Burke meets Donacarney Celtic Officials

Sinn Féin local election candidate in East Meath Sinéad Burke has met with Donacarney Celtic F.C. officials to discuss their ongoing difficulties to get adequate funding for appropriate facilities at their site at Blackhills.

The club, which was founded in 2002 by a group of local parents to address the lack of sporting outlets for children in the Donacarney and Mornington areas of East Meath, now has more than twenty teams, and looks after children from 5 years old upwards.

Ms. Burke said, "Unfortunately the club find themselves in a legal loophole, due to Meath County Council's refusal to grant them a lease on their current facility at Blackhills. This means that they are not in a position to apply for funding to improve the facility. Plans are in place to provide appropriate changing and restroom facilities for the young children who make use of the park for matches and training, but funding of up to €30,000 is needed.

"I have met with officials from the club and it is obvious that the club is very well run and committed to the area. I am calling on Meath County Council to review it's position in light of the role this club plays to the social and sporting life of so many locals."