Ballymun National Pool Academy
Harnessing The Potential
SIPF is a self-financing entity with monies raised through voluntary donations and grants, but has proven itself as no amateur when it comes to both its membership and its ability to host world events. In November 2006, they cohosted the Word Blackball Championsips in the Silver Springs Hotel & Conference Centre in West Point, Cork. “We had 1200 people attend this event over the course of 8 days,” says Martin, “and the sponsorship we received from the local authority, businesses and grants was well and truly recouped by the town with the €2.5 million that was spent by players and visitors during their time there”. Previously, SIPF hosted the International National Pool Championships in Westport, Co. Mayo back in 2001, again brining in an estimated IR£1million at the time to the town. In addition, the 2006 event was broadcast live across the World Wide Web for the millions of pool enthusiasts worldwide to view, a service they initially paid for, but, says Martin, has the potential to offer an income stream proper for the likes of SIPF if they were to host such an event again in a home venue.
It is pretty clear that SIPF wants to have a home base. But moreover, they would like to see a National Pool Academy established in Ballymun, possibly run in co-operation with their counterparts in the North. An all Ireland centre would allow affilitates to increase the amount and the quality of coaching, tournaments and offer broader support for members. A centre of such exellence would also help the image of Ballymun and the game, because the wider membership and the pool world would look to it as a national HQ. And of course, it would give SIPF a massive boost, particularly where young people and people with special needs are concerned. In addition, the Academy could host national competitions including the latter stages of the Irish Tour (a series of connected open tournaments), Juvenile, European and World Championship qualifiers and team practices, coaching etc. Indeed the Academy could in itself stimulate new tournaments and exhibitions in association with an array of interested public and private sponsors and supporters, to boost necessary income streams to assist the overall sustainability of the centre.
It is pretty clear that SIPF wants to have a home base. But moreover, they would like to see a National Pool Academy established in Ballymun, possibly run in co-operation with their counterparts in the North. An all Ireland centre would allow affilitates to increase the amount and the quality of coaching, tournaments and offer broader support for members. A centre of such exellence would also help the image of Ballymun and the game, because the wider membership and the pool world would look to it as a national HQ. And of course, it would give SIPF a massive boost, particularly where young people and people with special needs are concerned. In addition, the Academy could host national competitions including the latter stages of the Irish Tour (a series of connected open tournaments), Juvenile, European and World Championship qualifiers and team practices, coaching etc. Indeed the Academy could in itself stimulate new tournaments and exhibitions in association with an array of interested public and private sponsors and supporters, to boost necessary income streams to assist the overall sustainability of the centre.
"People need a place to go where they are not constantly exposed to traditional elements within pool halls such as bars, gambling and slot machines... this centre of excellence will promote a clean environment and develop a healthy interest in the game of pool, especially for young people."
Martin Kirwan, European Blackball Association (EBA) Chairperson
Martin Kirwan, European Blackball Association (EBA) Chairperson
An artist’s impression of the proposed National Pool Academy in Ballymun.
Based on conceptual plans by one of our many supporters, Ballymun Regeneration Limited
Based on conceptual plans by one of our many supporters, Ballymun Regeneration Limited
- The main floor area which can accommodate up to 25 tables with 140 people playing at any one time, for practice and play offs.
- This can then transform into a world class stadium to accommodate major games with a raised stage, fold away seating and a big screen area.
- It will have a cafe and Juice bar with web stations.
- It will also have a Media Centre for recording and transmitting web tournaments live across the internet.
"This grand proposal, when completed and actively being used by our Pool fraternity, will not only be a monument tangible for the generations to come, but also a great monument in the hearts and minds of all participating in the fruits of your labour... I am particularly moved by the controlled and safe environment that this venue will offer our teens... I wish you all the success to make this dream a reality..."
Peter Hawley, Chairman Blackball International, World Pool Association
A Local Resource.. A National Partnership.. An International Academy of Excellence!!
With the New Ballymun Plaza and Day’s Hotels plus the new Shopping Centre and services such as the Metro Transport Station, we are already at an advantage to use our close proximity to the M50 and M1 Motorways, Dublin Airport, Dublin Port and Dublin City to entice our playing partners to visit us on a more regular basis, particilarly our colleagues from Northern Ireland who participate in our Irish Blackball tour and would be as supportive as they always are in whatever venture we set ourselves.
SIPF is involved at the very top levels of World Pool as our Chairman is the elected Chairperson of The European Blackball Association. He is also President elect of the World Blackball Association, which is a member of the World Pool Association and recognised by the International Olympic Council.
SIPF is involved at the very top levels of World Pool as our Chairman is the elected Chairperson of The European Blackball Association. He is also President elect of the World Blackball Association, which is a member of the World Pool Association and recognised by the International Olympic Council.
"We in the North, hope to utilise the facilities to improve links between our two associations and, at the same time, help to improve the standards throughout the island by participating fully in all events organised within this centre of excellence. But just as importantly, we believe that the creation of this Academy will enable us to foster closer relations between our two sets of members at youth, learning difficulties, handicapped, ladies and seniour levels. Furthermore, your achievements will encourage us in the North to strive towards the goals established in the aims set out by this magnificent venture..."
Cliff Wilson, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Pool Association
Cliff Wilson, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Pool Association
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