There was great news for all involved with Kilkenny Storm ice and inline hockey club last week as the Kilkenny County Council passed a motion to support a minority sports facility.
One of the key men behind the proposal was Paul Cummins, a long-time coach at the club. He told KCLR’s Sunday Scoreline that it was an important moment for the club.
“It was proposed to the Council on Monday evening and it was passed, so it’s a big deal for the club and really important for inline hockey in Kilkenny and recognition of the sport 15 years on from when we first proposed it,” said Cummins.
Cummins explained how the lack of a multi-sports facility in Kilkenny has held back the growth of other sports within the county.
“There are sports that will not come to Kilkenny or have never come to Kilkenny due to a lack of facilities and it’s shameful really and parents and kids miss out on the opportunities other people involved in other sports have.”
Cummins went on to elaborate on the function of a multi-sports facility and how the lack of one has led to severe limitations for the club.
“We always wanted multi-sports facilities where we’re not worried about damaging walls or floors.
“The halls and schools in Kilkenny are lovely but they’re not practicable and we need more than that at this stage.”
Cummins called on the Council to not ponder on their initial recognition and to move forward with plans for the facility as soon as possible.
“We need this now. It’s a multi-cultural community that we have in Kilkenny and that brings with it needs. We need this within the next two years or so to meet those needs that are out there.”
Listen back to the interview below.