Official Opening of New Padel Courts, Hitting Wall, and Junior Tennis Courts at Shankill Tennis Club

Today, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Shankill Tennis Club have announced the official opening of the Club’s new padel courts, hitting wall, and junior tennis courts. This new development marks a significant milestone in a long-standing partnership between DLR and the Club, aimed at enhancing local sports and recreational amenities.

Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:

“The addition of these new courts will bring lasting benefits to the local area, promoting health, fitness, and social inclusion. 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”.

Shankill Tennis Club, with approximately 850 members, is open to the public and continues to provide outstanding services to both the local community and the wider area—an area currently experiencing significant growth. The Club has consistently demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity and community engagement—offering programmes for men, women, and children, as well as initiatives supporting older players, disability tennis, and pilot schemes for visually impaired tennis.

At the official launch, Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council highlighted the importance of the partnership:

“This development is a testament to what can be achieved through strong 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. I hope that we can continue working with Shankill Tennis Club—and with other clubs and community organisations—to keep improving this area for everyone. I also hope that this development will lead to further sporting accomplishments and better health and fitness for the people in this area, using these enhanced facilities.”

Carol Beamish, Chairperson, Shankill Tennis Club said:

“As one of the largest multisport facilities in the County, we’re proud to be a centre of excellence that welcomes people of all abilities. 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. 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.  This investment helps us to deliver vital services to our diverse membership. On a special note, we’re honoured to welcome our very first Chairman and founding member here today — now serving as Cathaoirleach — to celebrate how far we’ve come together.”

The new facility was made possible through the combined support of the Sports Capital Grant, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Shankill Tennis Club.