Forbes hopeful of retaining funding

MUNSTER COUNCIL PRO Jim Forbes remains hopeful that they will be able to maintain current levels of development funding, after figures released yesterday showed that €22.6 million was spent on GAA physical development by clubs and counties across the province over the past 12 months, with €2.37m of that figure stemming from grants distributed by the Munster Council.

Despite the worsening economic situation, Munster Council coffers generated €1.6m while Croke Park contributions totalled €771,805. The Munster Council funds are largely drawn from gate receipts and this year’s funding brings the Munster Council contribution over the past three years to €5.6m.

The principal benefactor of the development grants was major grounds development with €900,000 allocated to the improvement of stadia. Fitzgerald Stadium received €600,000, Semple Stadium benefited from the sum of €250,000 while Walsh Park in Waterford was allotted €50,000.