Laois sports clubs share in Local Enhancement Programme funding boost

Dozens of sports clubs and community sporting organisations across Laois have received a welcome funding boost under the Local Enhancement Programme 2025, with just under €50,000 allocated to more than 30 local sporting groups.

The recipients were announced on Friday morning, June 13, by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD.

While the programme is open to a wide range of community initiatives, sports organisations featured heavily among the successful Laois applicants.

Laois TD William Aird welcomed the funding.

“These grants are small in nature but I know they make such a big difference to the organisations involved. The groups might use the funding to pay a particular bill or fund a project or idea.

“I have visited many of these groups across County Laois and I have seen first-hand the fantastic work that they do for the benefit of their communities. These groups do invaluable work to make our communities better places to live, work and raise a family,” he said.

Laois TD Sean Fleming also welcomes the allocations.

"The grants will improve and enhance these community facilities in Laois, which play a vital role in their local communities. The funding will provide supports for the many small community groups across the County. I want to congratulate the successful Laois applicants and thank them for the vital work they do in providing services in local communities.

"I am committed to and will continue to help all local groups who carry out work on a voluntary basis for the benefit of their local communities," Dep Fleming said.

Minister Jerry Buttimer said: “The Local Enhancement Programme is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, who are the building blocks of Irish community life.”

Full list of Laois sports club recipients under the Local Enhancement Programme 2025:

White Horse Indoor Bowls Club, Mountrath – €450.00

Timahoe GAA Club, Timahoe – €450.00

The Rock GAA Club, Mountmellick – €1,997.00

SVT Canoeing & Kayaking Club, Vicarstown – €845.00

Stradbally GAA, Stradbally – €2,527.00

St. Brigid's LGFA, Ballylinan – €1,199.00

Shanahoe GAA, Abbeyleix – €1,924.00

Shanahoe Ladies Football, Abbeyleix – €1,000.00

Sarsfields LGFA, Clonaslee – €450.00

Portlaoise Mothers & Others, Stradbally – €400.00

Portlaoise Panthers Basketball Club, Portlaoise – €1,495.00

Portlaoise AFC, Portlaoise – €7,956.00

Portlaoise Athletic Club, Portlaoise – €1,218.00

Portarlington GAA, Portarlington – €470.00

Park Ratheniska GAA Club, Ratheniska – €3,000.00

Old Fort Celtic FC, Portlaoise – €3,845.00

Naomh Eamann Camogie, Castletown – €728.00

Laois Camogie, Portarlington – €470.00

Laois ARCH Club, Portlaoise – €470.00

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Kilcotton GAA Club, Knockaroo – €450.00

Grange United, Borris In Ossory – €1,000.00

Errill GAA Club, Errill – €450.00

Errill Snooker Club, Errill – €1,000.00

Emo GAA, Emo – €450.00

Emo Sportsfield Committee, Emo – €470.00

Colt Shanahoe Juvenile GAA Club, Abbeyleix – €1,000.00

Clonad GAA, Portlaoise – €470.00

Borris in Ossory GAA Club, Borris in Ossory – €811.00

Ballyroan Juvenile Basketball Club, Ballyroan – €470.00

Ballypickas Hurling Club, Abbeyleix – €450.00

Ballinakill Indoor Bowls, Portlaoise – €1,000.00

Arles/Killeen GAA Club, Ballickmoyler – €5,000.00

Annanough GFC, Portlaoise – €470.00

Arles Kilcruise GFC, Arles – €450.00

Abbeyleix AFC, Abbeyleix – €3,000.00

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