AN Ennis sporting club which has to travel to Limerick to play matches is hoping an upcoming fundraising event will help achieve its dream of building its own multi-sport facility which will also benefit the wider community.
Established in October 2019, Ennis Hockey Club came from the love of hockey with the driving force behind the club a group of volunteers passionate about the sport and bringing this sport to kids and adults of Clare.
It is the club’s ambition to build a multi-sport 2G facility in Ennis where they can play, compete and develop the next generation of people passionate about this Olympic sport.
As well as members having to travel to Limerick for home matches, club trainings are currently held either at the CBS School or at the Planet Entertainment Centre however the surface of these pitches is not really suitable for the game.
A spokesperson for the club explained, “The support has been great. However, none of these pitches are 2G, which is suitable for hockey. As the club is growing in numbers and getting recognized in the community, the need for pitch is becoming more obvious.”
A Golf Classic fundraising event has been organised to help the club achieve a new facility which according to the club would also benefit a number of other sports.
The fundraiser will take place on May 5 and 6 at Woodstock Ennis Golf Course and all proceeds will go towards the club’s goal of building a pitch for the community. Care About You and Mark Woods Electrical are supporting the event.
Despite having to close for Covid-19 shortly after the club was started, the club has grown their numbers and now has over 150 members. Almost all the players have started as complete beginners and according to a spokesperson for Ennis Hockey Club, “they are the pride of the club”.
“The club’s main belief is that sport should be fun way to keep fit and engage with local community. Ennis Hockey Club is really inclusive and a place where everyone can fit in. We truly believe that hockey is a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Ennis Hockey Club was the first club in Ireland to introduce Walking Hockey, a gentle introduction to hockey ideal for anyone new or returning to sport or those recovering from injury.
And in early 2022 they started Inclusive Hockey with a group for young adults with intellectual disabilities. “It is great to see them playing each week and enjoying sport where they can meet friends and have fun.”
The club’s efforts have been recognised, as it has been nominated by Hockey Ireland to European Federation Small Club of the Year Award in December 2021.
Recently Ennis Hockey Club received Bronze Clubmark Accreditation that signals that the club provides a quality sporting experience, open to all and delivered in a safe environment, administered by an effective and efficient committee.
The club spokesperson has urged people to get involved in the fundraising golf classic and help support their ambition for a new facility saying, “It is promising to be a great two days and we would love to see you there to have fun and support our efforts.”
For more see www.buytickets.at/ennishockeyclub or visit the club’s website www.ennishockeyclub.com