The Kilmallock Community Sports Hub was officially launched on Wednesday, 17 June at the People's Hall, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for community sport, health and wellbeing in Kilmallock.

The launch formed part of the Community Connections event, held during Men's Health Week, and brought together local residents, community organisations and service providers to celebrate the power of community, inclusion and active living.

The new Sports Hub is being delivered through a partnership between Limerick Sports Partnership and Ballyhoura Development, with support from the Dormant Accounts Fund, and aims to create a welcoming environment where people of all ages and abilities can become more physically active, meet new people and improve their overall wellbeing.

A Community Coming Together

The event showcased the wide range of organisations, services and programmes working together to support the wellbeing of people across Kilmallock and the surrounding area.

The morning began with a series of fun, inclusive activities led by Limerick Sports Partnership, giving attendees a flavour of the opportunities that will be available through the Sports Hub over the coming months. These activities demonstrated that physical activity can be accessible, enjoyable and beneficial for everyone, regardless of age, background or ability.

Visitors also enjoyed healthy refreshments prepared by Ballyhoura Development's Nadia Atalla and Eileen McCabe through the Community Food Initiative, while learning more about healthy eating and lifestyle choices. The HSE offered free blood pressure checks throughout the morning, encouraging participants to take simple but important steps towards improving their health.

Working Together for Stronger Communities

A wide range of organisations attended the event, highlighting the importance of partnership in building healthier and more connected communities.

Information stands were hosted by:

• Limerick Sports Partnership
• Ballyhoura Development
• HSE
• South Limerick Community Healthcare
• Foróige Kilmallock
• Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (ETB)
• Kilmallock Library

The Ballyhoura Development team also showcased several programmes currently supporting local communities, including:

• MAP (Migrant Apprenticeship Pathways)
• WorkAbility
• East Limerick Traveller Project
• Farm Forward
• North Cork Rural Community Health Programme

Together, these initiatives demonstrate the breadth of supports available to individuals, families and communities across the region.

Building a More Active Kilmallock

Launching the Sports Hub, Hugh Guest, Community Sports Development Officer with Ballyhoura Development, spoke about the vision for the Hub and its role in encouraging participation, inclusion and community engagement.

"I'm thrilled with the engagement we saw from the community at the People's Hall for our Community Connections event. It showcased the new Sports Hub's commitment to promoting wellbeing, inclusivity and connection in the Kilmallock area. I'm hugely looking forward to the next few months as we get up and going with the Hub, providing an important service to the community."

Phelim Macken, Manager of Limerick Sports Partnership, welcomed the launch and highlighted the long-term commitment behind the initiative.

"Limerick Sports Partnership is delighted to establish our fourth Sports Hub across Limerick in the Kilmallock area. The Sports Hub concept is based on a five-year commitment of funding, both current and capital, to enhance existing facilities and provide opportunities for all to be physically active. We are delighted to appoint Hugh as our Sports Officer, in collaboration with Ballyhoura Development, to lead out on the Sports Hub initiatives."

The Importance of Connection

One of the highlights of the event was an inspiring talk by guest speaker Dessie Fitzgerald, who shared his own personal journey and reflected on the importance of connection, resilience and community support.

"Some of the most important things that helped me rebuild my own life were connection, support and a sense of community. That's why initiatives like the Kilmallock Community Sports Hub are so important. Communities aren't built by buildings—they are built by people who choose to connect, support one another, and get involved. This Hub creates opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to participate, build relationships and realise they don't have to face life's challenges alone."

His message perfectly captured the theme of the day and the vision behind the Sports Hub—creating opportunities for people to connect through physical activity, shared experiences and community participation.

Looking Ahead

The Kilmallock Community Sports Hub will begin rolling out activities throughout the summer, with programmes designed to encourage participation, improve health and wellbeing, reduce social isolation and strengthen community life.

One of the first regular activities is the Kilmallock Walking Group, which meets every Wednesday at 11.00am outside Kilmallock Library for a relaxed, self-paced 5km walk. The group is open to everyone, with tea, coffee and refreshments provided afterwards by Kilmallock Library.

The Sports Hub team is also keen to hear from local people about the types of activities they would like to see delivered.

Residents are encouraged to join the Kilmallock Community Sports Hub WhatsApp Community to hear about upcoming activities, share ideas and stay connected as new programmes are launched.

Kilmallock Community Sports Hub Project Page

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals

The Kilmallock Community Sports Hub contributes to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by creating healthier, stronger and more inclusive communities.

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing - The Hub encourages physical activity, promotes healthy lifestyles, supports mental wellbeing and improves access to health information and preventative services.
• SDG 4 – Quality Education - Community workshops, wellbeing talks, healthy eating demonstrations and awareness events provide opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities - The Sports Hub aims to ensure that everyone—regardless of age, ability, background or circumstance - has opportunities to participate, connect and benefit from community activities.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals - The Hub demonstrates the value of collaboration between Ballyhoura Development, Limerick Sports Partnership, local community organisations, health services, education providers and volunteers working together to improve quality of life.

Through partnership, participation and inclusion, the Kilmallock Community Sports Hub is helping to create a healthier, more connected and more resilient community—one activity, one conversation and one connection at a time.