Riversdale SC
The absence of community facilities, particularly for the children in Willow Park, Pinewood and Ballymun (Glasnevin) Avenue spurred the Willow Park Residents Association to develop a sporting facility in the area. In the mid-60’s the Association had developed a good relationship with the Ground Landlord Clonmel Estates Ltd. The derelict site bordering Ballymun (Glasnevin) Avenue and the cul-de-sac at the end of Willow Park Avenue included on of the sites transferred to the Association by the Ground Landlord. Thus was born “Riversdale Sports Club”.
During its 50 years the Club has had its ups and downs. While tennis has been its main sporting activity, the earlier days in the Club saw our participation in Volleyball, Basketball, Golf Society and many social pastimes. The Club was renowned for producing an unending stream of talented junior tennis players who as both Juniors and later as Seniors attained both national and international honors in major tennis tournaments over many years.
Also indirectly the seed was sown for the foundation of Public Parks Tennis in 1978 by the Riversdale experience. It engendered a sportsmanship and comradery which is still evident.