The Irish Sports Council has awarded 3 million euro (£2m, US$3.8) to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

Irish minister for arts, sport and tourism John O’ Donoghue said: “The FAI is developing an excellent track record in working with groups which do not have access to sport. They bring their sports programmes into communities which require intensive investment of financial and human resources, with remarkable results.

“We all accept that sport can have a positive impact on community life and the FAI must be applauded for their excellent work in many disadvantaged areas around the country.”

Since 2001, the council has provided 11.5 million euro (£7.7m, US$414.7m) in funding to the FAI via a Special Government Initiative which aims to encourage increased underage participation in three major field sports. Details: www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie