Background
In 1985 Belcarra Handball Alley was renovated and re-named Belcarra Sports Centre to facilitate all sports within the Community.
The Centre was renovated under an Anco Scheme which preceded Fás. The open alley was roofed with galvanised corrugated roof with basic dressing rooms erected at the rear. For many years the Sports Centre continued to be a great asset to young and old in the Community.
Belcarra Handball Club was and is one of the leading clubs in the county with growing membership and volunteer coaches. Prior to Covid it had won numerous all Ireland titles.
In 2004 as the building had deteriorated it was decided to upgrade the Centre. Plans were drawn up to replace the facility which would include a full size Handball court and facilitate other sports including Racquetball and Badminton. An application was made to the Dept of Arts, Sports and Tourism for funding. A grant of €200,000 was approved in 2007. The overall cost of the Project was €500,000. Fundraising was ongoing to meet the shortfall. The building of the Sports Centre started in 2012 and was completed in December of that year.
This would be a great asset to our community both young and old. The project was supported by Belcarra Community Council, Belcarra Community Co-op, Mr Tom Mitchell former provost of Trinity College through the Philanthropy Ireland funding and Mr Martin Naughton Glen Dimplex both of whom are natives of Belcarra.
The new Sports Centre was officially blessed by Fr Denis Carney PP and opened by the Cathaoirleach of Mayo Co. Co. Councillor Cyril Burke in April 2013.
Using the Sports Centre
If you’d like to use the Sports Centre please contact Claire Cuffe clairecuffe@hotmail.com.