The leading Irish Padel company, Padel 100 is delighted to announce that it has secured a €5m investment to launch an ambitious national network of 100 state-of-the-art padel courts across Ireland. This major development is being delivered in partnership with Acenta Group, a dynamic infrastructure and investment firm that recently celebrated its successful launch on the Nasdaq Stockholm in Sweden. Padel100 is backed by Founders Ben Keohane, Ryan Hennessy and a group of investors from the world of business and sport including the retired professional Irish rugby union player Frankie Sheahan and businessman Michael Mulcahy.
The funding marks a bold step forward for the growth of padel in Ireland, aiming to make the sport accessible to communities across all 32 counties. Construction of the first courts is set to begin this summer, with locations in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Waterford and Wexford confirmed as part of Phase One. Additional sites across suburban and regional areas will follow throughout 2025 and beyond.
“We’re building more than just courts – we’re building a movement,” said Ben Keohane, Co-Founder & CEO of Padel 100. “This €5 million investment, combined with the expertise of our partners at Acenta Group, allows us to deliver world-class padel experiences across Ireland. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, Padel 100 is creating spaces where everyone can play, connect and thrive.”
Speaking at the announcement, Co-Founder & Head of Partnerships, Ryan Hennessy said, “After engaging with numerous clubs nationwide, we have seen exceptional interest and enthusiasm for Padel, a dynamic and inclusive sport poised to attract new members and enhance engagement at all levels and in all types of sports clubs, schools and golf clubs. We are highly encouraged by the number of clubs that have already signed expressions of interest with us, with so many more engaged at various levels with us.”
The partnership with Acenta Group and it’s own investors provides not only financial backing but also deep operational expertise in large-scale infrastructure delivery. With its recent public listing on the Swedish stock exchange, Acenta brings international momentum and a shared vision for sustainable, accessible sport and leisure development.
Managing Director of Acenta Group, Hakan Tollefsen, said, “We are really excited to join forces with Padel 100 to bring this vision to life and support the growth of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports with first-class facilities and community engagement at its core. Ireland is perfectly positioned to become a leading hub for Padel in Europe.”
Commenting on the development, Frankie Sheahan said, “I am delighted to be involved as an investor in Padel 100 as I am a passionate Padel player and see enormous potential to bring the world’s fastest growing sport to more communities all over Ireland. Acenta Group has an enviable reputation and is a fantastic partner for our company as we scale the model in communities all over our great country.”
The newly appointed Non Executive Chairman, and an investor in Padel Sports 100 Limited, Michael Mulcahy, said, “As someone that is relatively new to racquet sports, Padel for me has become much more than just a sport, it has shown me tremendous benefits from a health, wellbeing and getting to know a great community who are passionate about Padel. I was delighted to support Ben and Ryan and look forward to working with Acenta Group and being involved with the other investors in this great journey.”
The €5 million investment will fund not only the construction of the courts but also programming for schools, clubs, and local organisations to help grow the sport from the grassroots up. The new facilities will also support league play, coaching, and tournaments — with a strong emphasis on social connection, wellness, and accessibility.
With more than 25 million players worldwide, padel is experiencing explosive growth, and Ireland is now poised to become one of Europe’s most exciting new destinations for the sport.
