Tara Rocks clubman shares optimistic vision for club following split with Kilanerin

Tara Rocks GAA is entering a significant new chapter after deciding to part ways with Kilanerin following more than 20 years of working together at underage level….

Speaking to Wexford Weekly, Underage Chairperson Joey Dwyer says the move reflects natural growth within the club and a positive step toward the future.

Dwyer explains that the decision came from a range of factors, including increasing numbers and evolving structures within both clubs. He notes that the steady rise in underage participation, strong facilities, and the work done by GPOs in local schools all contributed to a point where change made sense. Summarising the factors behind the decision, he said the split came about due to timing and natural progression:

“It’s a combination of several things really, timing being one of them. Over the past few years our numbers have grown steadily due to our great facilities and the work of the GPO’s in schools. There was talk recently of the clubs going their separate ways at underage and after the Underage AGM a motion was put in for Kilanerin’s adult AGM to split the underage. Our committee then met with our adult players and discussed our future and where we were at presently. It was decided we’d put a motion forward at our AGM to split from adult down. Which subsequently was passed.”

Looking ahead, Dwyer believes Tara Rocks is positioned for strong growth, especially as Gorey continues to expand. He says the club can play a key role in catering to the area’s rapid population increase. Before offering his quote, he highlights the excitement surrounding future development and the club’s ability to meet growing demand.

“Our future looks very promising indeed. Gorey town is expanding at a great rate and it’s the only town in Wexford with only one GAA club. Gorey has a rapidly expanding population and this in turn brings a demand for space, facilities and teams to accommodate such rising numbers. Here in Tara Rock we can fill this void and we aim to promote football and hurling through enjoyable training sessions, plenty of matches and playing time, as well as developing individual and team skills, whilst building friendships and well-being in an inclusive and nurturing environment.”

Dwyer also feels the split will have a strongly positive impact on the club. He says there is a renewed energy within the membership, supported by experienced coaches and top-class facilities. He emphasised the positive atmosphere and ambitious mindset now driving the club forward, saying:

“There is an extremely positive drive and atmosphere in the club. Our dedicated, hardworking committee’s objective is to develop and progress our players and community to great heights. It’s a very exciting time for us. We have very good numbers underage, experienced coaches and great facilities such as fantastic playing pitches, an astro turf pitch, a new modern complex with a great indoor hall, a gym and large dressing rooms, as well training lights and a walking track all just a stone’s throw from a large town,” he told Wexford Weekly.

While there is naturally some sentiment after such a long partnership with Kilanerin, Dwyer says the overall reaction from club members has been overwhelmingly positive. He notes that the sense of excitement outweighs any sadness, and that strong bonds between the clubs will remain. Summarising the mood within Tara Rocks, he said:

“There is an overwhelming excitement and positive expectation in our club at the moment. Obviously, there is a sense of loss having being joined with our neighbours for so long and we wish Kilanerin all the best in the future and we will continue our relationship and close bonds that were made with them in other ways. The timing was right for us at both adult and underage and we look forward to our new beginning in the New Year.”

As Tara Rocks prepares for this new beginning, the club enters the next phase with confidence, a clear vision, and strong momentum for the future.

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