Tennis Club celebrates official opening of new €535,000 clubhouse
Roscrea Tennis Club marks the completion of a three-year development project
ROSCREA Tennis Club celebrated a major milestone recently with the official opening of its new clubhouse and upgraded facilities, marking the completion of a three-year development project valued at more than €535,000.
The event brought together club members, community representatives, funding partners, local businesses and supporters to celebrate the achievement and recognise the many people whose commitment made the project possible.
Welcoming guests, Club Chair Jane Marks said the evening was an opportunity to officially showcase a facility that has already become an important sporting and social hub for Roscrea and the surrounding communities.
"This clubhouse is a testament to what can be achieved when a community works together towards a common goal," she said.
Jane paid tribute to the club committee and volunteers whose dedication, fundraising efforts and countless hours of work brought the ambitious project to fruition. She also thanked local businesses, sponsors and supporters whose generosity helped turn the vision into reality, while acknowledging the work of the club's Social Committee, the Cleaning Committee and Oleg, whose work maintaining the grounds and facilities was warmly recognised.
Speaking on behalf of the Development Committee, Gail O'Meara reflected on the journey behind the project and the collaboration that made it possible.
The investment included the construction of a modern clubhouse, upgraded LED court lighting, a new car park and new boundary fencing.
More than 80% of the project's funding was secured through grant aid under the Rural Development Programme, supported by North Tipperary Development Company, Offaly Local Development Company and Laois Partnership Company, together with funding from Tipperary County Council through the Community Recognition Fund. The funds raised by club members and local organisations support allowed the project to be achieved.
Gail explained that the club successfully secured funding through a European-funded Co-operation Project under the Rural Development Programme, with Roscrea Tennis Club becoming the final project approved nationally under the scheme. She also acknowledged the important contribution of RCTLC and the proceeds from the Convent sale in helping establish the club's new home and facilities.
Special recognition was given to building contractor Neil Gleeson and project designer and manager Gareth McHugh, whose professionalism and expertise were instrumental in delivering the project. Gail thanked her fellow development committee members, Joan O’Meara, Siobhan Kirby, Mairead Keavey, Billy Woods, John Gunnell and Michael Smith for their dedication to the project.
The club also paid special tribute to Cllr Michael Smith, whose unwavering support and commitment were instrumental throughout the project. As a proud club member and passionate advocate for Roscrea Tennis Club, Councillor Smith consistently identified funding opportunities, championed the club's ambitions and helped guide it towards securing the significant funding that made the development possible. His foresight, encouragement and dedication were warmly acknowledged as instrumental to the project's success.
Guest speaker Sean Ryan, Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District, said the word he heard most throughout the evening was "co-operation."
He praised the co-operation between organisations across Tipperary, Laois and Offaly in securing funding for the project and described the new clubhouse as a tremendous asset for the wider community. Michael Murray, CEO of North Tipperary Development Company, echoed those sentiments, highlighting the importance of teamwork and partnership in bringing the project to fruition.
Following a blessing by Fr Tom Corbett, the official ribbon was cut by two people whose contribution to the club spans decades — Michael Breen and Gail O'Meara. Michael was recognised for his long time commitment and loyal service to the club, while Gail was honoured for her leadership in chairing the Development Committee, helping deliver the clubhouse project and bringing her skill and love of tennis to the club.
The official opening marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Roscrea Tennis Club. With membership continuing to grow and ambitious plans for the future, the club is well positioned to build on this investment and continue serving as a vibrant sporting and social hub for Roscrea and the surrounding communities. The project stands as a lasting example of what can be achieved when volunteers, businesses, development agencies and local authorities work together to realise a shared vision.