Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Labour Party for tabling the motion. Ireland is a sport-mad country. We are absolutely bonkers when it comes to sport. With regard to the FAI report, it is nice it has acknowledged that we need a bottom-up approach. Many people have mentioned women's sports in particular It is right that it is about proper facilities. It is also about being part of a community and strengthening communities. I welcome all those in the Gallery. I congratulate Mallow United. Deputy Sherlock listed everything out and saved me doing the research.

Recently I was at an event at my club in Midleton, which is 50 years old. It has more than 860 young children in the club. It is lucky to have a strong voluntary group. It is about getting local facilities. I remember a long time ago I played above in Home Farm against Drumcondra. I will not say the result because it was more like a hurling match than a soccer match. We did not come out favourably from it. There is a very good story in sport helping communities and what it gives back. I am very proud of having taken part in a soccer match in Cork City FC's grounds in Turners Cross that involved Munster rugby players, Cork hurlers and footballers and Cork City League of Ireland stars. It was for raising awareness of mental health. All the local sports give back and their community impact is unbelievable.

It would be very bad if I did not mention the upcoming Women's World Cup. It is an amazing achievement. I have never forgotten Italia 90. I am looking forward to this World Cup and I hope the women of Ireland will give us as much fun. I also hope the Government will not forget to extend the pub hours if the team does well so we can all celebrate it. I commend the motion and fully support it. I hope we will all work together in the right direction for this.

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