The man who built Ardleigh Hall Squash Club, which has attracted some of the world's top players, has died.

Pearse Lucas Rooney, of Rose Farm, Crown Lane, Tendring, was 84

Mr Rooney, whose wife is former Tendring district and Weeley parish councillor and vice-chairman of Tendring Parish Council, Brenda Rooney, moved to Ardleigh with his family in 1968.

He built the squash club in the village with his friend, Henry Coles, converting an old coach house.

The club opened in 1973. Its courts and the unique quality of the club attracted famous players, including Jonah Barrington, Torsam and Rehmat Khan and many others.

Born in Dublin, he began his career as a chartered surveyor and joined John Howard, contractor of Buckingham Gate, who was building aerodromes in Northern Ireland.

He was moved to London where he met his wife. They married in 1949 and had six children.

Mr Rooney joined London County Council just before it became the Greater London Council and worked there until taking early retirement in 1981.

A requiem mass will be held on Tuesday at Our Lady of Light Church, Clacton followed by a service at Weeley Crematorium.

Published Friday November 8, 2002

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