There was a fantastic buzz yesterday Sunday the 26th of June in the harbour in Greystones as the new club house for the Greystones Ridge Angling Club was officially opened by Councillor Gráinne McGloughlin, MCC, Chairperson of the Greystones Municipal District. The new facility is 300m2 and comprises a large function room, meeting room, committee office, ladies and gents changing rooms and a large workshop. There is also a 600sqm secure compound for boat storage.
In her address, Councillor McGloughlin stated that it was a great day for Greystones as it now had a functioning harbour, a large marina and magnificent club house facilities for the five water based clubs. Greystones will, she expects; become a large centre for marine activities and she wished the Greystones Ridge Angling Club continued success in the future. The event was celebrated by current, former and founder members of the club as well as friends, families, neighbours, community members and local dignitaries. In attendance were Mr Sean Quirke of Wicklow Co Council, Councillor Derek Mitchell, Councillor Tom Fortune and retired Councillors George Jones and Kathleen Kelleher. Many retired members of GRAC were in attendance including Mr Noel Belton (one of the oldest surviving members), Mr Christy Nutty, Mr Hugh Taylor and Mr Michael Doyle.
The club Chairman Mr Dermot Macaulay welcomed the dignitaries and honoured guests, neighbouring club members, retired members and current members to the new facilities. He hopes that the new facilities will become an object of pride for the population of Greystones and its environs. He thanked Wicklow Co. Council and in particular Mr Sean Quirke and the members of Sisks and again Mr Brendan Sheehy in particular. This club house could not have happened without their drive and energy. He also congratulated the club members and executive for their patience and fortitude during the long drawn out construction phase.
GRAC was formed in 1959 at a meeting in Greystones and had it initial base above the ‘Creperie’ next to the Beach House at the Harbour. The club grew in strength and in 1977 a club house was built by the members who raised the funds from club members by way of redeemable bonds. The old club house on the North beach was opened by the Minister for Education Mr John Wilson who as it happened was a club member.
The development of the new club house complex commenced in 2007 and the club houses are now complete and operational for the Greystones Ridge Angling Club and the Greystones Sailing Club in operation. The Diving club, the Rowing Club and the Sea Scouts club houses will be operational shortly following their fit out.
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The new club it is hoped will be a centre of excellence for Sea Angling. It is going to proceed with angling courses for young and old and GRAC intend to promote sea angling for all with some introduction to sea angling courses. The club welcomes new members so if you are interested in joining or finding out more about the club they invite you to enquire via the GRAC facebook page HERE
