The A-Team Youth Club hopes to open new centre in old factory in Nenagh
After years of fundraising, planning, and tireless advocacy, and thanks to the “incredible” generosity of local businessman Tony Donlan and his business partner John Geraghty, the A-Team Youth Club hopes it has finally secured a permanent home in Nenagh, giving hundreds of autistic children, young adults, and their families a space to thrive, connect, and belong.
The phenomenal gesture also means that the former Rorer factory at Lisbunny Industrial Estate will be developed as a community space for the town of Nenagh, once Tipperary County Council grants planning permission for the project, which, it is estimated, will take up to two years to complete.
Founded in May 2022 by five parents determined to create a safe, inclusive social outlet for their children, the A-Team has quickly grown into one of North Tipperary’s largest voluntary organisations. Today, it supports over 200 members, aged from three to their late thirties, across six age-based groups. Activities range from art, yoga, and gymnastics to sensory play, meditation, and social skills workshops.
The founding parents are: Emma Burns, Ailish Cleary, Diane Maher, Sheila Brophy and Terry Gleeson, supported from the start by Avril Mounsey.
Until now, the club relied on borrowed spaces, which limited growth and often could not meet the diverse sensory and accessibility needs of its members. Now, thanks to Tony Donlan and John Geraghty, the potential for a permanent home and the possibility of meeting the needs of autistic children, young people and young adults will be realised, with this exciting development at Lisbunny Industrial Estate.
A SPACE DESIGNED FOR EVERYONE
The new hub has been carefully designed with accessibility and universal design principles at its heart. Multi-purpose activity rooms, quiet sensory spaces, arts and media rooms, workshops, and adaptable indoor recreational areas will cater to a wide range of needs. Also included are accessible restrooms, lifts, safe pedestrian access, and outdoor activity spaces.
“This new home gives our members something invaluable - stability, predictability, and a sense of belonging,” said committee member Sheila Brophy. “For many of our young people, this is where friendships form, confidence grows, and independence develops.”
COMMUNITY SUPPORT MAKES IT POSSIBLE
The opening of the new hub was made possible through the generosity of the community, including the crucial support of local businessman Tony Donlan and his business partner John Geraghty. Their funding helped transform the vision of a permanent, purpose-built facility into reality.
“The support from Tony and John has been transformative,” said committee member Diane Maher. “It shows what can be achieved when local businesses and the wider community come together to support inclusion. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on hundreds of lives.”
Tony Donlon himself said that their decision to support this project comes from a desire to “give back” to a community and to provide much needed support to the autistic community and their families.
A HUB OF CONNECTION AND GROWTH
Beyond its practical facilities, the A-Team hub represents a safe and welcoming social space for autistic people of all ages. Many older members rely on the club as their main social outlet. “We have young adults who wouldn’t leave their house if it wasn’t for the club,” said Sheila Brophy, committee member. “This space is more than a building - it’s a community, a place to connect and belong.”
The facility will also host a Parents & Supporters group, acknowledging the vital role families play in the lives of autistic individuals. The combination of social, educational, and recreational opportunities in one inclusive space is a model for other towns seeking to champion disability inclusion.
A VISION FOR NENAGH AND BEYOND
The hub’s location at Lisbunny Industrial Estate was chosen for its accessibility, proximity to the town centre, and excellent transport links. Thoughtful landscaping, outdoor activity areas, and covered bicycle parking further enhance the inclusivity and sustainability of the site.
The A-Team’s leaders hope the new hub will serve as a beacon for other communities. “Nenagh has already shown incredible support for our members,” said Avril Mounsey, committee member. “This facility demonstrates what is possible when parents, volunteers, local businesses, and local authorities work together to create a place of understanding, acceptance, and opportunity.”
For the A-Team, the permanent premises mark both an achievement and a beginning. The group plans to expand programming, strengthen partnerships, and continue offering training and employment pathways for autistic adults. Most importantly, the hub provides a stable, predictable environment where autistic children, teens, and adults can feel safe, valued, and included.
In the words of Ailish Cleary, “This is more than a building. It’s a home for belonging and growth - for our members, their families, and the wider community and town. Nenagh is showing the country what inclusion truly looks like.”
She also added that the project is going to need the continued support of the community by way of fundraising and donation as well as from people who can contribute their skills and experience to complete the project.
“We will be reaching out to the wider community, and we urge anyone who would like to support us, to please do so,” Ailish Cleary said.
The committee also wishes to thank all those who have supported them to get to this point, including the members of Tipperary County Council, and other public representatives; RehabCare for the use of a premises and Christmas Tractors and local businesses for fundraising support.
This year, the much-loved Ormond Octaves Christmas Concert will support the A Team and will be held in St Mary’s of the Rosary Church in Nenagh on Friday December 5.