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Smith opens Football Association of Ireland AGM
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Cavan/Monaghan T.D., Mr. Brendan Smith has performed the official opening of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) AGM.
Speaking at the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan on Saturday 4 July, Minister Smith said he was honoured to be performing the official opening of the Association’s AGM and in particular marking the Festival of Football which has been running throughout the week in Monaghan.
The Festival of Football, which has been running since 2007 in conjunction with Association’s AGM, was according to the Minister a great opportunity to showcase soccer in County Monaghan and a reflection of the FAI’s great work at boosting the game at grass roots level and building it from the ground up.
“The festival offers those involved in football in the area a unique opportunity to promote their clubs and leagues as well as providing an excellent platform to showcase the vibrancy of the game at grassroots level. I understand that Ray Houghton, Paul McGrath, Packie Bonner and Marco Tardelli have been visiting clubs and events all week throughout the county. What a thrill that must have been for young and old alike”, The Minister said.
In conclusion, Minister Smith welcomed the announcement that €100,000 had been allocated towards the development of new and upgraded facilities for clubs in County Monaghan. He paid tribute to the central role of the FAI in the sporting life of the country and for the great success in particular in developing the game of soccer at grassroots level.
