Comic Relief grant for Carnlough youth groups

The £4,904 financial award, obtained through the International Fund for Ireland, is being split between two youth clubs, a bowling club and a summer scheme.

The two youth groups-Carnlough Youth Club and Carnlough Connect Club-have benefitted from a £1,644 windfall, which has funded the purchase of a range of new equipment including a table tennis table, a pool table, board games, arts and crafts equipment and a PSA. They will also be able to take part in a trip, the destination of which is to be confirmed.

Chairperson of Carnlough Community Association Patricia McConnell said that her group had decided to help young people in the area in order to compliment the work they are already undertaking with the elderly. She explained: “We do a lot for the older generation-we run luncheon and bowling clubs as well as trips, and we felt we wanted to put some money into the youth clubs. One of our members, Declan McGill, spearheaded the bid for funding.

“Carnlough Youth Club caters for young people from 11 to 16 years old, while Carnlough Connect Club is for those aged between 5 and 16 years old.”

“We heard we were successful in December and we were so pleased. It’s absolutely brilliant to have got this donation. Youth clubs are not well funded, which is one of the reasons we decided to apply for this grant on their behalf.

“The equipment was presented on May 1 and 2 and it will benefit the young people of this area for many years.”