Anniversary of reopening of historic Kildare handball alley

Kildoon handball alley was built in the early 1790s by volunteer labour. The site was given to the local people by the landlord of Nurney Demesne. The labour force was made up largely of members of the United Irishmen, who used the project as a cover for meetings, leading to the 1798 rebellion. 

A local force from Kildoon, Nurney and Kildangan, led by captain O’Beirne, was ambushed by the militia on their way to attack Monasterevin in 1798 with disastrous results, so we can assume many of them who helped to build the ball alley were killed in action. This fast 40x20 alley was originally built with no back wall, as was the custom then. Following a house-to-house collection, the back wall was built and added on in the 1930s. A gallery stand at the rear was added at a later date.

Ten years ago, a group of volunteers comprising Frankie Howard, James Howard, Conor Houlihan, Michael Howard, Brendan McKeown (RIP), Siobhan Howard (RIP), Francis Thackaberry, Robert Farrell, Kevin Howard, Billy Whelan (RIP), Colm Howard and Geraldine McKeown undertook a big clean-up and refurbishment and Paddy Reilly supplied the petrol for the equipment. 

They removed the massive amount of clinging ivy from the walls, cleared and tidied loose stones and hard-core area around the building, cleared the entire stand area and cleaned up inside and plastered the internal walls. This month, ten years ago, they had a big party within the walls of the alley to celebrate the completed work with the alley restored to its former glory.

During the land purchase act of 1800s, a burden was placed on the deed of the property, which gave the local people access and use of the amenity for all future time.