Sports grants for 24 older groups in Louth announced

The ‘Go for Life’ National Grant Scheme yesterday (November 28th) celebrated what they called, 'a momentous allocation', of funding for sporting activities in older age-groups.

The grants scheme, a combined initiative from Age & Opportunity and Sport Ireland, will distribute almost €7,456 across 24 groups in Louth. Nationwide over 1,000 groups will receive grants totalling almost €300,000. 

The National Grant Scheme is widely recognised for its positive endeavours and encouragement of activity among older people.

Brendan Griffin, Minister of State with responsibility for Sport, said the funding has not only supported older people, but empowered their age group to get more active more often.

The successful Louth groups are: 

• Alzheimer Society of Ireland (Drogheda Day Care Centre)
• Mattock Rangers ARA
• Louth Village ICA
• Drogheda District Support 4 Older people Monday Morning Club
• Ravensdale Guild ICA
• Drogheda COPD Support Group
• Ardee Sports Project
• Ardee ARA
• Drogheda ICA
• Dundalk ARA
• Faughart Social Group ARA
• Marshes Guild ICA
• Louth Sports Partnerships
• Blackrock Guild ICA
• Kilkerley ICA
• Togher ICA
• John Mitchels GFC
• Redeemer Community Group
• Termonfeckin ICA
• Carlingford Community Development
• Dundalk ICA
• Lann-Leire and District ARA
• Omeath and District ARA
• Connect Family Resource Centre FRC

Of the successful funding allocations, 205 grants were awarded to Active Retirement Associations, 268 grants were awarded to Irish Countrywomen’s Associations and 23 applications were made by Local Sports Partnerships. 

Other funding allocations included: 24 Mens Sheds’ groups; seven Rehab Care groups; 11 Arthritis Ireland initiatives; 10 Irish Wheelchair Association groups; and activities for 32 Family Resource Centres.

The Grant Scheme demonstrates the wide scope and ambition of Ireland’s older generations where keeping healthy and active is concerned. Zumba, Salsa dancing, rowing, Aqua Aerobics, Pilates and Tai Chi are just some of the activities the grant will fund.

The Grant Scheme is part of Age & Opportunity’s ‘Go for Life’ programme, funded by Sport Ireland, and delivered nationwide with the support of Local Sports Partnerships and the HSE.