Shannon AC Junior Athletes warming up at the Munster Athletics Cross Country Championships.
After a long hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions, Shannon Athletic Club (AC) has made a remarkable return, welcoming 220 new members since reopening in January.
In 2020, the club was forced to suspend its activities due to the pandemic. Despite the removal of restrictions in the years that followed, the club did not resume operations. However, in late 2023, a meeting was organised to assess the level of interest within the community, and the response was overwhelming. Former athletes, athletics enthusiasts, and parents of children eager to join the club gathered, and a new committee was formed to bring Shannon AC back to life.
Eamon Cleary, chairperson and coach of Shannon Athletics Club, told The Clare Echo that the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. “The reaction from the community has been extremely positive. Shannon AC went from zero members to 220 and is still growing, making us one of the largest athletics clubs in Clare,” Cleary said.
According to the annual Teneo Sport and Sponsorship Index; in Ireland, there has been a significant rise in running as a hobby, which has greatly benefited Shannon AC with adult participation growing substantially.
Cleary noted, “The recent Olympics has shone a light on athletics and motivated many people of all ages to give it a go.” In June 2024, the club introduced adult sprints and throwing groups, and by August, a group of adult members competed in the All-Ireland Masters Track and Field Championships in Tullamore, winning nine national medals.
Building on this success, Shannon AC is planning to launch a Couch to 5K program in January. This initiative is designed for novice and beginner runners, offering a supportive environment for those starting their fitness journey. “We hope that people will start their running journey through the Couch to 5K program and continue it with Shannon AC,” Cleary added.
The year 2024 has been full of milestones for the club. Cleary highlighted the growth of Shannon AC, both in terms of membership and in fostering a sense of community. “The biggest achievement has been getting people within the community active and socialising,” he said.
The club has also seen athletes win medals at the county, provincial, and national levels, showcasing the talent and hard work of the members.
The site of the club, which had been unused for several years, had become overgrown and in need of development. Volunteers from the local community, including groups such as Shannon Community Partnership, The Park Run, and Shannon Tidy Towns, helped with the initial clean-up. Additionally, former Councillor Gerry Flynn assisted in securing funding to develop a car park that can accommodate around 40 cars, easing traffic concerns in the busy area. The Shannon Municipal District also provided funding through the Community Recognition Fund for the development of a 720-metre jogging track, which will host its first event, the Goal Mile, on December 26th, raising funds for the charity Goal.
Shannon AC has received generous donations from local companies to support further on-site developments, including the creation of a Hammer and Discus area, which is set to be ready by early 2025.
The club also plans to build a full 8-lane, 400-metre track. Cleary emphasised the importance of infrastructure in growing the sport. “Shannon is a town of over 10,000 people, with many more in the surrounding areas who use the resources here. This development is essential for the future of athletics in the region,” he explained.
The club has already secured planning permission for the track, but funding remains a major hurdle. “This will require a lot of work and a lot of funding,” Cleary said. “We are actively fundraising for this development and would be very grateful for any assistance in terms of guidance, assistance, or financial support.”
