Louise Whelan
On July 2nd past the official opening of St Patrick’s CYFC and the Crusaders Athletic Club’s new extension took place in Irishtown Stadium. This fantastic clubhouse and magnificent facilities will be of huge benefit to the whole of our community. What has been a long journey has finally been fulfilled with this multi-million project that was done in partnership with Dublin City Council, Covanta, Dublin Port Company, and both club committees and residents. The huge effort put in by everyone involved whether on the scene or behind the scenes has made this dream come true.
On the day of the opening speeches were made by Peter McLoone, Chairman of the Community Gain Liaison Committee, Mary Doolin, local resident and Representative on the first Community Gain Committee, Michael McGovern, Treasurer of Crusaders, Pat Healy, Treasurer of CYFC, and Derek (Charlie) Bowden, Chairman of the CYFC extolling the benefits of the new facilities and warmly thanking all those who had contributed both financially and otherwise to its fulfilment.
A special heartfelt mention went to former committee member, John Nolan who sadly passed away last year. John was instrumental in bringing the clubs together, recognising that working jointly anything can be achieved. It is John’s legacy that this day has been fulfilled.
St Patrick’s CYFC are an adult amateur football club in the Ringsend and Irishtown area with strong links to Pearse St serving the community since 1936. They are the longest running football club in the area. Their goal is inclusion and development, engaging at committee level on the local community safety fora, their officer role on the local network RCSF, and the voluntary work they carry out within the community on a daily basis. The club boasts six teams, four men’s and two ladies so the increase in participation will be true for women and girls as dedicated female facilities are now in place and this is the first such dedicated amenities in Ringsend and Irishtown.
The new and improved dressing rooms are spacious and airy with fitted showers and even have an ice bath in the corner! There’s also a sports massage room to iron out any weary and tired muscles before and after a match by the highly experienced expertise of Mairead Walsh and Physio Guys Dublin. If the players need a bit of down time, they can enjoy the new recreational space to hang out, play a bit of pool, table tennis or watch TV with a cuppa. The whole design of this layout is so impressive and has been built to the highest quality and standards. The ref also has a special area to unwind and mop his brow after a tough day on the pitch and stash all those red and yellow cards away. And all the whistles!
Crusaders Athletic Club is one of Ireland’s largest and most successful running clubs. They have a membership of around 600 athletes and welcome all ages from juvenile through junior and senior to masters. They cater to all standards from beginners and recreational runners, to elite athletes, Olypians and everything in between. Their members
now have access to both outdoor and the new indoor running track which looks amazing as well as a full gym and changing provisions. And that view out of the window is a big motivator. Crusaders cover all track and field and many of their members compete in various competitions and enjoy lots of social events. They promote a friendly, inclusive atmosphere and extend a warm welcome to all that visit the club. Crusaders are 80 years old this year and their oldest member is the Vice President Jim (James) O’Neill who is 81. They have just completed their first couch to 5k run and the next project is the little athletes which is aimed at ages 5 to 8-year-olds. Matthew Behan joined Crusaders 13 years ago and recently became the All-Ireland 110 metres hurdles champion so
a big congratulations to Mat
thew and what a great inspiration to all.
Wishing both clubs the very best of success going forward.
To get in touch with St Pat’s and Crusaders you can check out all their social media or email stpatscyfc@gmail.com and crusadersatlethicclub@gmail.com
Images: Louise Whelan / St Pats and Crusaders Insta
