Ministerial visit for Larkspur Park, Cashel as classy new tennis court is officially opened

One of West Tipperary’s prominent Sports Club, Larkspur Park in Cashel marked a significant milestone on the 18th of December last when the Minister for Sport, Thomas Byrne TD visited the popular club.

The Minister was officially welcomed to Larkspur by Darren Ryan, Chairperson of Larkspur Park and was invited to officially open a new tennis court which was funded under the 2018 Sports Capital and Equipment Grant and to officially turn on the new LED lights on courts 1-4, which were funded under the 2020 Sports Capital and Equipment Grant.

Larkspur Park is located in the heart of the town of Cashel, boasts a Championship 18 hole Pitch and Putt course, 6 tennis courts, 2 badminton courts and a squash court.

With a membership of over 600 members, Larkspur Park is one of the largest tennis and pitch and putt clubs in the area.

Aidan Ó’ Gormáin, Chairperson Larkspur Tennis Club acted as MC for the event and welcomed the Minister, members of the Oireachtais, Cathaoirleach of Tipperary Cashel Cahir District Cllr. Declan Burgess and local Public Representatives and the wider Larkspur community.

Aidan thanked the Minister for agreeing to visit Larkspur and officiate at the events taking place. Darren Ryan, Chairperson of Larkspur Park again thanked everyone for attending and paid particular thanks to Minister Byrne for visiting the Park.

Darren welcomed former Presidents of the Park, Seamus King and Cllr. Roger Kennedy as well as the President of Cashel Lions Club, Mr. Tom Horan.

In giving a brief history of Larkspur, Darren thanked the members of Cashel Lions Club for the continued support and assistance given to the Development Committee over the last number of years.

Darren gave a detailed breakdown of the support Larkspur Park has received in recent years from Sports Capital funds and thanked the Minister and his department for the contribution.

On behalf of Larkspur, Darren expressed thanks to Deputy Jackie Cahill who assisted in securing the most recent grant allocation of €150,000 which spans across all aspects of the Park.

Darren also welcomed participants of the Enjoy Tennis Programme which takes place every Thursday morning in Larkspur. The Enjoy Tennis is a tennis programme for players with a disability to learn and enjoy playing tennis.

In Larkspur, this programme supports people who use the services of the Brothers of Charity and Moore Haven.

Minister Byrne thanked Larkspur Park for the invitation to visit the Park and to open the Sports Capital funded facilities. Minister Byrne complimented all involved on the wonderful era of sports available in Larkspur and the facilities that members can avail of.

The Minister spoke of his delight at seeing people playing tennis in the club at 10am on a Monday morning and congratulated the Pitch and Putt club on their success is being selected to host the 2024 All Ireland Championships.

The Minister spoke of his delight at the fact that Larkspur is supporting and participating in the Enjoy Tennis programme and it showed the Park’s commitment to inclusion in sports.

The Minister wished all in Larkspur the very best in the future and said he was in no doubt that further funding applications will be submitted from Larkspur in the years ahead.

For more information on Larkspur Park, visit https://larkspurpark.com/

Darren Ryan (Chair) with Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne TD.