Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., on his visit to Templemore Athletic Club, Co. Tipperary on Friday, 16 November 2007 at 1.00pm
I am delighted to be with you once again to see the newly completed porous tartan track. You have invested a huge amount of time, energy and money into providing excellent sports facilities for over three decades. This, however, is the first track of its kind in Ireland. And your efforts to provide it are further proof of your commitment to our athletes and to the people of North Tipperary.
The athletic track has already proven a great boon to Templemore. It is good news for youth clubs, for summer camps organisers, for local schools and students of the Garda Training College. Already they are using the track in large numbers.
We have always been very proud of our top sports men and women. People like Derval O’Rourke, Sonia O’Sullivan, Caitríona McKiernan, and many more have, through their achievements, been great ambassadors for Ireland. Likewise, our Special Olympians and Para-Olympians have been an inspiration to people all over the world. It is wonderful to hear that 21 athletes from Templemore Athletic Club have represented Ireland internationally as well as participating in a number of other high profile competitions.
The vision for this new project goes back to the ‘80s when club officials first laid down the cinder track. It was an era when costs of this scale were prohibitive. But now that day has passed and a new era for the club has arrived. But it could not have come to pass without the long term vision and commitment of those who have shown such dedication to the club and to the people of North Tipperary.
Very many people have been involved over the years. They are too numerous to mention individually. But two names in particular spring to mind at this time – that of the late Tony Shelley and Ned Lafferty. Tony and Ned gave their ‘all’ to the club. They fundraised for it. They campaigned for it. They lobbied local representatives to ensure their vision of world class facilities would be realised. And I am sure that this would be a very proud day for both men had they been alive to see it. You are very fortunate to have had club stalwarts of this calibre working with you.
But there are many more club officials, members and volunteers who have worked diligently to ensure this day would become a reality. I commend the Fundraising Committee, in particular, who raised €200,000 for the purposes of providing the track. Fundraising can be very difficult and time consuming. The voluntary spirit you have shown is the cornerstone on which vibrant communities are built. Great credit goes to you for continuing your fundraising efforts to ensure a bright future for it. And thank you for supporting your community with such enthusiasm.
The Government shares your appreciation of the importance of sports for good health and strong communities. Accordingly, it funded the project to the tune of €430,000 under the Sports Capital Grant Programme. Since the start of this programme in 1998, 6,700 sports projects have been grant-aided throughout the country. Nearly €20 million has been provided for facilities in Tipperary alone. And the annual funding from the Capital Grants Scheme has increased almost 18 fold up to €300 million over the ten years. As a further testament to the Government’s commitment to sport, a further €991 million has been set by for sports infrastructure up to 2013 under the National Development Plan.
Templemore Town Council also has a vision of bringing on stream high quality amenities to improve people’s lives in Templemore. Accordingly, both the Town Council and Tipperary North County Council have shown great generosity in providing an extra €100,000 towards the project.
My congratulations to everyone involved. By working together you have realised a great asset for Templemore. I wish you and everyone who uses the new facility every success in the years ahead.
Thank you.
ENDS.
I am delighted to be with you once again to see the newly completed porous tartan track. You have invested a huge amount of time, energy and money into providing excellent sports facilities for over three decades. This, however, is the first track of its kind in Ireland. And your efforts to provide it are further proof of your commitment to our athletes and to the people of North Tipperary.
The athletic track has already proven a great boon to Templemore. It is good news for youth clubs, for summer camps organisers, for local schools and students of the Garda Training College. Already they are using the track in large numbers.
We have always been very proud of our top sports men and women. People like Derval O’Rourke, Sonia O’Sullivan, Caitríona McKiernan, and many more have, through their achievements, been great ambassadors for Ireland. Likewise, our Special Olympians and Para-Olympians have been an inspiration to people all over the world. It is wonderful to hear that 21 athletes from Templemore Athletic Club have represented Ireland internationally as well as participating in a number of other high profile competitions.
The vision for this new project goes back to the ‘80s when club officials first laid down the cinder track. It was an era when costs of this scale were prohibitive. But now that day has passed and a new era for the club has arrived. But it could not have come to pass without the long term vision and commitment of those who have shown such dedication to the club and to the people of North Tipperary.
Very many people have been involved over the years. They are too numerous to mention individually. But two names in particular spring to mind at this time – that of the late Tony Shelley and Ned Lafferty. Tony and Ned gave their ‘all’ to the club. They fundraised for it. They campaigned for it. They lobbied local representatives to ensure their vision of world class facilities would be realised. And I am sure that this would be a very proud day for both men had they been alive to see it. You are very fortunate to have had club stalwarts of this calibre working with you.
But there are many more club officials, members and volunteers who have worked diligently to ensure this day would become a reality. I commend the Fundraising Committee, in particular, who raised €200,000 for the purposes of providing the track. Fundraising can be very difficult and time consuming. The voluntary spirit you have shown is the cornerstone on which vibrant communities are built. Great credit goes to you for continuing your fundraising efforts to ensure a bright future for it. And thank you for supporting your community with such enthusiasm.
The Government shares your appreciation of the importance of sports for good health and strong communities. Accordingly, it funded the project to the tune of €430,000 under the Sports Capital Grant Programme. Since the start of this programme in 1998, 6,700 sports projects have been grant-aided throughout the country. Nearly €20 million has been provided for facilities in Tipperary alone. And the annual funding from the Capital Grants Scheme has increased almost 18 fold up to €300 million over the ten years. As a further testament to the Government’s commitment to sport, a further €991 million has been set by for sports infrastructure up to 2013 under the National Development Plan.
Templemore Town Council also has a vision of bringing on stream high quality amenities to improve people’s lives in Templemore. Accordingly, both the Town Council and Tipperary North County Council have shown great generosity in providing an extra €100,000 towards the project.
My congratulations to everyone involved. By working together you have realised a great asset for Templemore. I wish you and everyone who uses the new facility every success in the years ahead.
Thank you.
ENDS.