Irish rugby has received a significant financial boost with the announcement by the Minister for Art, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, of a €3.5-million Irish Sports Council grant. Gavin Cummiskey reports.
This brings to 11.5 million the total allocated to the IRFU by the ISC since 2001.
The grant announced yesterday is a product of the Government's policy of encouraging greater underage participation in the country's three major field sports, and the GAA and FAI can expect similar lump sums in the coming weeks.
"The support we got from the Sports Council allows us to roll out a whole series of rugby development programmes from primary school, secondary school and youth level," said IRFU chief executive Philip Browne.
"It allows us to introduce a much larger population to the oval ball at an earlier age, which is important for the sport in terms of hopefully developing international players for the future."
A detailed schedule of specific programmes was agreed between the IRFU and the ISC, the development-officer programme being the main area of focus.
The role of development officer is usually filled by former players, who immerse themselves with clubs and schools and promote tag rugby in designated regions.
All three major national governing bodies are in agreement with the ISC objectives of increasing opportunities, particularly for school-aged children and disadvantaged groups. The Tallaght Programme is a case in point, and that project is to receive at least a further 120,000 over the coming 12 months.
"There are 3,000 kids now playing rugby on a regular basis in Tallaght. Some are now even graduating out of youth and into the senior game. We are very proud of that," added Browne.
Insurance, the women's game and referee development are other priorities for additional funding. Also, 35,000 of the total grant will be put aside as a reward to schools and clubs for the development of professional players.
"Our Triple Crown success has given rugby a wonderful profile this year, and the programmes the IRFU has in place means the game is well placed to capitalise on this success," said O'Donoghue.
The Minister was joined at Lansdowne Road yesterday for the announcement by Leinster and Ireland hooker Shane Byrne, ISC development officer, Armagh football captain Kieran McGeeney and ISC chief executive John Treacy.
"The Council acknowledges the great work done by the IRFU in rolling out a detailed, targeted set of programmes over the past three years," said Treacy. "The IRFU is working at every aspect of the game to provide the best possible involvement with sport for young people throughout Ireland and at all levels."
Sports Council Grants to rugby
Regional/Youth Development Officers Programme €1,200k
Clubs of Ireland Scheme €800k
Insurance Supports, Schools/Women/Youth/U20s €290k
Coach Education/Development €115k
Referee Development €160k
Schools of Ireland Programme €127k
Schools/Clubs Fitness Programme €130k
Schools/Youth Development Resources, Gear/Equipment €131k
Tallaght Project €120k
Schools/Clubs reward for development of professional players €35k
Coca Cola Tag Rugby Programme €83k
College/Universities Support €30k
National Player Registration Process €15k
National Representative Sides (non-professional) €264k
Total ... €3,500k
