The ALSAA Journey
ALSAA, Aer Lingus Social and Athletic Association, has plenty of history. It was first founded in 1948 and had its first premises is Bersford Place, Dublin. Around 1965 ALSAA moved to Foster Avenue, Stillorgan to a rented premises and it was not until 1971 that it found its true home at Dublin Airport.
Here, it was situated where the large hanger of SR Technics currently sits. Facilities at this time included snooker, tennis, soccer, rugby, darts, squash as well as a bar and 2 offices.
The swimming pool also open in 1971 which was a huge development at the time and a great achievement to all involved. A sports hall adjoined the pool in what is now the Aer Lingus training facility.
In 1982, the main complex opened across the road from Dublin Airport, at Toberbunny. This finally gave ALSAA the identity it deserved and the opportunity to develop grounds and facilities to meet the growing needs of the airport family.
In the late 1990's an extension was built which leaves the building as you find it now.
ALSAA is now home to over 30 sports and social clubs and encompasses a site of over 72 acres, in addition to a second site at the airport which is home to the swimming pool.
ALSAA is governed by a constitution and is managed by an executive council. The current members of the council are:
- Chairman - Dermot McShane
- Vice Chairman - Shay Collins
- Secretary - Kevin Conheady
- Treasurer - Andrew Glover
- Jim McEvoy
- Gerry White
- Gerry Martin
- Peter Grimes
- John Fearn
- Louise Bannon
- Jim Fitzsimmons
- David O Connor (trustee)
The current Chief Executive of ALSAA is Maebh Leahy.
