Groups score with Croker fund

LOCAL groups from the north inner city joined GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail last week to celebrate the latest milestone of the Croke Park Community Fund. 

Over €750,000 in support has now been allocated to voluntary groups based within 1.5km of the stadium since the fund was established in 2009.

Acknowledged for the contribution it is making to the local area in the North East Inner City Plan, the stadium’s community fund continues to flourish and successful applications have grown by over 30 per cent in the last three years.  

Last year was the fund’s busiest to date with 59 community groups receiving support in local areas throughout the stadium’s catchment radius including community groups, schools and clubs in Ballybough, Clonliffe, Drumcondra, Dorset and Gardiner Streets, East Wall, Fairview, Iona, Mountjoy Square, Sean McDermott Street, Summerhill, North Strand, North Wall, Sheriff Street, Phibsboro and Marino.

To mark the milestone, the stadium welcomed representatives from the 59 local groups, schools, associations and sports clubs to a special reception in Croke Park.

GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “The fund makes a difference in our community every day – from ensuring our youngest neighbours access to the most cutting-edge technology in their classrooms to making sure our local boxing or martial arts clubs have the equipment they need to train future champions. 

“For many local projects, Croke Park’s support is a game changer.”