Laois Sports Partnership, in association with Sport Ireland, have announced that Laois have received funding for their fourth Community Sports and Physical Activity Hub.
This new Hub will be located in Fr Breen Park in Abbeyleix.
It is in addition to the already established Hubs based in Stradbally Vicarstown Timahoe (SVT), Rathdowney-Errill, and Bloom HQ, Mountrath.
Abbeyleix Vitality Hub will operate under the umbrella group of the Abbeyleix Park Development Committee, who administers activities in Fr Breen Park.
The park is home to the very vibrant GAA, soccer, tennis, and hockey clubs in the town.
The Hub will support physical activities, sports and wellness initiatives along with supplementing the four main clubs.
“A Sports Hub provides information, support and advice on a wide range of sports and physical activities to make it easier for people to get involved and engage in a more active and healthier lifestyle,” said Caroline Myers, CEO Laois Sports Partnership.
John Thompson, Chair of Abbeyleix Vitality Hub stressed Abbeyleix Vitality Hub will “recognise the diversity of the local community and aims to maximise participation through improving the facility and increasing participation amongst all residents.”
Abbeyleix is a Heritage Town and Ireland’s reigning Tidiest Towns champion with a wealth of outdoor facilities.
There are a variety of wonderful walking trails in the area, including Abbeyleix Bog Boardwalk, Collins Bog Loop, The Killamuck Loop, The Lords Walk Loop, the Heywood Wood Gardens Loop, and Dunmore Woods Loop.
A 10k cycling route can also be enjoyed on the Abbeyleix – Durrow cycle lane.
The Hub hopes to add more opportunities and increase the participation in healthy living initiatives in the community.
The Abbeyleix Vitality Hub steering committee comprises representatives of participating clubs and organisations in the area.
This group, along with a dedicated Hub Coordinator are currently designing an Action Plan to boost activity and participation levels in this community.
According to Liz Kennedy, Co-ordinator for Abbeyleix Vitality Hub:
“The Action Plan will be based on the findings of a needs analysis to identify gaps in activities and facilities that currently hinder people from participating locally.
“We are interested in hearing from residents from Abbeyleix and environs including Ballyroan, Ballinakill, Shanahoe, Raheen, Ballacolla and Durrow.
“We hope to run taster sessions type activities initially for all ages and abilities.”
“If you or your club have an interest in increasing your physical activity levels and developing your community, we hope to see you all at our launch on Sunday 28th April in Fr Breen Park.
“We encourage people to support the community and raise the awareness of what is going on in the area.”
