By Barry O'Donnell
THE withdrawal of Government funding for the £7 million Garvaghey Centre of Excellence Project is further evidence of the continued discrimination against the GAA in Tyrone, outgoing County Chairman Pat Darcy told delegates on Tuesday night.
Addressing the annual County Convention in Moortown for the final time, before stepping down in the hot seat after five years, the Tattyreagh official blasted the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Nelson McCausland, for abandoning promised financial support for the landmark scheme.
Mr Darcy argued that such decisions left the GAA continuing to play 'catch-up' on other sports in the North and he urged the Minister to rethink his position.
" The financial plan for Garvaghey included an assumption that capital funding would come from Sports NI. However the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure withdrew this funding. The Minister's action is a source of anger to the GAA in Tyrone. I urge the Minister to re-think his position on capital funding for sports developments such as Garvaghy.
"Withdrawing funding from sport during a recession beggars belief. The Garvaghey project is, and will continue, giving employment to workers in the depressed construction industry. On completion, Garvaghey will provide twelve permanent sustainable jobs.
" The project is bringing economic regeneration to a rural area and will provide value added to the health and social well being of all age groups. The disinterest from the Minister and government agencies with responsibility for job creation begs answers from government."
Mr Darcy, who was succeeded as chairman by Ciaran McLaughlin, did thank government for the significant funding Tyrone clubs and county had received from Sports NI over recent decades, but added that this must be balanced against a total absence of government funding for GAA capital programmes throughout most of the last century.
" This historical funding deficit has left a significant gap in the GAA's capital developments. For example, to cater for the growing demand for Gaelic games in Tyrone we have a deficit for 40-50 new pitches going forward.
" The GAA in Tyrone is playing "catch-up" from past government neglect at both regional and local council level. This deficit will require a prolonged period of affirmative discrimination in government funding to bring about a level playing field with other sports in N Ireland.
"In looking back over the last 105 years of the GAA in Tyrone, Gaels who paid their taxes and council rates have not had value for money. Future generations who play and support Gaelic games must not accept second class sports citizenship."
Mr Darcy stated that it was incumbent on all Gaels in this the 125th Anniversary of CLCG, to leave a legacy for future generations.
" To build for future success we must ensure our schools, colleges and county teams, including our sister organisations, have the best facilities. We also need to provide facilities and modern resources to help our committees and officers to adminster our Association efficiencly and effectively. That is what the Garvaghey Project is all about. The completion of this £7 million pound facility will challenge all of us over the next five years."
