|
|
Sports grants for local cyclist
and rower
23.03.09
by Simon McGeady, Inishowen Independent
IRELAND'S amateur boxers fared well in the latest
round of Irish Sports Council grants announced last
week, however there was no funding for newly-crowned
Irish Senior Welterweight champion William
McLaughlin.
The Illies Golden Gloves national champion was
disappointed at the announcement, but not entirely
surprised, acknowledging that he almost certainly
has to win a medal in one of this springs
international events to be considered for grant
money this year.
“I thought I might have got something. Roy Sheehan
[who William defeated in last months national
championships] got €20,000. I have one international
coming up every month for the next three months,
starting in Turkey on the 20th of April with the
Men’s Elite Ahmet Comert Cup. The grant money is
given out quarterly, so if I win a medal, I might
get funding next time around.”
Following wins over Cathal McCauley in the Elite
National Senior Championships and Javonte Starks if
of the USA at the end of last month McLaughlin is in
fine form as he continues to train ahead of the
Turkish tournament and is determined not to let this
financial setback affect his preparations. |
There was better news
for Muff cyclist Ronan McLaughlin, who received
€5000, and
Culdaff rower Laura D’Urso, who was given €3000 in
funding from the Sports Council.
The An Post-Sean Kelly Cycle Team rider is currently
in his second season in the professional ranks.
Targets for the year include the European and World
Under-23 Championships in July and September
respectively, but also the Tour of Ireland in
August.
Irish Junior international rower D’Urso has been
training with double scull partner |
 |
Lisa Dileen for trials
at the National Rowing Centre in Cork over Easter
which will determine whether the pair will be sent
forward to compete in the World Championships in
Cork in August.
In the past the Irish Sports Council have granted
Laura an Athlete’s Card, which entitles her to
training and health benefits, however, welcoming
news of the latest allocation, Laura’s mother,
Marie, said
“Every little bit helps. Laura has been travelling
to Galway all winter to train with Lisa and her
coach. All this funding is going to be needed as she
prepares for the Junior World Championships in
France. this summer.”
Boxing was the biggest beneficiary, receiving
€670,000, followed by Equestrian (€600,000) and
rowing and sailing (€450,000 each). The total Irish
Sports Council spend in their 2009 grants was
€5,118,000.
Details of the investment in high performance sport
for 2009 were jointly announced by Mr Martin Cullen,
TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Ossie
Kilkenny, Chairman of the Irish Sport Council and
John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports
Council. |
|
