Delight in Tipperary at sod turning on €1 million all-weather sports facility
All-weather pitch begins construction at Nenagh College
Nenagh Hockey Club (Nenagh HC) in collaboration with Nenagh College and Tipperary ETB turned the sod on the development which begins construction next week and will be completed for the new school term.
The construction of a modern, all-weather pitch designed to accommodate multiple sports, ensuring year-round access for sports like hockey, soccer, gaelic football was made possible through the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme), fundraising by Nenagh HC and a loan from Community Finance Ireland.
Damien Kennedy, Principal of Nenagh College said “We are absolutely delighted with this development which will be a game-changer for PE in the school. The pitch will provide students with year-round opportunities to participate in a variety of sports, regardless of weather conditions. Physical activity plays a crucial role in the overall health and wellbeing of our students and staff, and having access to a large, modern and versatile pitch will be a huge boost to our already considerable facilities”
Given the difficulty faced by many Schools and Clubs with the increasingly unpredictable Irish weather, this new multi-sport pitch will provide a much-needed space for sports and recreation in the town. It is hoped that the development will encourage greater participation by school children and will also allow Nenagh HC grow membership and continue to develop their players and improve performance. The Club has already achieved great success despite the lack of facilities, with Nenagh HC’s Senior Women’s team claiming both the Munster Cup and League titles this year.
Nenagh HC Chairperson Edel Kennedy said, “We are delighted to finally be turning the sod on this development. It has taken a phenomenal effort to get to this point and I would like to commend our pitch development team, our fundraisers, trustees and hardworking committee for their absolute determination to deliver this pitch not only for the Club but for the benefit of the wider Nenagh Community. The support from local businesses has been fantastic and I would also like to thank Deputy O ‘Meara for his support at every stage of this project to date.”
The development of the new pitch which is suitable for hockey and other sports is part of a broader vision to provide a Regional Centre of Excellence in Hockey. Its suitability for other sports and its location in the heart of Nenagh will greatly enhance the sporting infrastructure in the town.
Speaking at the event, Ryan O’Meara TD said:
“I am pleased to welcome this major investment in sports and education in Nenagh, backed by government. This funding will significantly enhance sports education in Nenagh College while also supporting the continued development of Nenagh Hockey Club.
“I have been working on this project for some time, engaging with government officials. This investment will make a real difference for students, athletes, and the wider community.”
Adrian Cummins, Operations Director JNC Premier Pitches was also present at the event. “We are delighted to be involved in this development which will be an amazing facility for sport in the heart of Nenagh. JNC Premier Pitches has over 35 year’s experience and we will bring all that to bear on this project. We look forward to starting work next week and delivering a state of the art facility in the coming months.”
The new multi-sport pitch will provide a much-needed space, highly accessible with year round access in the centre of the town. The pitch will also provide a base for community sports leagues, training sessions, and fitness initiatives, ensuring that people of all ages can reap the benefits of physical activity.
The facility is expected to open at the beginning of September. Nenagh HC looks forward to welcoming the entire community to use the pitch and participate in the exciting programs it will support.
For more information on Nenagh HC and the upcoming multi-sport pitch development, please contact Olivia Burke, [email protected] and (086)6054411.