Calls to compensate top Sligo athletes so they can ‘focus on training and being their best’

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The success of local sport stars such as Mona McSharry, Chris O’Donnell and Dean Clancy on the international stage has led to calls for financial support to be made available to the county’s elite athletes.

Motions before the September meeting of Sligo County Council from Cllr Edel McSharry and Cllr Ann Higgins were full of praise for the local athletes who represent the region with distinction but were in agreement that more should be done to help ease the financial burden they face.

“They give up all of their lives and are then left juggling academic and work life,” said Cllr McSharry who also referred to the need for a “performance pathway” and the need to “level the playing field for the next generation.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Cllr Higgins who said, “These incredible personal opportunities come at a significant cost. We must allow our young athletes to focus on training and being their best.”

Cllr Gino O’Boyle gave his backing to both motions before the Council saying, “If you are going away to represent your country there should be money available.”

Support for the motions also came from Cllr Declan Bree who said, “This has been an ongoing issue for 40 years. Have things changed?” he asked. “Is there a change in attitude? Do we divert some money from arts and culture to sport?”

Sligo County Council Chief Executive Martin Lydon said, “There is no one view. Some local councils decide to fund bursaries. It is a decision for elected members as part of budget discussions.”

Mr Lydon added, “It would have to come with a word of caution. Who gets a bursary and who doesn’t is a difficult decision. Is it something the Department of Sport should be looking at?”