The Mayor of Clare has proclaimed the decision by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to host the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM)in Clare this week as a significant boost to the development of soccer in the County.
Councillor Pat Hayes added that the decision represented a “vindication of the work being carried out at grass roots level throughout the county to develop the sport and associated facilities.”
Saturday’s AGM in Ennis coincides with this year’s FAI Festival of Football, which commenced today and continues though to the weekend in Clare..
Mayor Hayes stated: “I welcome the commitment made by the FAI to make up to €100,000 available to clubs in Clare to mark the county's hosting of the 2011 FAI AGM. This injection of funds will provide a huge boost to the continued development of the game in County Clare. I would like to congratulate the Clare Schoolboys/Girls Soccer League and Clare District Soccer League for their many years of hard work in communities right across Clare.”
County Manager Tom Coughlan added: “Clare County Council is delighted to be associated with the FAI Festival of Football. The Council recognises the importance of promoting participation in recreational and sports activities and would like to thank the FAI for helping to organise a comprehensive programme of events in County Clare this week.”
The FAI road show began today with visits to clubs such as Connolly Celtic, Corofin Harps, Moher Celtic, Burren Utd and Sporting Ennistymon. Among the participating soccer personalities are former Republic of Ireland internationals such as John Aldridge and Ray Houghton as well as FAI Chairman John Delaney. The general public are invited to attend the events surrounding the Festival of Football.
As well as the club visits by FAI officials, development officers, coaching staff and football personalities there will be An Post Summer Soccer Schools in Moneypoint, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Kilrush, Shannon and Ennis during the week and Football Fun Days in Lahinch, Shannon, Kilrush and Scarriff.
Around 250 delegates representing every FAI league, divisional association and affiliate are expected to attend the AGM and will arrive in Clare on July 15 ahead of the Delegates Dinner in the West County Hotel at which the FAI will announce the Aviva Club of the Year and the Noel O'Reilly Coach of the Year and present the Service to Football Awards.
Councillor Pat Hayes added that the decision represented a “vindication of the work being carried out at grass roots level throughout the county to develop the sport and associated facilities.”
Saturday’s AGM in Ennis coincides with this year’s FAI Festival of Football, which commenced today and continues though to the weekend in Clare..
Mayor Hayes stated: “I welcome the commitment made by the FAI to make up to €100,000 available to clubs in Clare to mark the county's hosting of the 2011 FAI AGM. This injection of funds will provide a huge boost to the continued development of the game in County Clare. I would like to congratulate the Clare Schoolboys/Girls Soccer League and Clare District Soccer League for their many years of hard work in communities right across Clare.”
County Manager Tom Coughlan added: “Clare County Council is delighted to be associated with the FAI Festival of Football. The Council recognises the importance of promoting participation in recreational and sports activities and would like to thank the FAI for helping to organise a comprehensive programme of events in County Clare this week.”
The FAI road show began today with visits to clubs such as Connolly Celtic, Corofin Harps, Moher Celtic, Burren Utd and Sporting Ennistymon. Among the participating soccer personalities are former Republic of Ireland internationals such as John Aldridge and Ray Houghton as well as FAI Chairman John Delaney. The general public are invited to attend the events surrounding the Festival of Football.
As well as the club visits by FAI officials, development officers, coaching staff and football personalities there will be An Post Summer Soccer Schools in Moneypoint, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Kilrush, Shannon and Ennis during the week and Football Fun Days in Lahinch, Shannon, Kilrush and Scarriff.
Around 250 delegates representing every FAI league, divisional association and affiliate are expected to attend the AGM and will arrive in Clare on July 15 ahead of the Delegates Dinner in the West County Hotel at which the FAI will announce the Aviva Club of the Year and the Noel O'Reilly Coach of the Year and present the Service to Football Awards.
