Cuala GAA and Dalkey United AFC are delighted to welcome St John of God Dublin South East (formally known as Carmona) as a partner on the Hyde Park Sports Project to help build an inclusive community facility where everyone's talents and contributions are valued.

The collaboration seeks to build on the positive relationships between the clubs and St John of God DSE. It provides for:

• Building awareness of disability through training, work experience, internships, and other initiatives.
• Access to the Hyde Park Sports facilities free of charge for adult service users of St. John of God DSE.
• Working jointly to identify suitable talent for roles within St. John of God DSE.
• Exploring further areas of cooperation.

Commenting on the partnership, Audrey Carroll, Adult Services Programme Manager of St John of God Dublin South East, said: “Our biggest challenge in integrating the adults that use our services into the community is the provision of appropriate universally designed facilities where there is a genuine welcome and real commitment. The configuration of the sports and social facilities in the new development in Hyde Park is ideal in helping to achieve this. We are very keen to join Cuala and Dalkey United to deliver this important development.”

Cathaoirleach of Cuala, Damian McKeown, said: “We are very excited about the possibilities of this partnership. Our members have a genuine commitment towards those in our community living with disabilities, and are very proud of the Cuala All Stars, the club team comprised of talented children with special needs.”

Dara Marnell, Chairman of Dalkey United commented: “Members of Dalkey United want to ensure that the redevelopment of Hyde Park Sports be for the whole community. This partnership with St John of God DSE is a really positive step, and we welcome it enthusiastically."

About the Hyde Park Sports Project

The Hyde Park Sports Project is a collaboration between Cuala GAA Club, Dalkey United AFC, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) and other community groups, including St John of God Dublin South East Services, to provide a modern, state of the art sports facility for the thousands of children and adults that play team sports with both clubs and for the use of the wider community.

The new development will be built to the highest environmental standards and result in the first sports facility in Ireland to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold accreditation and a BER rating of A2.