Over the past number of years since we started the development of an Academy of Excellence for female cue sports in Ireland our ambitions have finally come to fruition.
This would not be possible without the help and support of many people. The Board of RILSA worked hard in getting this venture off the ground in collaboration with the management of Sharkx Newbridge.
I would like to thank the Board of RILSA, Annette Newman, Valerie Maloney, Tina Keogh, Stephanie Foley, Dave Earle and Dr Gerard Colleran for their work and support throughout the process. A special thanks to Paul and Bernie Traynor for their help and support in providing the space for our tables and equipment. Paul worked very hard indeed to get the Academy at Sharkx up to a very high standard where our members have the best opportunity to practice and develop their skills on Professional quality tables in fantastic decorated surroundings.
Paul has provided streaming cameras and recording facilities to enable our Association promote female cue sports to a wider audience.
While the Academy is 95% complete with just a few adjustments and picture hanging, we are absolutely delighted to have such a facility to help females improve their skills and develop the sport into the future.
Thanks to the National Lottery and the Sports Capital Programme for their help with the funding to see this project through and in particular to Anne, Brendan and Catherine. Thanks to Winnie at Shender in China for all her help. Thanks to Ger Dunphy for his help in the purchase of the equipment and installing the tables, a first class job indeed.
This facility is the first of its kind in Ireland and as far as we know the first in the World where females are put first and foremost to the forefront of our sport when it comes to facilities. The facility is open to both male and female players alike and we welcome everyone to the Academy at Sharkx Newbridge.
We are all looking forward to getting back to competition soon
