Munster champions!
It was all systems go over the last year and a half as this team were supposed to play their final last year! After battling through to the finals the ladies had confirmation from the club that the finals date was set for June 26 in Catholic Institute. We were aware we were up against it, facing a strong St Anne’s team from Waterford.
On arriving and being greeted by Munster branch reps Triona Buckley and Paul O’Callaghan we were given our court places and Covid guidelines. After a brisk warm up the game commenced. Cath and Evelyn won their first game 7-6 6-2. Veron and Olive were up against the stronger pairing and although they battled through they were short on the tie breaker.
The second rounds resulted in a win again for Catherine and Evelyn. With a 6-1 6-3 win leaving Veron and Olive to face a win or a super mixed. First set was 6-2 then 5-7 all down to the final set - it was a true nail biter! Veron finished it with a fine lash down the tramline. We were champions! It was electric, a fantastic result for Mitchelstown Tennis Club.
The presentation took place immediately, Catherine received the engraved trophy and all members received fabulous engraved large bronze medallions.
The team would like to sincerely thank the club for their support. It has been a strange year for competition in tennis and not allowing supporters on the day was unreal but we would like to thank our Munster coach Paul Fitzgerald who guided our pre-match fixtures. Thanks to the Munster Branch for a fantastic and friendly day, so well prepared and completed brilliantly on the day. Thanks to you all for making it so special for us under tight restrictions.
A huge thanks to our other team member Katie O’Callaghan who due to injury had to forfeit her place on the team for the final. She really was amazing in all of her matches and we were all gutted that she had to abandon the game. We wish you well and can’t wait to get you back on court. Evelyn Condon stepped up and did herself and the club very proud, no easy feat at such a late stage so thanks a mil Evelyn.
After every win comes a celebration so John Cleary did the honours and treated us as champions! Thanks very much John, we had a lovely evening.
If anyone out there is on the fence about taking up a sport we would all highly recommend tennis. We have a fabulously run club, central in town, with all ages and grades catered for weekly, and the rates are very good too. It’s never too late to start playing. We have a grade 1 tennis coach who coaches beginners to advanced with tremendous results. Look the club up online. Many thanks to everyone too for the ongoing phonecalls, emails and texts to all the team.
SUMMER CAMPS
Our junior tennis summer camps are scheduled for the first two weeks in August with our club coach Paul Fitzgerald. Enrolment will open online.