The Irish government has announced a €500,000 grant for the development of Gaelic Park, the home of the New York Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). The project aims to revive the infrastructure of Gaelic Park and support the growth of the sport in the United States. The grant is part of an ongoing effort by the Irish government to foster and promote Irish culture and heritage across the world, and this investment showcases their commitment to furthering the development of Irish sports in the US.
The Irish Government has pledged €500,000 towards the redevelopment of Gaelic Park in the Bronx, New York. The funding has been allocated through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme and was confirmed by Tánaiste Micheál Martin during a meeting with representatives of New York GAA, led by chairperson Joan Henchy. The Fianna Fáil leader, who was in the city over the St Patrick’s Day period, announced the grant, stating that Gaelic Park has been at the “heart of the Irish community in New York” for almost 100 years.
Martin also highlighted the importance of Gaelic games in maintaining connections between Irish communities across the United States and their homeland. He said that the GAA plays an essential role in preserving Irish culture and heritage and also helps connect new generations of Irish-Americans with their origins.
The Tánaiste praised the global GAA network, stating that it is unique and a source of pride for the government. He confirmed that the government supports the GAA’s overseas work through an annual grant to the Global Games Development Fund. The Emigrant Support Programme has also assisted in funding numerous capital projects for the GAA, including the recent development of Ruislip facilities in London.
The €500,000 grant will be used to fund a new two-storey, 12,000 sq ft facility at Gaelic Park. The project is currently underway, with the venue aiming to complete the re-development by March 2024. The $6.2m project has already received $2m from Croke Park, and the government’s contribution will ensure that the project meets its target completion date. The re-development will include additional facilities such as a fully furnished function room, catering facilities, a medical office, two development offices and downstairs changing rooms.
The news of the grant has been welcomed by the New York GAA community, and the chairman of New York GAA, Larry McCarthy, thanked the Irish government as he stated that the re-development project would help to create a “world-class facility”. McCarthy highlighted the importance of Gaelic games in the Bronx community, stating that Gaelic Park has witnessed countless memorable games since its founding in 1926.
The funding is expected to cement the GAA’s position at the heart of the Irish community in New York, which has a rich tradition of Irish culture and heritage. The re-development of Gaelic Park is not only an infrastructural investment but also an investment in the future of the Irish-American community.
Micheál Martin’s visit to New York over the St Patrick’s Day period signifies the importance of Irish-American relations to both countries. The Emigrant Support Programme not only supports capital projects but also provides support to Irish communities abroad. The programme is aimed at assisting Irish immigrants abroad, providing them with encouragement and resources for their development while helping them to connect with their homeland.
In conclusion, the Tánaiste’s announcement demonstrates the Irish Government’s commitment to supporting Irish communities abroad and reconnecting them to their heritage. Gaelic games have been a vital element in the historic connections between Ireland and Irish-Americans. The funding of the re-development project at the iconic Gaelic Park in the Bronx will help to further cement these bonds and provide a symbol of the Irish-American community’s success, tradition and culture for generations to come.
