Anyone for Tennis?... Work well underway on new courts in Kilberry

For decades, the tennis courts in Kilberry were at the heart of the community and now a vision to recreate those memories for a new generation and generations to come is taking shape with work completed on one tennis court and construction well under way on two new padel courts.

Kilberry Tennis and Padel Club is making great progress on their development plans and this summer committee members were delighted to see tennis played in the village once again following the completion of a new tennis court and now work is well under way to develop two new padel courts.

A dedicated committee has been working tirelessly in the background to bring the project to fruition and a gathering was held on Friday to recognise the progress made, acknowledge the many people who have contributed to the project and give those involved, an opportunity to see the development taking shape. There are also future plans for a clubhouse and meeting space.

The development has been made possible through the combined efforts of the club committee, volunteers, local families, businesses, community organisations and funding partners.

Secretary Lorraine Breslin McKeever is delighted to see tennis played in the village once more an said children and families from across the parish and further afield have begun using the facilities, while former community members who have since moved away, including people visiting from abroad, have returned to play on the courts where they spent time as children.

“The project has its roots in the history of the original tennis courts, which played an important part in village life for generations. The restoration began with a desire to bring the courts back into use and preserve something that had meant a great deal to local people. What started as an effort to restore an old sporting facility has developed into a much wider community project,” said Lorraine.

She said Kilberry Tennis & Padel Club is a community club and that is an important part of what they are creating, something that belongs to the community and can be enjoyed by generations to come.

“We want Kilberry Tennis & Padel Club to be somewhere people of all ages and abilities can discover a sport and feel welcome, whether they have played for years or have never picked up a racket. We want it to be a place where older people remain involved and where the next generation can make memories of their own.

“We also hope to build on the strong sporting traditions already present in the area, alongside our neighbours in Wolfe Tones GAA and Torro United FC. Each club offers something different, but all contribute to the same thing and that is a place where people can come together, take part and feel connected to where they live.”