Eyebrows were raised when a small 100-member club from a village in Co Mayo that then Taoiseach Enda Kenny was a member of secured a €20,000 lottery grant from the Department of Health. Now Islandeady CC has, to its credit, set out in great detail set out what it has spent the money on.
How Enda Kenny's cycling club spent €20,000 grant
There were more than a few eyebrows raised last year when a cycling club in the then Taoiseach’s village secured a sizeable grant.
The money, all €20,000 of it, was secured through a National Lottery grant. It came from a €2.7million fund awarded by the Department of Health.
And because that fund usually awarded grants to health groups, including community support organisations for those with health disabilities, the matter generated considerable media coverage.
The Sunday Times took up the cause and found that Enda Kenny did indeed inquire into the application by Islandeady Cycling Club.
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However, there was no suggestion the club was involved in anything untoward. It was simply an unusual route for a cycling club to secure an award.
And because Enda Kenny had involvement with the club, questions were asked.
Kenny is a life member of the club, which is based in the part of Co Mayo he comes from. He was made an honorary member of the club in December 2015.
But now 11 months on the club has set out how it has spent the money. It contacted stickybottle with an update.
To its credit, it has set out in great detail where the money has gone.
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It has bought sports equipment, which it says has already benefitted the local community and not just its members.
Indeed, it has now said the purpose of applying for the health grant was to aid locals people to become more healthy through cycling.
“The club has recently invested in state of the art virtual road cycling training equipment for their club house in Jacks old cottage Islandeady,” it said in its update.
“And we are using the Wahoo Kickr system to run community-based spinning and training sessions for individuals interested in learning more about a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing through cycling.
“The training equipment not only gives users a great workout, it teaches participants skills and techniques in becoming a better and more confident cyclists.
“And it encourages individuals to get back on the road and to participate in sport through cycling activities over the autumn and winter months with their own families and the wider community.”
The club added the effect of what it was able to do with the money is already being felt beyond its membership.
“A wide range of groups and individuals have already experienced the clubs training program,” it said.
“(These include) local primary schools, senior community members, individuals with disabilities and cyclists returning to the sport.
“Participants receive a road safety information session, advise on health and nutrition and road skills.
“The children from the local school have report increase cycling activity with their families after a recent training session with the club.
“And many now using the bike to get to school. Other users of the program, including a local man in his 70s, reports of increased confidence and a greater understanding of the importance of regular exercise.”
It concluded by saying: “Islandeady cycling club ,although located in a remote part of Mayo, enjoys 106 members who participate in many community activities to promote health and well being including Pilates, yoga, 5 and 10km fun runs, and mindfulness classes.”
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