Ashbourne Pickleball Club burst into life on the 6th of August 2024!
The spark behind Ashbourne Pickleball Club was born when Enda McDonnell introduced David Molloy to the game in December 2023. Afterwards, Enda returned home to Mayo for Christmas and left a pickleball set behind to help get a club started.
In January, David visited East Meath Pickleball Club to deepen his understanding of the sport. Tom Brady, chairman of East Meath Pickleball welcomed David in and very soon he had a grasp of the game.
In March, David invited Donal Roche, Stephane Girard and Martin McCaul to try the game in Ashbourne Community Centre. Once the guys got to grips there was no turning back. That’s when David realised there was an opportunity to set a pickleball club up in Ashbourne.
Tom Mulvaney from Ashbourne Community Centre recognised the club’s potential and opened the hall for weekly Sunday sessions. On August 6th, the club formally registered with Pickleball Ireland, becoming the 64th club in the country. David Molloy stepped into the roles of Chairman and PRO. Donal Roche took on the position of Secretary, and Stephane Girard became our Treasurer.
Ronan Lynch of Lynch Design created the club logo, which became the foundation for our club identity. Premier Custom Designs in Dunshaughlin produced our branded materials. Shortly afterward, we secured playing time at Ashbourne Community School, and word quickly spread about the new club.
Before long the club had grown 46 members. Grants from local councilors and Meath Sports Partnership as well as from Cornmarket Group Financial Services and Applegreen. These funds helped the club to purchase equipment and deliver the first training session with the Colin Sheridan Academy.
In November 2024, 12 members took part in their first tournament in Dublin 15 and won 8 medals. The winners were Adele Ross, Siobhan O’Donovan (2), Brenda Hussey, Stephen McCormack, Stephane Girard, Tara Kenny and Donal Roche.
The committee plans to expand membership to juniors. First, we need to set up the club firmly. We aim to make Pickleball a sport for all.
