Launch Event
Attending the official launch of Club Mayo Sports:
L-R David Rafter, Martin Snee, Pearse Culkin, Dara Calleary T.D., Frank Walsh, Daire Eagney, Gerry Kelly
Sean Hynes, Mary King, Paul Sammin, Johnny McHugh and in the racing seat John O'Mahony T.D.
Club Mayo Sports had it's official 'launch' on Wednesday 13th June. Thanks to all who attended and offered support and to the sports personalities who represented a wide circle of sports in Mayo.
14 June 2012
Club Mayo Sports- A New Initiative to Fund Sports in the County
Addressing those in attendance at the launch in Dublin’s Burlington Hotel, Gerry Kelly, PRO, outlined how the scheme will work and who might benefit. “We know how hard it is, in the present economic climate, for clubs and sporting organisations to raise funds and at the same time there are so many clubs and individuals flying the Mayo flag on the national and international stage who all could do with, and deserve, that extra bit of funding that make the difference. Club Mayo Sports may be able to provide that little extra funding where and when it is needed”.
This was a theme echoed by Deputy John O’Mahony T.D. who attended the launch and spoke so passionately about the need for a more co-ordinated and balanced approach to the funding needs of all sports in the counties. Deputy O’Mahony explained that the funding available to sports is limited in these difficult financial times and volunteer groups such as Club Mayo Sports can help. He encouraged Mayo people, wherever they may live or work to “get involved in the network that Club Mayo Sports has in place and to tap into that network for their benefit”.
The organisers of Club Mayo Sports aim to use this network both in Ireland and abroad to participate in various fundraising activities with a view to disbursing the funds raised to sports teams, individuals and in support of specific events. Any sport, any team or any individual sports star can apply for funding and each application will be considered based on its merits and provided, of course, that adequate funds are available at the time. “We do not see ourselves as the bail-out fund for all the requests we are likely to receive or being able to provide funds in all cases but we hope to contribute to the most deserving applications as best we can” according to David Rafter, a member of the Organising Committee. Some of the established and rising Mayo sports stars that attended on the might gave an idea of the variety of sports that the Club Mayo Sports idea has already attracted and acted as a reminder of the wide range of sports established within the County. We all know of our European boxing champion Ray Moylette. We know we have some of the top talent in Ladies GAA. We have Sean Hynes, from Foxford, who is rapidly making his mark in the competitive world of motor racing. Then there is Jason Devaney from Ballina, the emerging Irish talent in the world of snooker and young Aaron McLoughlin from Swinford in karate. The county football and hurling teams represent the county proudly every year on the national stage.
Back l-r Chris Barrett, Gerry Kelly, Sean Hynes
Front l-r Fiona McHale, John O'Mahony T.D., Ray Moylette
rs and successes in the making and as John O’Mahony commented “it would be a pity to see some great potential talents falling by the wayside for lack of funding”.
Club Mayo Sports is a novel idea. Apart from the primary attraction of fundraising it will bring additional profile and promotion to all sports in the county.
It is not a club with formal membership but a focal point for Mayo people everywhere to join a network and ensure that sport in the county gets the support it needs and successes we can be proud of.
Fundraising has already commenced and the organisers hope that that it won’t take too long until some worthy applicants can be supported. Details of Club Mayo Sports, its fundraising plans and the application process for funding can be found at www.clubmayo.ie .
Don’t forget when visiting the website to show your support by joining the Club Mayo Sports network – it’s free.
L-R John O'Mahony T.D., Cara Cooke, Fiona McHale, Gerry Kelly
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Contact for further information – Gerry Kelly 086-2409736 gerry@sideline.ie