Mayo town joins global trend of padel as new courts open

THE game of padel is one of the fastest growing racquet sports in Europe and is a very popular and easy way to keep fit.

The sport is a mixture of racquetball and tennis and is suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness.

Ballinrobe has now joined the global trend of padel and there are two new floodlit courts located at The Bowers, which is only a short walk from Main Street in the heart of the town.

The new padel courts have certainly sparked a lot of local interest in the sport and the new facility has been warmly welcomed and adds to the nearby Green, which is already a sporting hub for soccer, rugby and athletics.

Emer Feerick is the owner and manager of the new padel courts at The Bowers, and she explained where the idea came about.

“It was an activity that I first heard about when I was over in Spain two years ago, and we played it there. I really enjoyed playing padel and it is usually played as doubles matches. The game is for all ages, and it is very inclusive. It is easy to learn the rules, and it is a very enjoyable outdoor sport.”

For those new to the sport, Emer gave a brief description of how it is played.

“It is a mixture of racquetball and tennis, and the court is a third the size of a tennis court (20x10). However, you use all of the playing area rather than just inside the white lines.

"Padel is an up-and-coming sport. The courts here are in the perfect location in Ballinrobe, and parents who are dropping off their kids for matches in the nearby soccer and rugby pitches can play a game of padel. Kids can also come down and play padel.

“I would encourage all ages in Ballinrobe and the surrounding areas to play padel and it is a nice and enjoyable way to keep fit and get some fresh air. I hope to have leagues and lessons for participants and there will also be special offers for the use of the courts.

"Some people might like a league for some competitive sport as well, and a good number of people will want a more relaxed game to keep fit and stay healthy. All levels are welcome.”

A specialist team from Spain were hired to construct the court. Padel is very popular in Spain and France.

“I got planning permission last April, and the groundworks and construction took roughly two months to complete. After a local company completed the groundwork, I got a team from Spain to construct the padel courts.”

The new courts opened last Wednesday and there has already been a lot of local interest.

“The feedback and interest have been very positive and people are wondering what is padel and how they can book slots for the courts. We now have an app and a website up and running and it is very easy to book and play. We also have a WhatsApp padel community group, so if you are on your own and want to play, then you will find other people to have a game of padel with.

“For me the area that these courts are in is an ideal location. The courts are on the doorstep of the town, and it is only a short walk to Main Street.

“There are also park benches here and people can come down and have a real family outing. It is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends and, as I said, it is great social activity for all ages and abilities of fitness.”

Emer has received plenty of well-wishes on her new exciting venture.

“There have been a lot of people who have wished me the very best of luck with this new venture. We also have lots of different nationalities making enquiries about the new courts and how they can join and play.”

The new facility is open seven days a week. “People can visit www.padelb.ie or they can download the PadelB app and book a time slot there. The facility is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. If people don’t have their own rackets they can hire equipment here as well.”

Emer hopes that padel will become a very popular game in the bustling south Mayo town.

“I hope that this game will grow in popularity in Ballinrobe. It is a sociable, healthy and inclusive sport. I think it is a positive development for the town.

"It will also hopefully benefit tourism in the area. This new facility is all about having another sporting activity in Ballinrobe that is sociable and enjoyable for all ages.”