Farrell’s SuperValu Club Championships in full swing
There is an air of comradery, joy and a fantastic atmosphere around the club this week as Friday last saw the eagerly anticipated start of the 2024 Club Championships. The week-long tournament is catering for our members of all levels - advanced, intermediate and beginners. The standard of play so far has been exceptional. Closely fought competitive matches every evening creating great excitement for the many supporters. With finals for all categories set for Friday evening we look forward to an exciting night of tennis and a social gathering for all. All welcome to call in and see our local tennis talent. Continued success to captains Liam and Ray and the organising committee as the week draws to a close. Huge thanks to our main sponsor Farrell’s SuperValu, Mitchelstown and also to Carla Walsh Jewellers.
WINTER LEAGUE
On Sunday last our grade 6 team of Áine Roche, Ciaran Cotter, Sharon Shields and James Sherlock played at home against Youghal. A fantastic competitive day of tennis. The team had a great win with a 3-2 result. Unfortunately the win was not enough to qualify out of their group.
Also on Sunday our grade 4 team Liam O’Grady, Laura Manning, Ray Hurley and Nollaig Baker travelled to Limerick to play Catholic Institute in a knockout. A closely fought battle between the two teams contending with one of the worst tennis playing conditions, the high winds giving them no break. Nollaig winning her singles and giving the team every chance going into the second half with it all to play for. Unfortunately it was not to be and the team suffered a heart-breaking one point defeat, taking them out of the league this time.
Our grade 2 team of Catherine Rea, Eugene O’Mahoney, Marie O’Neill and Dermot O’Donovan were also away on Sunday in Waterford, taking on a very strong St Anne’s team. It was not their day, again playing in extremely blustery conditions. Hard luck to the teams bowing out of the league. Well done to all for representing the club in Munster so well.
We have one team remaining in the Munster Winter League. Our grade 3 team play Tralee at home on the 14th of April at 12pm.
Mitchelstown Tennis Club have entered four teams to represent the club in four events. Teams: Grade 2 mixed: Evelyn English (capt), Catherine Rea, Cillian Dollion, Eugene O’Mahoney. Grade 3 mixed: Micheal Rea (capt), Catherine O’Keeffe, Marie O’Neill, Ray Hurley. Grade 4 mixed: Liam O’Grady (capt), Nollaig Baker, Ray Hurley, Laura Manning. Grade 6 mixed: Angela Crowley (capt), Sharon Shiels, James Sherlock, Ciaran Cotter. Best of luck to the team as they continue their campaign. All support appreciated.
ADULT COACHING
Adult coaching for all levels, beginner intermediate and advanced is commencing next week. 16th/17th of April. Sessions will be held on either Tuesday or Wednesday nights depending on your level. 5 week block €50. Available to purchase on the club website.
ENJOY TENNIS PROGRAMME
Our Enjoy Tennis programme is back after the Easter break this Friday evening 6pm-7pm. This is a programme for players with a disability to learn and enjoy playing tennis. All welcome.
JUNIOR NEWS
Our junior afterschool sessions will commence again on April 16th and continue every Tuesday and Wednesday, lead by head coach Stephen McInerney. Full details available on the club website.
FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE FOR OUR JUNIORS IN THE NATIONAL TENNIS CENTRE DCU
Congratulations to three of our junior members Katie O’Brien, Owen Rea and Ultan Flynn who attended the Tennis Ireland junior kids coaching open day in the National Tennis Centre DCU this week. An exciting opportunity for our young members who received coaching from national coaches in the national tennis arena. The coaches guided the players through the fundamentals of tennis followed by mini matches as they learned to compete in a fun environment. They were joined by former PRO and Ireland player Karen Nugent. Watch this space for more national events for Mitchelstown Tennis Club Juniors!