As the year comes to an end here in Lakers Sports and Social we thought we’d take a look back at the last few months since our last newsletter
See a lovely message from Lakers General Manager Joe Kelly, hear about our Raise the roof for Lakers campaign, take a look back at our 10K Charity Run in Avondale and enter our Christmas Raffle!
One of the biggest milestones this year was the launch of our brand-new Raise The Roof campaign — a major step toward completing the final phase of our building project. With a goal of raising €500,000, this campaign will help us finish the spaces that our members truly deserve, and we’re already so grateful for the support pouring in from our community.
And as we look ahead, 2026 is already shaping up to be a year to remember. The Special Olympics Ireland Games are taking place in June, and we are incredibly proud that 16 of our members will be representing Lakers across a fantastic mix of sports, including football, bowling, badminton, table tennis, athletics, and swimming. Their hard work, dedication, and team spirit have inspired us all year long, and we cannot wait to cheer them on as they take to the national stage.
None of this would have been possible without our remarkable members, families, staff, volunteers, and supporters. Each of you plays a part in making Lakers the vibrant, inclusive, and joyful community it is — and for that, we are truly grateful.
As we wrap up the year and look forward to the next, we do so with excitement, pride, and a renewed sense of purpose. Here’s to the memories made, the milestones reached, and everything still to come.
Warm regards,
Joe Kelly
General Manager, Lakers Sports & Social
With phase 1 and 2 of Lakers Sports & Social building project complete the next step was of course our Sports Hall. But we’re still working toward raising €500,000 to finish this purpose-built hall.
When a fire destroyed our centre in 2018, our community rallied around us, helping us get back on our feet. We’re now so close to completing a home that our members can truly call their own. This hall will have a sports hall downstairs with a juniors room and art room on the second floor!
Lakers has always been more than a club — it’s a place of connection, support and belonging — and we’re grateful for everyone who’s helped us on this journey.
Follow the link below to donate and learn all about this campaign or click the donate button in the top right hand side of the page.
We are incredibly excited and proud to share that 16 of our amazing Lakers members have been officially invited to take part in the Special Olympics Ireland Games, taking place next June in Dublin. This is a tremendous achievement and reflects the dedication, passion, and hard work our athletes have shown throughout the year. They will be proudly representing Lakers across six fantastic sports — football, badminton, swimming, table tennis, athletics, and bowling — showcasing not only their individual talents but also the spirit of teamwork and inclusion that defines our club. Over the next six months, our athletes will be training with great determination and enthusiasm, and we wish each and every one of them the very best of luck on their journey to the Games. We can’t wait to cheer them on!
Have you seen our Christmas Raffle for 2025 is back again?
Tickets are flying out and we are so excited! Have you got yours yet? You can buy tickets through our reception or online through the link below.
If you want to sell tickets on behalf of Lakers please get in touch with fundraising@lakers.ie.
Good Luck!
In October, Lakers Sports & Social held our first-ever Evening of Remembrance — a heartfelt memorial service dedicated to honouring and remembering the members and volunteers who have gone before us. This beautiful and meaningful event brought our community together in reflection, celebration, and love. We are deeply grateful to Berenice for leading us through such a thoughtful and comforting ceremony, creating a space where memories could be shared and cherished. The night was made even more special by the wonderful Beating Time Singers, whose touching performances filled the room with warmth, and by the stunning candle centrepiece created by AnneMarie from Copper and Fern Events, which provided a peaceful focal point for remembrance. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us to honour their friends, family members, and the wider Lakers community — your presence made the evening truly special.
Lakers Annual 10K Charity Run took place for the first time ever in the beautiful surroundings of Avondale Forest Park, and although the venue was a last-minute change, the amazing team at Avondale couldn’t have been more accommodating, helping to make the day a huge success. The stunning forest trails provided the perfect backdrop for an energetic and enjoyable event for all involved. A massive well done to our incredible winners and to every participant who came out to support Lakers. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Avondale Forest Park and to our wonderful sponsors — The Sportsroom Wicklow, Amphibian King Bray, SuperValu Castle Street, The Hibernia Bray, Fingal Aviation, Dance Greystones, K3 Construction, and Els Juicy Balls — for their generosity and continued support. And of course our amazin photographer Glauce Lucas Photography for the stunning photos of the day!
Together, you all helped make this an unforgettable day!