Grade 5 men bow out of Munster Winter League
Our remaining team in the Munster Winter League Phase II, the grade 5 men’s team, were in action in the semi-final against Lakewood on Sunday. The weather conditions were good for tennis at the Mitchelstown venue and plenty of support assembled for both teams for what was a very good, sporting match.
The Ballincollig side made the early running, going 2-0 up after the first wave of matches, although by a tight margin. Mitchelstown dug deep after the break and put their first point on the board, making the match 2-1. However, the fourth match went to the visitors in three sets, sending Lakewood through to the Munster final on a score line of 3-1. We wish Lakewood the best of luck in the final.
Our team of Sean Keane (captain), Cillian Dollion, Ray Hurley and Liam O’Grady can be proud of their performances in the competition. Along with the help of substitutes, they won all three group games, a last 16 match and a quarter final match. Well done lads and best of luck during the summer competing in open competitions.
So that’s a wrap for the Munster Winter League Phase II. The club had a record seven teams taking part. We have definitely put ourselves on the map regarding inter club competitions and have shown that we intend to compete for titles which I’m sure won’t be far away.
Thanks a million to all the players for taking part to represent the club, for giving up your time to play matches, making the journey to away venues or hosting a visiting team with refreshments. All visiting teams received a warm welcome in Mitchelstown and we look forward to the next Munster tournament, the Summer Cup.
SATURDAY JUNIOR MATCHPLAY
Every Saturday during school term, there will be match play practice for juniors. This is to help the juniors understand tennis matches, scoring, court etiquette, rules etc. At 2pm, it will be for ages 5-7.
At 3pm, it will be for ages 8-12. These sessions do not replace the coaching on Wednesdays and the courts will be adult supervised. Numbers are limited, so registration is required at yourcourts.com.
OPEN WEEK SUCCESS AT LIMERICK LAWN
Last Sunday, Aidan McNamara won the Limerick Lawn Vets 45s singles competition after an epic tie break. Michael Waldron was also a winner in Limerick, winning both the 55s singles category and also the 55s doubles category in the competition. Well done to both men, great achievement. Best of luck in further Opens during the summer.
CLUB NIGHT
This coming Friday, 29th April 19:30 to 21:30, will be the start of a weekly club night. It’s a sociable, casual, fun night of tennis, intended for members to meet other members and mix up to play doubles. It is open to all members. Anyone interested is encouraged to come along.
ROUND ROBIN BLITZ TOURNAMENT
There will be a round robin blitz tournament for grades 6, 7 and non-graded players on Wednesday, 4th May at 7.30pm. Anyone interested are to register their name on the link sent in the WhatsApp club message. Similar events for other grades will follow at a later date.
COACHING
A new term of coaching will start very soon. More details will follow and members are to watch out for an update on the WhatsApp group.
MUNSTER SELECTION FOR MARK MOLONEY
Congratulations to Mark Moloney on being selected to play for Munster in the inter-provisional tournament. We wish Mark and his team mates the best of luck.
The Winter League teams are as follows: Grade 6 Ladies (Rock); Clair Nolan (capt), Liz Cotter, Edel Fitzgibbon and Ann Milward. Result: Mitchelstown 3-1 Kilfeacle Kickers, Roscrea Red 1-3 Mitchelstown. Mitchelstown qualify to the next round. Last 16 match: Mitchelstown 0-4 Crosshaven.
Grade 6 Ladies (Paper); Laura Manning (capt), Lindsey Graham, Marie O’Neill and Barbara Pigott. Results: Mitchelstown 2-2 Sunday’s Well; Mitchelstown 4-0 Nenagh, Limerick Lawn 0-4 Mitchelstown. Mitchelstown qualify to the next round. Last 16 match: Mitchelstown 1-3 Rushbrooke (Gold).
Grade 6 Ladies (Scissors); Aideen O’Brien (capt), Karen Keane, Lorna O’Brien, and Sharon Shields. Result: Mitchelstown 0-4 Monaleen, Mitchelstown 0-4 Rushbrooke (Gold).
Grade 6 Men; Colm Baker (capt), Shane O’Neill, Paddy Leonard and Dermot O’Donovan. Result: Mitchelstown 1-3 Crosshaven, Catholic Institute 3-1 Mitchelstown.
Grade 5 Men; Sean Keane (capt), Cillian Dollian, Paddy Hanley and Liam O’Grady. Results: Mitchelstown 3-1 Limerick Lawn, Whitechurch 0-4 Mitchelstown, Sunday’s Well (Navy) 1-3 Mitchelstown. Mitchelstown qualify to the next round. Last 16 match: Mitchelstown 3-1 Douglas (White). Quarter Final result: Crosshaven 0-4 Mitchelstown. Semi-final result: Mitchelstown 1-3 Lakewood.
Grade 4 Ladies; Marie Therese O’Kennedy (capt), Ber Downey, Olive Kenneally and Catherine O’Keeffe. Results: Lower Aghada 1-3 Mitchelstown; Mitchelstown 4-0 Tralee. Fixture: Sun Mar 13th Mitchelstown 4-0 St Michaels (Orange). Mitchelstown qualify to the next round. Last 16 match: Mitchelstown 2-3 Sunday’s Well (Green).
Grade 2 Men; Denis Linehan (capt), Ciaran O’Kennedy, Alan O’Meara and Michael Waldron. Results: Mitchelstown 3-1 Lakewood; Douglas 0-4 Mitchelstown. Lower Aghada 3-1 Mitchelstown. Mitchelstown qualify to the next round. Quarter final result: Mitchelstown 2-3 Douglas (Blue).