A-Team Youth Club aims to launch new centre in Nenagh’s former factory building

After years of fundraising, planning, and tireless advocacy, the A-Team Youth Club hopes it has finally secured a permanent home in Nenagh, thanks to the “incredible” generosity of local businessman Tony Donlan and his partner John Geraghty.

The move promises to provide hundreds of autistic children, young adults, and their families with a stable, inclusive space to thrive, connect, and belong.

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The former Rorer factory at Lisbunny Industrial Estate will be transformed into a community hub once Tipperary County Council grants planning permission, a process expected to take up to two years, and it will serve as a wider community space for the town.

Founded in May 2022 by five parents determined to create a safe, inclusive social outlet for their children, the A-Team has quickly grown into one of North Tipperary’s largest voluntary organisations.

Today, it supports more than 200 members, aged from three to their late thirties, across six age-based groups. Activities range from art, yoga, and gymnastics to sensory play, meditation, and social skills workshops. The founding parents are Emma Burns, Ailish Cleary, Diane Maher, Sheila Brophy, and Terry Gleeson, with support from Avril Mounsey.

Until now, the club relied on borrowed spaces, which limited growth and often could not meet the diverse sensory and accessibility needs of its members. Thanks to Tony Donlan and John Geraghty, the vision of a permanent, purpose-built facility is now becoming a reality.

The new hub has been designed with accessibility and universal design principles at its core, including multi-purpose activity rooms, quiet sensory spaces, arts and media rooms, workshops, and adaptable indoor recreational areas. Accessible restrooms, lifts, safe pedestrian access, and outdoor activity spaces will ensure the facility meets a wide range of needs.

“This new home gives our members something invaluable – stability, predictability, and a sense of belonging,” said committee member Sheila Brophy. “For many of our young people, this is where friendships form, confidence grows, and independence develops.”

Committee member Diane Maher added, “The support from Tony and John has been transformative. It shows what can be achieved when local businesses and the wider community come together to support inclusion. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on hundreds of lives.” 

The facility will also host a Parents & Supporters group, recognising the vital role families play in the lives of autistic individuals. By combining social, educational, and recreational opportunities in one inclusive space, the hub offers a model for other towns seeking to champion disability inclusion.

The Lisbunny Industrial Estate location was chosen for its accessibility, proximity to the town centre, and excellent transport links. Thoughtful landscaping, outdoor activity areas, and covered bicycle parking further enhance inclusivity and sustainability. “This facility demonstrates what is possible when parents, volunteers, local businesses, and local authorities work together to create a place of understanding, acceptance, and opportunity,” said Avril Mounsey.

The hub will also enable the club to expand programming, strengthen partnerships, and offer training and employment pathways for autistic adults. For members, it will provide a predictable and safe environment where they can feel valued and included.

“This is more than a building. It’s a home for belonging and growth – for our members, their families, and the wider community,” said Ailish Cleary, who added that the project will require ongoing community support through fundraising, donations, and contributions of skills and expertise.

The committee also extended thanks to Tipperary County Council, RehabCare, Christmas Tractors, and local businesses for helping bring the project to this stage. This year, the much-loved Ormond Octaves Christmas Concert will support the A-Team, taking place in St Mary’s of the Rosary Church, Nenagh, on Friday, December 5.

The A-Team currently have almost 200 autistic people registered with them ranging in age from 3 to 30. A final decision is due from Tipperary County Council around the end of November.

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