We won’t tell the GAA to pack its bags as the county’s top sport just yet but the foundations of a potential new rival were laid in Killarney last Thursday when members of the public were invited to try out a new sport known as ‘pickleball’.
Having garnered success and popularity in its country of origin, the US, it’s the job now of Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership (KRSP) now to try and bring it to the Kingdom.
Gearoid, one of those from the KRSP tasked with this job spoke to The Kerryman last week about how last week’s pickleball taster session went in Killarney and why he thinks the sport will be enticing to people, particularly the older generation.
First though, for those who have never seen or heard of the word ‘pickleball’ before today, a bit of background on sport.
It’s a sport that combines a mixture of many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong together; it can be played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net; it can be played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes; played as doubles or singles and most importantly, it can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels.
“It [pickleball] is one sport that took off up in Donegal and it’s spread so there’s pockets everywhere and it’s really growing. I think some of the reasons why it’s taken off is that it’s relatable. It looks kind of like tennis and people would be familiar with the actions so there’s some comfort in that familiarity of knowing the actions,” said Gearóid.
“Especially when it’s ‘new, new’ and it starts afresh, it doesn’t matter how good you are at another sport, everyone is coming on the same level and wondering ‘what the hell is going on here?’ so that’s a big advantage,” he continued.
The sport, having already been introduced to the people of Listowel, is one that has many benefits, Gearóid added.
“It [playing pickleball] is a nice way to be active and have a bit of fun and there’s tea and coffee and stuff afterwards as well as a chat so there’s a social aspect to it as well,” he said.
“We have target groups. Older adults is one. Pickleball is a bit slower than tennis and the ball is perforated - there’s holes in it - so it’s got a longer flight time and a softer bounce. It’s funny though because the older adults, they’re coming back to us and asking if we could invite other younger people to play they’d like a proper game and a challenge. It’s too easy for them!” he said with a laugh.
“That [a wider age range] is something that will hopefully grow organically. It’s something that at the moment is aimed at people out there who’d like to try something new and get fit and active,” he added.
Growing that number is the main goal for Gearóid and the rest of those involved with the KRSP and that’s the message that he wants people to take away from the article - if you are in a position to come and try one of the taster sessions in the coming weeks and months, please do so.
“That’s the main message we want to get across that we’d love more people to come and try it and learn what pickleball is.”
If you fancy trying your hand at this sport then come down to the Killarney Sports & Leisure Centre tomorrow Thursday, February 2 at 11am to give it a go.
