Lansdowne Football Club has completed the acquisition of the sports grounds located off Claremont Road in Sandymount from YMCA Dublin. This follows formal approval for the deal from the Charities Regulator.
The acquisition of this significant site in Dublin 4 will provide Lansdowne FC with the ability to extend its sporting facilities in the local community within which it has had its home and presence since 1872. Lansdowne is located in the Lansdowne Road rugby grounds, with its immediate community links covering Sandymount and the surrounding areas of Ballsbridge, Irishtown and Ringsend. The Club celebrated its 150th anniversary this past year.
It was reported in The Irish Times recently, “While the price secured by the YMCA for the grounds has not been disclosed, it is understood the club paid about €6m for the grounds.“
Commenting on the Club’s expansion plans, Stephen Rooney, President of Lansdowne FC said: “This is a really exciting moment in Lansdowne’s history. As we complete the celebration of our 150th anniversary, we are now about to embark on another significant and ambitious venture for the Club which will deepen our roots further in our local community and provide members with much needed additional sporting facilities for our Junior, Mini and Youth teams.”
He added: “We are very grateful for having this opportunity to acquire such a superb site on Lansdowne FC’s doorstep and for YMCA Dublin to endorse Lansdowne to become the new custodian for this important outdoor space. We are very much committed to operating a sustainable multi-sporting and commercial campus that adds value to and is part of the community, a welcoming space that can continue to provide amenities for exercise and recreation for a diverse range of sporting and other activities.”
The lands, which cover 6.6 acres, are accessed from Claremont Road and comprise a large surface car park with parking for approximately 40 cars adjoining a modern two-storey pavilion and open out into a large expansive site of playing fields, including an all-weather hockey pitch.
Kathryn O’ Mahony CEO YMCA Dublin stated: “It is heartening that through the grounds’ new owners, Lansdowne FC, the property will continue its strong sporting and recreational tradition. For the YMCA, this sale means we can begin in earnest our mission to build three new community hubs in areas across Dublin where we can have the greatest positive impact. These hubs will mirror our city centre Aungier Street facility and will have an array of vital community resources including; Community Childcare, Family Support and of course our full range of specialist Youth Services.”
About Lansdowne Football Club
Lansdowne Football Club was founded in 1872 by Henry Dunlop. The Club caters for players at all levels and currently fields five senior teams, as well as an All-Ireland winning under 20’s side.
Mini and Youth Rugby, including a girls’ section, also flourishes in the Club, with several hundred youngsters involved in teams from under 6/7/8’s up to under 17’s. Lansdowne FC is also committed to the introduction of a Women’s Rugby programme, details of which will be announced in due course.
About YMCA Dublin
YMCA Dublin provides services for children, young people and families. It is the second oldest YMCA in the world.
All income YMCA Dublin generates goes directly back into funding local community projects and initiatives, youth work, youth cafe, plus one mentoring, community work, community childcare and community employment.
YMCA Dublin works with communities to support individuals, children and young people to develop the skills, experiences, relationships and behaviours for healthy, confident and successful futures.
