Sir, - I am writing to you concerning the £60 million that is being given to the GAA establishment to rebuild Croke Park. I am 16 years old and have been a member of Clonakilty Gymnastics Club for more than 10 years and cannot once recall one occasion of financial support from the State.
I can appreciate that the GAA has done many important and good things for our country. I understand that Gaelic football and hurling are our national sports and they should be supported. However, our club has represented Munster on numerous occasions in All-Irelands and Irish-open competitions and has not once been acknowledged or supported by the State.
In September 1999, the junior world championships were held in Mayfield, Co Cork. Here, two members of our club performed outstandingly which led them to receive fifth place. Three other members of the club also took part, but were not as fortunate. In the weeks before the competition the gymnasts were forced to raise a considerable amount of money to pay for their Ireland tracksuits and leotards.
In September 2000, members of our club represented Ireland in the Celtic Cup finals, which were held in Scotland. Again, our members received no acknowledgment or financial support.
It is a disgrace to think that one establishment can receive £60 million to refurbish its facilities and then refuse access to other sporting bodies. If only 1 per cent of this sum of money was taken and distributed to all the gymnastics clubs in Munster the standard of our clubs would continue to rise. I am sure that there is many other sports clubs that feel the same as I do.
I can appreciate that it is difficult to distribute a limited amount of money to all the sporting activities all over the country. Even if financial support is not given, the least that can be done is to show the young sportsmen and women some appreciation of the hard work and commitment they give to their sports. - Yours, etc.,
Alannah Turner, Clonakilty, Co Cork.
Dublin