Council backs local sports with over £400K investment

(L-R) Eamon McMullan, Regeneration Manager MEABC, Emma O’Reilly, St John’s Camogie Club, Carnlough, Philip Thompson, Director of Community MEABC, Cllr Jackson Minford, Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, Orlaith Petticrew & Eva Lee, St John’s Camogie Club, Micheal Kennedy, Larne Cricket Club, Tommy Saunderson, Larne Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots sport by investing more than £400,000 in local clubs across the borough through its Amateur and Grassroots Sporting Organisations Improvement Fund.

The initiative, which has already supported 12 local sports clubs, offered grants ranging from £10,000 to £50,000, covering up to 50% of capital project costs. The fund was designed to enhance facilities, extend their lifespan, and promote wider community participation in sport.

Investing in health, talent, and community

Photographed with the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, are Philip Thompson, Director of Community MEABC, and Tommy Saunderson, Larne Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club

(L-R) Photographed with the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, are Philip Thompson, Director of Community MEABC, and Michael Kennedy, Larne Cricket Club

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said the council is proud to back projects that bring lasting benefit to local communities.

“Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to have provided capital grant support to local sporting organisations to assist their growth and development,” he said.

“These investments help nurture talent, build stronger communities, and promote healthier lifestyles across the Borough.”

Local clubs in Larne were among the beneficiaries of the scheme, including Larne Cricket Club, Larne Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club, and St John’s Camogie Club in Carnlough.

Upgrades making an impact

(L-R) Photographed with the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, are Philip Thompson, Director of Community MEABC, Emma O’Reilly, Orlaith Petticrew and Eva Lee of St John’s Camogie Club, Carnlough

St John’s Camogie Club received the maximum £50,000 grant, which was used to carry out essential drainage work on the local pitch—improving its usability and helping the club grow.

“The £50,000 grant from the Council supported essential drainage work on our local pitch,” said Eamon McFadden of St John’s Camogie Club.

“It has opened up new opportunities for the club to grow and develop, creating a real buzz within the local community.”

Meanwhile, Larne Cricket Club used its funding to install a new hybrid pitch and electronic scoreboard, significantly raising the standard of matches hosted locally.

The investment already delivered results, with the club hosting the Celtic Cup Under-19 cricket match at the end of July—where Ireland triumphed over Scotland with a 2-1 series win. The event marked a major milestone for the club and helped open doors for future international-level cricket matches in the borough.

Ongoing commitment

The Council said it remains committed to working in partnership with local clubs to further enhance sporting opportunities and ensure facilities continue to meet the needs of future generations.

From grassroots camogie to competitive cricket, these improvements are part of a wider effort to make sport more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable across Mid and East Antrim.