Large entry to Louth Junior tennis open

DESPITE a large entry from as far away as Dublin and Belfast, home players are to the fore at the Louth junior tennis open.

John McGahon dominates the U-16 and U-18 events with straight set victories over Glasnevin and Bettystown opponents and also takes the U-18 doubles.

His standing in the sport is at an all-time high at the moment.

Colm Murphy also wins three events, the U-12 and U-14 singles and teams up with Ruth Connolly to add the U-14 mixed doubles.

This bodes well for Colm in upcoming Dublin tournaments and he is the running for another Leinster cap.

Emma Walsh prevails against Nicholas Murphy in the U-18 singles and her younger brother Neil collects the U-16 title.

Emma then joins another brother, Tony, for success in the mixed doubles, to make it a great event for the Blackrock family.

Ruth Connolly beats Lynn O’Keeffe in the U-14 singles final, a great tactical battle, while the experienced partnership of Neassa McCabe and Pentony O’Hagan overcomes a Stackallen combination in one of the matches of the day.

Paul Wynne and David Clinton win a thrilling U-14 doubles decider against Colm Murphy and Robert O’Keeffe. The winners’ net play is key to their success.

Niamh Duffy adds another U-10 event, getting the better of another promising player Barbara Ann Conroy.

Other Dundalk players who excel are Louise McGinnity, Evelyn O’Callaghan, Emma Hession and Neil Ward.

Overall, the standard is excellent throughout the week at Dundalk tennis club and already next year’s event is looked forward to.