Grounds get €2.6m grant boost

THE MUNSTER Council’s development committee has allocated over €2.61 million in development grants for physical development in club grounds in each county in the province to major county grounds.

Forty six clubs in Cork will benefit to the tune of €564,765; 31 clubs in Kerry by €441,080; 35 clubs in Clare will share €166,663; 24 clubs in Limerick getting €118,762 and 22 clubs in Waterford share €142,063.

Grants were also sanctioned for major ground works, including €571,000 for work on Tulla, Clareabbey and Clarecastle in Clare. Semple Stadium received a grant of €275,383, the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick receiving €64,387. Fermoy GAA grounds in Cork got €18,473, while Fraher Field in Dungarvan will benefit to the tune of €4,323.

“The council acknowledges in a very practical way the wonderful work that is being undertaken by clubs with the approval of 40% of 2007 gates revenue to Club Development Grants. This is added to 15% of the gross gate receipts in ground rents to the grounds that hosted games this year,” said a spokesperson last night.

“What this means is that Munster Council gives back 55% of its total gates revenue for development work.”

Earlier this year the council awarded an extra €190,000 to the counties following the two senior hurling replays between Limerick and Tipperary, with both counties receiving €75,000 each plus €10,000 each to the other four counties.