Blackrock club bowled over by grant

THE Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring joined with Peter Robbins, President of the Blackrock Bowling & Tennis Club at the presentation of a Sports Grant worth

?¬87,000 under Government’s National Sports Capital Programme last week.

The grant will be used to replace the existing bowling green with new state-of-the-art facility.

The grant, received under this year’s e40.5m National Sports Capital Programme for community sporting projects, will go towards replacing the manicured bowling green at the oldest sports club in Blackrock.

While the ageing green had gone into decline due to poor drainage over the years, this injection of funds will ensure that the club can host regional, national and international competitions for at least the next 100 years.

The club was founded in 1906 and the bowling green has been played upon every single season since then.

Making the presentation of the grant Minister Ring said:

“This grant by the Government acknowledges the significant role and contribution sporting organisations and clubs like Blackrock Bowling & Tennis Club make to Irish society and local communities.

“I wish the club well in developing its new bowling facility which I know will provide more opportunities for both young and old to get out and get active.

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Blackrock Bowling and Tennis Club has 900 members and is home to many of the country’s greatest players including Honorary Club Member Christine Gorman who has over 100 international caps for Ireland.

In thanking the Minister, the President of Blackrock Bowling & Tennis Club, Peter Robbins said:

“This grant is a lifeline for our club and will ensure the future of our bowling facility well into the future.

“We look forward to building on the very proud sporting tradition we have here in the club and thank the minister for giving us this opportunity to build on our past successes and create new momentum for the future.

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