About Arklow Racquetball Club 

Founded in 1982 by Michael Barnes Snr., Arklow Racquetball Club has been at the heart of our local sporting community for over 40 years. Based in the Coral Leisure Centre, Arklow, our club has grown into one of Ireland’s most active and successful racquetball clubs, proudly promoting sport, community, and excellence for players of all ages and abilities. The centre’s racquetball facilities are located within Coral Leisure’s sports complex on Seaview Avenue.

Today, we are proud to have a strong and thriving membership of 80 players, ranging from complete beginners to elite competitive athletes. Our club welcomes everyone, from junior players taking their first steps in the sport to senior members who have represented Ireland at the highest level. Over the years, many of our players have gone on to compete for Ireland on the National Team, reflecting the strength and dedication within our club.

As an affiliated club of Racquetball Ireland, we actively compete in regional, national, and international competitions. Our members regularly participate in leagues, opens, national championships, and international events, helping to continue Arklow’s proud tradition of sporting success.

One of the highlights of our calendar is the renowned Arklow Irish Open, one of the premier events in the Irish racquetball calendar. This year, we are excited to host our 40th anniversary event. The tournament attracts players from across Ireland and around the world, with last year’s event welcoming over 88 players, along with their families and supporters, to Arklow. Competitors have travelled from countries including Germany, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, Venezuela, Mexico, and the USA, many returning year after year and enjoying all that our town has to offer.

Beyond competition, community is at the core of everything we do.

We are deeply committed to growing the sport and making it accessible to everyone through a range of inclusive programmes and initiatives, including:

• Structured junior development programmes, with coaching sessions every Saturday for ages 10–18.

• Women’s only club nights, encouraging participation and confidence in a welcoming environment

• Participation in national, regional, and international tournaments

• Community outreach programmes promoting physical activity, wellbeing, and lifelong involvement in sport

• Partnerships with local schools and organisations, including our recent 6-week TY programme with CBS Arklow

• Ongoing work to ensure accessibility and inclusion for all, including new initiatives inspired by recent Autism Awareness training and committee planning

Our club is proud to be more than just a place to play racquetball — we are a community built on support, development, friendship, and passion for sport.

As we continue to grow, we remain committed to improving our facilities, expanding our programmes, and creating opportunities for future generations of players to thrive.

Whether you are new to the sport, returning after time away, or looking to compete at the highest level, Arklow Racquetball Club welcomes you.