Ireland’s first-ever Beach Sport Centre has opened at the Sport Ireland Campus.  At its heart are three beach volleyball courts.

Blanchardstown may be 20k from the coast, but the sand-based facility will offer year-round access to beach courts that can also be used for Olympic handball, beach soccer, tag rugby, and racquet sports.

“This is an exciting milestone for Irish sport,” said Dr Una May, CEO of Sport Ireland.

“The Campus already offers a host of sports facilities, and with the launch of the Beach Sport Centre we’re offering something unique.”

“In Ireland, we can’t guarantee sun, but now, at least, we can offer sand and sports all year.”

“This reflects our vision for inclusive and innovative spaces that support both high-performance athletes and the local communities.”

“We’re delighted to be able to open the door for people to experience the thrill of beach sports.”

The facility means Ireland’s top beach sport athletes can stay on top of their training, no matter the weather. They can perfect their serves, spikes, and sprints while gearing up for big competitions and international showdowns.

The Beach Sports Centre also forms a key part of Volleyball Ireland’s ambitious development plans, supporting long-term goals for athlete development, event hosting, and increased participation across all levels of the sport.

“Volleyball Ireland is delighted to work with Sport Ireland and the Sport Ireland Campus to launch such a brilliant facility,” said Gary Stewart, CEO of Volleyball Ireland.

“Beach Volleyball has huge potential to grow in Ireland, and our first inland permanent venue will be a game changer.”

“We’d like to thank Sport Ireland and the Campus team for their energy and enthusiasm in developing this historic project.”

Volleyball Ireland will host a range of international and national competitions at the facility, including Beach Volleyball Intervarsity and International Small Countries events.

“This new centre provides the infrastructure we need to grow the sport, engage new audiences, and host top-tier competitions right here at home,” said Joao Ferreira, Operations Director of Olympic Handball Ireland.

The Beach Sport Centre is a key component of Sport Ireland’s investment in the future of Irish sport at the Sport Ireland Campus.

Supporting amenities — such as changing rooms, player facilities, offices, and meeting rooms — are housed within the nearby Multisport Pitch Pavilion, which features all-weather public access pitches catering for soccer, Gaelic games, rugby, and hockey.

Additional projects in the pipeline for the 500-acre Campus include the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre and the National Cricket Centre. Both are integral parts of the long-term masterplan for the Sport Ireland Campus Masterplan.

The new facility was officially opened by Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland; Michael Murray, COO of Sport Ireland Campus; Gary Stewart, General Manager of Volleyball Ireland; and Joao Ferreira, Operations Director of Olympic Handball Ireland.

 

Further Reading for Sport for Business members: Volleyball Ireland’s Victory Through Bravery

 

SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

If you have never been to the Sport Ireland Campus, you should make a trip to see what the facility has grown to become. I was out there last Saturday, and it is a hive of activity at most weekends.

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