For over fifty years, Clonmel Hockey Club has promoted hockey with great pride in South Tipperary, yet faced many obstacles—most notably, the absence of a permanent home. Founded in the early 1970s, Clonmel Hockey Club quickly earned respect in Munster Hockey, but the lack of proper facilities led to a temporary closure in 2000. However, passionate members revived the club in 2004, achieving rapid success by winning both league and cup titles in their comeback season, which reignited local interest and set the stage for growth.
A major milestone was the launch of the junior section in 2009, which has since grown to serve over 120 young players across several age groups, making juniors the heart of the club’s future. Despite continued challenges—including training on inadequate pitches and the burden of travelling for home games—the club persevered, expanding its senior teams and maintaining strong community spirit. It became clear that to secure long-term success, Clonmel Hockey Club needed its own dedicated pitch.
Clonmel Hockey Club’s journey to a home is a testament to community resilience, teamwork, and the belief that even daunting challenges can be overcome through unity and determination.
After facing initial setbacks, the club approached Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel, whose generosity in offering land became the foundation for a new chapter. With the critical support of the Education and Training Board, the original grant intended for the development was transferred, enabling the project to progress. However, further obstacles emerged, including planning delays and escalating costs. The breakthrough came in 2022, when an additional Sports Capital Grant of €110,000 was secured, injecting renewed momentum into the initiative.
The cost of the development ultimately reached €750,000—a formidable sum for a voluntary organisation. Yet, the Clonmel community rose to the occasion, displaying extraordinary commitment. Through relentless fundraising efforts, generous local sponsorship, and many hours of voluntary work, the club achieved its ambitious target in just six months. This remarkable accomplishment reflected the collective spirit, strength, and pride of the people of Clonmel.
A special note of gratitude goes to Skyline Scaffolding, the project’s main sponsor. Their exceptional generosity and genuine belief in the vision extended far beyond financial support, encompassing encouragement, practical assistance, and a steadfast partnership throughout the process. Their involvement exemplified the kind of community collaboration that brought the dream to fruition.
Equally vital was the contribution of Micheál O’Loughlin, former principal of Presentation Secondary School. His leadership, optimism, and tireless perseverance were pivotal, guiding the project through every challenge and setback to successful completion.
With the completion of the new pitch, Clonmel Hockey Club enters an exciting new era. The facility stands not merely as a field of play but as a true home—a place where friendships will be forged, skills honed, and local pride strengthened. It will serve as a venue for hosting visiting clubs, expanding participation for boys and girls alike, and supporting local schools in introducing hockey to new generations of students. The pitch is a tangible legacy, built by the generosity and commitment of local families, businesses, and supporters, and it will benefit the community for generations to come.
The club marked this significant milestone with an Official Opening Ceremony on Friday, 17 October at Presentation Secondary School. The event was highlighted by the presence of members of the Irish Hockey Team, who inspired young players and added to the celebratory atmosphere. Reflecting on the journey from a club without a permanent base to one with a world-class facility, there is a profound sense of gratitude for every donation, every volunteer hour, and every word of encouragement that contributed to making this dream a reality.
Clonmel Hockey Club’s experience serves as proof that, with commitment, collaboration, and perseverance, even the most ambitious dreams can be realised. With a thriving junior section, dedicated volunteers, and a state-of-the-art new pitch, the future of hockey in Clonmel is brighter than ever.