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Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA at Clann Eireann
Date: 23 Aug 2009 / Category: Youth Club / Views: 309
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA, visited Lurgan last Wednesday to view, at first hand, the new facilities at the Clann Eireann Youth Club. Funding of £165,000 was provided by the Department for Social Development to help with:
- upgrading of the handball alley, including the installation of lighting,
- provision of a second facility to meet increased demand,
- environmental improvements around the football pitch and tennis court.
Margaret Ritchie said; “This project will bring many benefits to the young people of this area. Youth organisations play a major, and in many cases unsung role, in helping to establish social and community cohesion. Through their activities they help to foster a culture of community involvement and volunteering.” “Youth facilities generate a sense of pride and identity within the areas in which they operate, and introduce discipline within the young people with whom they engage. They also contribute to the promotion of good health and well being of all those who participate in sporting activity.” 
The Department for Social Development has awarded over £972,000.00 to a range of projects in the Lurgan Neighbourhood Renewal Area. Margaret Ritchie continued saying “Projects like this one clearly demonstrate my commitment to tackling disadvantage in some of our most deprived areas. In addition to making financial help available, I want to promote the values of self reliance and social responsibility. I am pleased to work with communities like this one in Lurgan to achieve this.”
The upgrading has transformed the exterior of the buildings, with the new ‘one-wall’ handball courts proving a huge success. The minister was greeted by Club chairman Sean Lenehan, committee members and key Youth Club leaders. They proudly presented her with a Clann Eireann shirt and thanked her and her department for their continuing support. The minister in turn thanked everyone for her warm welcome and listened intently to the Clann Eireann members speak of the long and fruitful history that the Youth Club has had in the North Lurgan area and they relayed to her, their vision of the Youth Club’s future and how they will continue to provide youth projects and facilities for the local community. 
The minister was truly impressed with the upgrade of the facilities and the wide ranging programs that the Youth Club offered to all and as she and the other visitors availed of some tea and refreshments, she wished the Clann Eireann Youth Club continuing success in their work with the young people of the area.