Longford TD recalls fond memories of Italia ’90 and praises local club in Dáil
Fine Gael's Micheál Carrigy was speaking during a recent discussion on Government investment in soccer
A Longford-Westmeath TD has recalled fond memories of Italia ’90 and praised a local club in the Dáil.
Fine Gael TD Micheál Carrigy was speaking during a recent discussion on the Government’s investment in soccer.
Deputy Carrigy began his contribution by welcoming the opportunity to speak on the subject.
He said that comments made by Offaly TD John Clendennen reminded him of years gone by and in particular, Italia ’90.
Deputy Carrigy said: “The World Cup in 1990 was after my first year in college. I flew to Germany to work for the summer.
“We arrived where we were due to work for the summer and the first thing we looked for was a place to watch the match before we even went to where we were staying.
“I recall the quarter-final game against Italy going to extra time. I was meant to go back to work at the hotel. I was doing a split shift.
“I remember ringing, trying to talk in German and explain to them that I could not come back because I had to watch the penalty shoot-out. Luckily enough, I kept my job for the rest of the summer.”
He went on to pay tribute to Longford Town FC and all those involved in the running of the club.
“I had not realised I could not wear a jersey here, but I am a proud supporter of Longford Town Football Club, which has strived in difficult times in a small county to make sure we stay in the League of Ireland.
“ We have had our successes down the years of winning cups and getting into the premier division.
“I pay tribute to Jim, Caroline and everyone involved in the club for the work they do to keep the fantastic facilities.”
Deputy Carrigy mentioned that when a wall at the club’s grounds was blown down last year, the club came together to make sure it was rebuilt.
Whilst he welcomed Government investment thus far, he called for increased funding to go towards improving local facilities.
“We have seen the significant investment by the Government in the academies. If we want a strong future for Irish soccer at an international level, we need to continue to invest more.
“I am supportive of us increasing that investment over a number of years to bring it up to a level equal to that in other countries to make sure we have success.
“We need more 5G pitches to be available for the clubs that feed into our league clubs.
“It is important we identify areas where there is a lack of facilities and make sure we have enough facilities to play underage games.”
Deputy Carrigy also highlighted the need for improved investment in stadium infrastructure, particularly with the hosting of Euro 2028 on the horizon.
He concluded by calling for increased Government investment in women’s soccer in particular.