A safe space to train and play

It is still very much a work in progress, but in a few weeks’ time the multi-use games area next to Shercock NS will provide a great outlet for the town’s young people.

Organised by Shercock Camogie Club, the ‘Wall Ball’ will include targets designed to help young camógs practice their shooting skills. However, with a 3G astro surface installed, along with quality lighting and netting, the modestly proportioned space will also attract young footballers, and any child eager to play in a safe space.

Contractors Clankee Construction poured the concrete for the wall last week and, weather permitting, the project is due to be completed and fenced by late January.

This end of town is already the hub of community life. Located at the entrance to the impressive Craig Lynch Athletics Centre, the multi-games area sits cheek by jowl with the national school on one side and the pre-school across the car park at the other end, while the busy community hall is only a sliothar’s puck away.

“While Shercock Camogie Club are leading this project, it’s a community space,” assures Audrey Ruxton, one of the project organisers. “Kids can walk here to use it.”

Committee member Elaine Keenan looks forward to children using the new space.

“It will be just unbelievable for their skills and to practice on their own. Any child will be able to walk here, take out a ball and a hurl to practice their skills – their lefts, their rights.”

The small parcel of land is owned by Killann Parish, who has kindly leased it to Shercock Camogie. With a project cost of €110,000 they received a Leader grant worth €75,000 and they continue to fundraise to cover running costs and insurance. Most notably, committee member Maria Daly did a skydive; while there have been hamper raffles and competitions as part of the fundraising campaign.

The club was founded only 13 years with then parish priest Fr Ollie O’Reilly leading the charge. Shercock has progressed to compete at three age grades: U14, U16 and Minor.

“We have to thank Fr Ollie because he was the one who started camogie in this area,” says Elaine. “The camogie club is doing really well - our U14s won the league final, and our U16s won the championship final.”

Audrey adds: “We also have a number of our juvenile members representing our club at county level.”

“We’re small, but we’re building and developing and we believe this asset will bring the younger players on and develop their skills.”

To donate to the project, find Shercock Camogie Club by searching the Gofundme website.