Review of sports allocation sought as funding for horse and greyhound racing described as outrageous

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Sligo County Council are to write to Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform Jack Chambers and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, seeking a national review of how sports funding is distributed, ensuring fairness, transparency, and measurable community benefit.”

Cllr Gino O’Boyle's amended motion received widespread backing from his fellow Councillors when it was discussed at last Monday's monthly meeting of Sligo County Council.

Cllr O’Boyle’s motion had originally focused on the reduction of state funding for the horse racing and greyhound racing industries. However, following debate among Councillors it was agreed to omit the aspects of the motion regarding a phased reduction over the next three years with the money ring-fenced for community sports. The decision was taken following a debate that seeking a national review of the distribution of sports funding was the best way to proceed with the motion.

Addressing the Council in support of his motion Cllr O’Boyle said, “Small volunteer run clubs are receiving next to nothing. Where is the fairness?”

He insisted local sports clubs are “Not looking for handouts,” but stressed, “Public money should serve the public good and not prop up private industry.”

Cllr Declan Bree described the current situation which saw Horse Racing Ireland receive €76m and Greyhound Racing Ireland receive €19m in Budget 2025 as “Outrageous and unacceptable.”

Cllr Bree noted that, “For the past 24 years the horse and greyhound industry fund is guaranteed the same amount they received in 2001, increased by whatever the rate of inflation was.” He also highlighted that “prize money is tax free” and that "Ireland is the only country in the world that invests money in the greyhound racing industry.”

He also stated that the average attendance at a greyhound meeting is 220 people.

Cllr Thomas Walsh voiced his objection to the motion as originally submitted saying, “I do not have concerns about the horse racing part. There is an average of nine race meets in Sligo every year. We excel in this sport across the world.

"Can I absolutely remove myself from this motion. People go to the races for the festival experience. The knock-on impact into local towns and villages is huge in terms of tourism and economic benefit. It is having a major impact.

"I understand how much capital investment sport needs but we cannot take it out of one successful sport that we are a world leader in.”

At this point Cllr O’Boyle interjected to say, “At no point did I say stop horse racing or stop greyhound racing. I said stop funding it. In 2022 alone they made €2.46bn but yet we’re still giving them money. It always amazes to see how many Councillors are in favour of private industry rather than their own communities.”

Cllr Paul Taylor also voiced his reluctance to support the motion saying, “This is something we do well. Trainers are creating huge employment. Facilities are being upgraded all the time."

Cllr Taylor added that he would, “Love to see money going into sports facilities all over the country.” Referring to the money generated by the industry and the donations by individuals such as JP McManus, Cllr Taylor said, “It is a positive more than a negative and that is why I won’t be supporting it.”

Cllr Ann Higgins described herself as a “huge fan of horse racing” saying she attends a meeting every month but offered her support for Cllr O’Boyle’s motion.

Cllr Higgins recalled being in Cheltenham to witness Rachel Blackmore triumph, noting, “There is nothing like it for national pride.” She added in relation to greyhound racing “I do not accept it as part of our national heritage.”

Questioning the fairness of the allocation of funds to sporting bodies, Cllr Higgins noted, “You have to question the inequity in these allocations. I believe we are ignoring new or emerging sports.”

Cllr Fergal Nealon offered a measured contribution to the debate when he said, “I agree with the sentiment of the motion. That is a heck of a lot of money and we don’t even have a boxing gym in Sligo. The problem I have is with the wording, it seems to be putting the cart before the horse. I would be happy with a national review. I wouldn’t be happy calling for a phased reduction because I don't know enough.”

Cllr Dara Mulvey offered a word of caution when he said, “We have to be careful not be pitting one (sport) against the other.”

Cllr Tom MacSharry described the discussion as, “A very useful debate. A review approach would be a first step that should be taken.”

Agreement was reached on the amended motion with Cllr O’Boyle concluded matters saying, “Where is the boxing club for Dean Clancy? Where is the 50 metre swimming pool for Mona McSharry.”