sinn Féin Ministers Carál Ni Chuilín and Michelle O’Neill have ensured that that this money will provide Ulster GAA with extra capital and revenue opportunities over the next three years, including £500,000 towards the Tyrone County Board’s Centre of Participation at Garvaghey. Strabane District Cllr Kieran McGuire added: “It is vital that rural inequalities are addressed through programmes like the RDP. The award of further funding to Tyrone’s Garvaghey Centre of Participation demonstrates that the DARD Minister will ensure rural inequalities and needs are properly addressed. This is an important centre for enhancing sports participation and excellence, social inclusion, outreach, education and cultural development.”