The GAA and FAI National League were the recipients of a £1.5 million government hand-out yesterday when the Minister for Tourism and Sport, Jim McDaid, announced the allocations under the Sports Capital Programme. The grants will aid seven grounds - four GAA and three soccer - that are embarking on rebuilding and modernising schemes.

Austin Stack Park, Tralee, Breffni Park, Cavan, Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon, McHale Park, Castlebar, Finn Park, Ballybofey, The Showgrounds, Sligo and Turner's Cross, Cork, will each get between £100,000 and £200,000 for the varied refurbishments. The projects were selected from 1,900 applications received by the Department under the 1999 Sports Capital Programme in respect of a variety of sport and recreational facilities throughout the country.

Austin Stack Park - The Kerry ground will receive £200,000 towards the cost of providing a broadcasting box, floodlighting, concrete terracing and seating facilities.

Breffni Park - Phase two of the ground's development plan will get £100,00 for the modernisation of the eastern terrace with associated facilities and disabled access.

Dr Hyde Park - A range of work including a number of ongoing developments, new dressing rooms and seating facilities will benefit from an allocation of £200,000.

McHale Park - Mayo GAA will also receive £200,000 for a range of proposed work including the replacement of existing seating, provision of new seating, construction of press, radio and TV facilities and the construction of new disabled accommodation.

Finn Park - Donegal's Finn Harps will put their £150,00 grant into pitch development and the provision of additional spectator accommodation. In 1997 the club also received a £50,000 grant.

The Showgrounds - Neighbours Sligo Rovers will also get £150,000, which will be used for the construction of a modern stand and the building of new dressing rooms.

Turner's Cross - While it clearly won't cover all the costs, the Cork City ground will use their £150,000 towards the provision of floodlighting, dressing rooms and the development of a stand.