23-06-2025
Shankill Tennis Club opens new padel courts and junior facilities
The new facilities come about as a result of a €245,000 Sports Capital Grant in 2022, along with support from the local authority.
Frank Curran, chief executive of DLR, said the developments were testament to what can be achieved through community partnerships.
"Shankill Tennis Club has long been a leader in promoting sport and inclusion, and these new facilities will further enhance opportunities for people of all ages and abilities,' he said.
Mr Curran said the local authority would continue to work with the club, along with other groups, to develop facilities that would improve the health and wellbeing of residents in the area.
Councillor Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of DLR, said the new courts would bring 'lasting benefits' to the local area.
"This development not only strengthens the club's role as a hub for community sport but also supports the broader goal of making quality recreational facilities available to everyone.
"We would like to acknowledge the positive cooperation and contributions of the club, local groups, and residents—without whom this project would not have been possible,' he said.
Chairperson of Shankill Tennis Club, Carol Beamish, said it was one of the largest multisport facilities in the country.
"We're a true community club, open to all, and we're incredibly grateful for the continued financial support from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the Sports Council. This latest development simply wouldn't have been possible without their backing,' she said.
"From tennis to padel and pickleball, our inclusive programmes support a wide range of needs - including wheelchair and visually impaired tennis - ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the game.'
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The 850-member club opened more than 30 years ago and offers programmes for men, women and children, as well as initiatives aimed at disability tennis and visually-impaired tennis.
Padel is a racket sport similar to tennis that originated in Mexico, with the same scoring system as tennis but different rules and technique.
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, later renamed to the Community Sport Facilities Fund, is the primary vehicle for government support for sports clubs.
Government allocated €230m in total through the scheme to sports clubs and facilities last year.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
