The 2 Johnnies-linked Tipperary GAA club plans new childcare facility
A Tipperary GAA club with famous links in the entertainment industry has applied for planning permission to add a childcare facility to their offering.
Cahir GAA, widely known through its association with The 2 Johnnies, has applied to Tipperary County Council for planning permission to add a childcare facility to their clubhouse.
They have also applied for retention permission for an extension to the clubhouse, and alterations to the building’s elevations.
Retention planning permission is sought when works on a property have been carried out without planning permission.
Under the plans for the childcare facility, it will be run by Cahir Montessori Naíonra, with space for 44 children.
The proposed facility would employ three staff members and would operate during the school term.
The club says in planning files that there is “ample existing parking on site for the staff and drop off by parents.”
According to documents online, Cahir Montessori Naíonra already has capacity for 44 children at its existing premises. As a result, relocating to the GAA grounds would not increase the number of childcare places available.
Cahir GAA was set up in 1885, and has been successful in both hurling and football. In recent years, the club has become well-known due to its association with Tipperary comedy duo, The 2 Johnnies.
Over the years, both Johnny B (John O’Brien) and Johnny Smacks (John McMahon) have played for the club at various levels, with Johnny Smacks previously serving as the chairman of the club.
Johnny B has managed Cahir’s Junior B team, while the duo sponsor the jerseys of both the Junior B and under-14 teams.
The team currently sit in fourth place in division two of the South Tipperary Junior A Hurling Championship, while the club’s Junior B team sits second in division one of the South Tipperary Junior B Hurling Championship.
The 2 Johnnies made their presenting debut at a Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser for Cahir GAA back in 2016, marking the start of their career together which has seen them sell out the 3Arena on numerous occasions, as well as host their yearly festival Pints in a Field in St Anne’s Park in Dublin.
Tipperary County Council planners are due to make a decision on the plans for the club by August 28.