Fountainstown Community Sports Club Launches New Book to Celebrate its 90th Anniversary
By Tara Maher
Fountainstown Community Sports Club is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
Known to locals simply as "the Club" or "the Courts," Fountainstown Community Sports Club has played a central role in the lives of generations of residents. For many, it has been the backdrop to childhood summers, first dates, family celebrations, and lifelong friendships.
Ask almost anyone who grew up in the area, and they will have a story to tell about time spent within the grounds. The club's story hasn't always been one of smooth sailing. Like many community institutions, it has weathered quiet periods and moments of uncertainty. But in May 2022, a group of dedicated locals came together to form an interim committee with one clear goal: to revive the club and secure its future for the next generation.
That effort has clearly paid off. Today, Fountainstown Community Sports Club offers something for everyone, regardless of age or ability. The grounds are home to a number of tennis courts, a pitch & putt course, and a basketball court, while the clubhouse itself has become a genuine community hub — hosting everything from yoga classes to Mass.
To mark this granite anniversary, the club commissioned a special commemorative book, written by Sonya Towler and Doug Lucey. The book weaves together decades of memories, milestones, and the characters who shaped the club into what it is today.
The book was officially launched on August 30th at a special celebration that brought together local residents, members past and present, Cork County Council, and the families of the club's founders.
The day's festivities included a tennis exhibition match, live music, a barbecue and a hole-in-one competition. There was no hole-in-one but the competition was won by Cillian Fitzgerald, whose great-grandfather Jim is one of the figures featured in the new book. Cillian putted closest to the hole in one shot.
Speaking to The Carrigdhoun about the milestone, co-author Sonya Towler reflected on what the club has meant to the community over the decades:
“For ninety years, Fountainstown Community Sports Club has been more than a club by the sea. It is a meeting place for sport, friendship, celebration, and community. Generations of members and guests have shaped it. The club can rightly and proudly claim to be the oldest pitch and putt course in Ireland and the birthplace of the competitive game. This book was written by volunteers to preserve the memories, stories and heritage of the club and the sport it helped shape. All proceeds from its sale will be reinvested in the club, ensuring that its story continues for generations to come."
It's a striking claim to fame: Fountainstown is recognised as the oldest pitch and putt course in Ireland, and the birthplace of the competitive sport itself. That heritage, once at risk of being lost to time, has now been carefully documented for future generations to enjoy.
With all proceeds going directly back into the club, the book can be ordered by emailing fountainstownclub@gmail.com, or purchased in person at the club on Thursdays and Fridays, 9.30 am–3.30 pm. Outside of these hours, emails are monitored periodically, so a little patience may be needed — but a reply will come.
As Fountainstown Community Sports Club looks ahead to its next ninety years, this commemorative book stands as both a celebration of everything that's come before, and a foundation for everything still to come.
Keep an eye out for our Christmas Supplement to read more about 90 years of Fountainstown Community Sports Club!
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