THE Killaloe Ballina Tennis Club (KBTC) is preparing to develop a state-of-the art indoor facility which will rival the most advanced in Ireland.

While some of the funding has already been secured through various programmes such as LEADER, KBTC is appealing to its members and the wider public in Clare to make up for the shortfall in the region of €25,000.

Over the last seven years the development committee in the Killaloe Ballina Tennis Club (KBTC) has been preparing a long-term programme. This will see the development of two new indoor courts, an additional outdoor mini-court with a practice wall, along with other club facilities added to the existing club facilities. This major development will add to the existing club facilities of four floodlit outdoor courts and a clubhouse.

These developments will position KTBC as a forerunner in the growth of indoor tennis facilities in Ireland. The project will make history nationally as KBTC will become the first tennis club outside of Dublin to have permanent covered tennis courts.

“The provision of 2 Indoor Tennis Courts at KBTC is a project that will contribute significantly to the Killaloe and Ballina Area, along with the entire Mid-West Region. Permanent Indoor Courts for year-round use are currently only available in Dublin, to deliver a facility of this standard for a Tennis Club in Clare will be a magnificent achievement for both the club and the local community” said Patrick Seymour KBTC Club Chairman.

The project has been part-funded by the LEADER programme, through the National Development Plan and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The project is also supported by the National Sports Capital Grant program, W2 Foundation, the JP McManus Benevolent Fund, Tomar Trust, Clare Local Development Company, North Tipperary Development Company and Controllo Ltd.

Killaloe-Ballina Tennis Club was established at a public meeting held on June 22, 1984 and initially comprised 24 members. Following a few moves the club finally found its home with the cooperation of Clare County Council. Two tennis courts were constructed in Bane Field, New Street, Killaloe and these opened in 1988.

To donate, click here or for more information on the project visit kbtc.ie.