Club strikes gold!
WHBTC setting very high standards
WEXFORD HARBOUR Boat and Tennis Club was presented with the Club Gold Standard Award at their premises recently.
Invited guests included the deputy Mayor Cllr. George Lawlor, the Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe, the President of Tennis Ireland Clifford Carroll, and the C.E.O. of Tennis Ireland Richard Fahey.
The speakers were introduced by Club Commodore Tom Conway who welcomed all the visitors and especially Clifford who travelled from Cork.
Cllr. Lawlor described his experience of the Boat Club, the great welcome received, and the broad spectrum of members he usually meets from the very young to the very experienced!
He mentioned the great international event which happens every August weekend, and the Junior open afterwards.
George also recalled two special events, firstly when he came down to see the men from Ozanam House learning the basics of the game, and secondly the Parks Tennis finals day. George hasn’t given up on taking up the racquet himself!
Minister Kehoe, who also had visited the club on numerous occasions, described the club as being unique in Wexford, combining two well-loved sports of tennis and boating/sailing.
He stressed the importance the present government put into supporting and encouraging children especially, but adults also, to get involved in sports.
This is why the government has again increased the capital funding for all sports, and especially tennis which is so cheap.
Minister Kehoe also acknowledged the club’s efforts in reaching out to children in Wexford schools and through Parks tennis.
His own nephew had played in the Wexford Junior open and he recalled the beautiful setting the club has, adding that perhaps the club members do not appreciate how lucky they are to view the beautiful river.
Minister Kehoe congratulated the club on achieving the Gold award, which is based on the hard work of many volunteers and committees over many years.
He also stressed he was aware of the number of charity events that are held in the club.
The last speaker was the C.E.O. of Tennis Ireland who presented the Gold Award to the Tennis Captain, Bernie Morrissey.
Richard described the nine pillars on which the award is based, and only seven clubs in Ireland have achieved it before, three in Cork and four in Dublin.
The aim of the award is to identify, develop, accredit, and recognise high quality tennis clubs, and their contribution to the development of tennis in Ireland.
The areas are effective organisation, management, safety, child welfare, risk management, equality and inclusion, organised play and scoring, coaching and player development, and outreach programmes.
Richard congratulated Bernie and all her committee on achieving the award and wished the club continued success in the club’s capital development and outreach.
After the presentation there was a superb club dinner led by the Vice Commodore, Joe Corrigan, and Grace Hall, with many members contributing marvellous desserts.
The fund-raising night for Pieta House achieved €775.
Many thanks to all the members who generously supported this vital service.