Gormanstown, Co.Meath

Gormanstown, Co.Meath
Photographed by A.Ryan, September 2009.
There are 6 handball alleys at this location; a pair partly built against the main school building and a free-standing set of 4 (2 pairs back to back) with a water tower rising from the corner where the 4 meet.

Following information from http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=ME&regno=14322007 [for pair]
1940 - 1960
Pair of concrete ball alleys, built c.1950, with steps and steel railings to viewing platform.

Handball alleys form an important part of the social history of Ireland. A very popular sport throughout the twentieth century, handball rapidly declined in popularity in the latter half of the twentieth century. As a result, handball alleys are now often disused and are often threatened by demolition. This pair of ball alley remains in good condition in the school grounds. The well constructed and railed viewing platform is an unusual feature of the pair.

Following information from http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=ME&regno=14322008 [for group of 4]
1940 - 1960
Pair of concrete ball alleys, built c.1950, with steel railings, steel net supports and nets. Octagonal water tower on a concrete pier set in centre of north-west wall, with plant room to the north-west.

Handball alleys form an important part of the social history of Ireland. A very popular sport throughout the twentieth century, handball rapidly declined in popularity in the latter half of the twentieth century. As a result, handball alleys are now often disused and are often threatened by demolition. This pair of ball alley remains in good condition in the school grounds. This arrangement of ball alleys, plant room and water tank is an innovative grouping of structures.