merrion street

Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring today attended the opening of Ireland’s first Padel court in Rockbrook Park Secondary School Rathfarnham.

Described as a scaled down version of tennis, and as Ireland’s newest sport, Padel is among the fastest-growing sports in the world.

Speaking at the event Minister Ring said: “There is already a wonderful range of sporting activities available in Ireland and I am delighted to see a new sport being added. I am told that Padel is a sport that can be played by everyone, young and old, and can be enjoyed even if players have different skill levels. As it shares many characteristics with other more well-known racquet sports already popular in Ireland like tennis, racquetball and squash, its skills can be relatively easily acquired. I understand that Padel is enjoying phenomenal growth around the world and has already been introduced and developed in about 40 different countries, including Australia, Canada, UK, USA and now Ireland.

“I would like to wish Rockbrook Park Secondary School every success with this impressive new court and many, many hours of enjoyment to all those who participate in the sport here. I would also to thank the Padel Federation of Ireland for their invitation and to wish them the very best with the development of their sport,” concluded Minister Ring.