Fountainstown Communiy Sports Club fundraising to upgrade historic pitch & putt course

By Tara Maher

Fountainstown Community Sports Club is embarking on an ambitious and vital fundraising initiative to significantly upgrade its historic pitch and putt course. This ambitious project aims to enhance both the accessibility and playability of the course, ensuring its continued enjoyment for future generations of players.

The Fountainstown course holds a unique and significant place in Irish sporting history, proudly boasting the title of the oldest pitch and putt course in Ireland. (Indeed, this fascinating nugget of information might even prove useful in your next pub quiz!) It was meticulously founded in 1936 by the visionary duo of W.A. Collins and his esteemed colleague, M.J. (Toey) Hunt. Mr. Collins, affectionately known to many as "Collie," also holds the distinguished honour of being the very first President of the Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland, The enduring popularity of pitch and putt across Ireland in the 1940s can be directly attributed to the early success and influence of the Fountainstown course, which served as a blueprint for others to follow.

The original construction of this beloved course was a collaborative effort, brought to life by the hard work and dedication of Dan Donovan, Jimmy Fitzgerald, and Jim Perrott. Jimmy’s granddaughter, Aoife, now proudly serves on the club's committee.

While the Fountainstown pitch and putt course remains deeply cherished and meticulously maintained through the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers, the passage of time has inevitably left its mark. Quite simply, the course is a little tired. While its inherent beauty, unique character, and profound legacy remain completely intact, the greens are now in pressing need of comprehensive restoration.

This vital work is essential to bring them up to modern playing standards, all while diligently preserving the inimitable charm and distinctive character that have made the beloved 9-hole community course so extraordinarily special for close to nine decades.

To achieve this ambitious undertaking and safeguard the future of this historic sporting gem, the Fountainstown Community Sports Club is reaching out to the wider community and beyond for vital support. Your contributions will not only help restore the greens to their former glory but also ensure that the course remains a vibrant and accessible asset for generations to come, continuing its legacy as a cornerstone of the Fountainstown community.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-restore-the-oldest-pitch-and-putt-course-in-the-world?attribution_id=sl:b036d1de-7789-4558-a886-5f70682a19f1&lang=en_US&ts=1748428072&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp13_t1-amp14_c&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&v=amp14_c