Killaloe Sailing Club turn sod on new development
Work has begun on the new clubhouse facilities at Killaloe Sailing Club, near Ogonelloe, on the shores of beautiful Lough Derg.
Turning the first sod at the Killaloe Sailing Club site this week is a tremendous milestone for the club.
Jim Ryan, long standing member and driving force behind the Club Development, highlighted that the new facilities will greatly enhance, not only Killaloe Sailing Club’s offering to its’ current members, but will also provide a wonderful amenity for the populations of the wider Clare, Tipperary, and Limerick area.
“Until now, the club has been somewhat limited in developing its true potential due to the very poor on-shore facilities at the Club”, he said.
“With the building of the new clubhouse, running hot and cold water, showers, kitchen, changing rooms, indoor teaching facility and much more, will be available”.
Tipperary County Cllr. Dr. Phyll Bugler enthused that it was wonderful to see facilities likes this being developed in Lough Derg, with a focus on developing the youth, with sailing being an excellent activity for confidence-building and both positive mental and physical health.
Club Commodore, John Callanan added: “the sailing conditions on the Lake are second to none and offer some of the best inland leisure sailing and inland racing in Ireland. The sailing community love to travel and compete in different locations around the island, and overseas. With these new facilities, Killaloe Sailing Club looks forward to welcoming many visitors to the area in the years to come, thereby boosting the local hospitality economy”.
Killaloe Sailing Club has a reputation as being a family-friendly club, and warmly welcomes new members and visitors alike. Anyone curious about starting to sail or looking to re-start again after a break (even perhaps after a couple of decades of non-sailing like some recent new members), are welcome to visit the club on any Thursday evening or Sunday morning, or drop a line to: info@killaloesailingclub.com. www.killaloesailingclub.com
The total cost of the Killaloe Sailing Club development is over €700,000. It is part-funded by the LEADER program, through the National Development Plan and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development supported by the Clare and Tipperary LEADER Development Companies. Generous support has also been received from the Tomar Trust, and Sports Capital. The aim is for the joys of sailing to be discovered by far more people.
The club must undertake a significant fundraising schedule of events in order to raise the match funding.