*Pictured at the sod turning for Killaloe Sailing Club were Cllr Tony O’Brien, Sue Concannon and Jim Ryan, Killaloe Sailing Club Development Committee; Cllr. Dr. Phyll Bugler; Caroline Rice, Killaloe Sailing Club PRO; John Callanan, Killaloe Sailing Club Commodore.
Work has begun on new clubhouse facilities at Killaloe Sailing Club.
Located on the shores of Lough Derg near Ogonnelloe, the club marked a major milestone this week by turning the sod on the site for its new facilities. The development is set to cost over €700,000 and 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. Tomar Trust and Sports Capital have also helped to fund the project.
Jim Ryan is a long standing member and driving force behind the club development. He outlined that the new facilities would greatly enhance Killaloe Sailing Club’s offering its’ current members, but will also provide a wonderful amenity for the populations of the wider Clare, Tipperary and Limerick area.
He stated, “Until now, the club has been somewhat limited in developing its true potential due to the very poor on-shore facilities at the club. 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”.
Club commodore, John Callanan highlighted, “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”.
Ballina based, Clllr Phyll Bugler (FG) believed the facilities were focused on developing the youth and noted sailing was an excellent activity for confidence-building and both positive mental and physical health.
A range of community events are planned over the coming months to raise match funding for the works. Further information is available by contacting Sarah Flynn (sarahjamflynn@icloud.com). New members and visitors to the club are welcome to visit on any Thursday evening or Sunday morning, or drop a line to: info@killaloesailingclub.com. www.killaloesailingclub.com.
