ARENA Padel has revealed plans to open a state-of-the-art, 22,000 square foot indoor padel facility in Gowran Park.

Padel, if you have been living under a rock for the past few years, is a racquet sport played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court with glass walls and a net. It blends elements of tennis and squash, using a solid, stringless racket and a tennis-like ball.

Arena Padel plan to build five indoor padel courts on site. They also plan to open a flagship site at Goffs next year.

Planning permission has been submitted to Kilkenny County Council for the facility, which will also include a sauna (are jockeys allowed?), ice bath, changing rooms and an indoor golf simulator.

Arena Padel is the brainchild of former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, and his business partners Declan and Stuart Fagan.

“We were delighted to get such a positive reaction from releasing our plans for Goffs, and we’re looking forward to working with people in the Kilkenny and Carlow areas on our Gowran Park project”, Given said.

“Since retiring, I have found padel to be a brilliant way to keep fit and stay competitive. It’s the fastest growing sport in the world and can be played by all ages and skill levels.”

Like Given, business partner, Declan Fagan is a regular padel player. The shared passion between the two, created the idea for Arena Padel.

“We’re delighted to work with Eddie Scally, and all his team in Gowran Park. The venue is iconic in the south-east of the country and is known throughout Ireland”, Fagan added.

“Arena Padel was created to make padel tennis accessible to the public by creating modern venues around the country, and we can’t wait to welcome players from Kilkenny, Carlow and further afield, next year.”

Gowran Park manager Eddie Scally said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Arena Padel to bring a state-of-the-art complex to our region.

“This is another exciting step for Gowran Park and we feel the padel centre will really add to our race and golf courses.”