€382,216 funding announced for Gaelic Games Programme in West

The Connacht GAA Council has been given three-year funding worth more than €380,000 to continue managing the Gaelic Games Program in Connemara’s schools.

The funding is an increase of €34,747 above what was announced for the Galway and Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Gaeltacht in 2019.

In accordance with the plans, instruction in football, hurling, and handball skills will be given at Irish over the following three years in as many as 47 schools.

It is estimated that up to 612 school pupils will benefit from the programme administered by the Department in collaboration with Connacht Council since 2005.

Minister of State Jack Chambers, who announced the funding in Galway said that the trainers employed under the Gaelic Games Programme are doing great work to the benefit of the Irish language and the Gaeltacht community.

He said that with the announcement of this support, another practical step forward has been taken which will benefit both the policy for Gaeltacht education and the language planning process.

“It is also an indication of the partnership that has been going on for many years between my Department and the Connacht Council,” said Minister Chambers.

“As a result of this 3-year allowance, there will be stability and certainty for those involved in administering the programme and for those who benefit from it – between Gaeltacht schools, the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Gaeltacht community as a whole.”

Under the arrangements in place with Connacht Council and Munster Council respectively, the Councils foot the remaining 33% of the total cost of the programme.

Under the programme, instructors operating under the stewardship of both Councils respectively visit participating schools to provide football and hurling sessions, administered through Irish, to attendees of the participating schools.

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