Introducing Killiney Shankill Hockey Club
August 11, 2026
Leinster Hockey is delighted to welcome a new club to the region, as Killiney Shankill Hockey Club (KSHC) is formed and opens its doors to members for the first time — filling a gap in hockey provision along Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown's southeast coast.
Based in Shankill, KSHC is South Dublin's newest hockey club, set up to bring the game to families across the Killiney, Shankill, Cherrywood and North Bray area. The club begins training this September for boys and girls in 1st to 6th class, with plans to grow into secondary-school teams as it establishes itself.
The club's formation follows an independent feasibility study by consultancy 2into3, which identified a clear and growing need for hockey in the area. The coastal corridor between Dalkey and Bray has had no club of its own, while neighbouring clubs have a persistent waiting list for girls at primary-school age.
The study also found that demand in the area is set to rise. A pipeline of new housing inside the club's catchment — including Shanganagh Castle Estate and Woodbrook in Shankill, Sea Gardens in North Bray, and the wider Cherrywood development — is expected to lift the number of girls aged 6 to 12 in the catchment from roughly 1,240 today to around 2,320 by 2040, an increase of about 85%. That combination of an underserved community and fast-growing demand makes the case for a new club a strong one.
Training takes place on Sunday afternoons at Rathmichael School, Shankill, and the club welcomes players of all levels — from complete beginners to children who have played before. No experience is needed to join, and the club has equipment available for those trying the sport for the first time.
Denise McKenna, General Manager, at Leinster Hockey said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Killiney Shankill Hockey Club to the Leinster Hockey family. It is incredibly important to recognise the dedication and commitment of the volunteers who established this new club. Their vision and hard work have created new opportunities for young people and families to get involved in hockey, helping to grow the game and build a lasting legacy within the local community. We’re excited to see the club continue to grow and develop over the coming years."
Dennis O’Connor, founding Chairperson, of Killiney Shankill Hockey Club, added: ”We are delighted to offer Club Hockey to Boys & Girls from 1st to 6th Class age groups from September 2026 in an area that had no Club. We have had a great response from Parents already”.
New members are welcome now. Families can register their interest through the club's website at killineyshankillhc.com/join-us, and the club will be in touch to confirm a place and complete registration.
For more information, visit killineyshankillhc.com or follow the club on Instagram at killineyshankillhc.
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