Michael Cusack Centre secures funding lifeline

THE MICHAEL Cusack Centre in Carron, Co Clare, has secured a lifeline with the approval of a three-year marketing fund.

Founding chairman of the centre Martin O’Loghlen confirmed the development yesterday as new accounts showed that without the funding, the centre could not survive.

Located in the Burren, the centre was established in 2007 and celebrates the life of the GAA co-founder.

New accounts for Michael Cusack Development Co Ltd confirm that losses increased last year from €33,556 to €59,605. Visitor income fell from €21,141 to €15,675.

The company is reliant on grant and financial support, and received €52,824 last year.

It said in a statement: “The company has lodged a business plan with Cumann Lúthchleas Gael in an effort to sustain the centre. If the community services programme is not successfully renewed and if funding is not secured from CLG, the application of the going concern basis may not be appropriate for the financial statements.”

However, Mr O’Loghlen confirmed yesterday that the GAA, made up of the GAA at Croke Park, the Munster Council and Clare GAA, have agreed in principle to a three-year marketing plan.

Mr O’Loghlen said: “The future of the centre is secure. We are very pleased with how the centre has performed. The centre is a national asset to the GAA.”