Offaly club turns a chapel into a gym
Clara GAA has transformed a former convent chapel into a club gym.
The Offaly club has fitted out the chapel at St Brigid’s Convent with the best of gym equipment ahead of the new playing season.
"The transformation of the church into a top class gym is complete! Designed and installed by the Fitness Equipment Ireland team," Clara GAA posted online.
Last October, Clara GAA was granted planning permission to refurbish St Brigid's Convent into a community resource and focal point within the town.
The club applied in April of last year to Offaly County Council for planning permission for the refurbishment of the existing convent building on Kilbeggan Road, Clara, which would involve the construction of a two-storey extension to the rear of the existing building on a phased basis.
The proposals were for dressing rooms and associated facilities, toilets, storage, plant room, gym, and the erection of a spectator stand, ball wall and all-weather training area. It will also provide a lift to the second floor, making it accessible to all.
Prior to reaching a decision on the application, Offaly County Council requested further information on a number of points, including on lighting and car parking plans, as well as how the disused Clara-Banagher railway, which intersects the site, would be integrated.
As St Brigid's Convent, which was built in 1862, is a protected listed structure, the council requested additional information on how existing rooms in the building would be altered, and how the proposed infill of the inner courtyard would impact on the light and drainage of inner walls, windows and rooms.
The club was also requested to provide nesting opportunities for common swifts in the west or north-facing walls of the proposed rear extension for dressing rooms.
Offaly County Council granted permission for the refurbishment of the convent last October, with 16 conditions attached.
Clara GAA purchased the convent building and surrounding grounds during the Celtic Tiger era, and despite still servicing a large debt on the grounds, has pushed ahead with plans to redevelop it.