Record numbers for tennis contest
THE game of tennis is in resurgent mode, judging by the record entry levels at the recent West of Ireland Tournament.
More than 180 players took part in the annual tennis event, hosted by the Sligo Tennis Club, representing a 33% increase on the 2016 entry.
Participants came from all over the country, with a number of UK and European entries, giving a truly international flavour to the weekend’s proceedings.
The popularity of the West increases year on year, with Club President, Micheal O’Broin attributing the success to a number of factors. He said: “The Club members put in Trojan work to make the facilities the best they can be, and this combined with the Club’s legendary friendliness, as well as the attractions of Sligo City, brings the players back year after year. I believe the West attracts over five hundred people to Sligo for the weekend, when families, friend and supporters are accounted for,” said Micheal.
The Sligo contingent gave a good account of themselves, with a good representation in the closing stages of the various events.
Sligo’s Tony Comiskey, partnered with Stephen Cuthbertson of the Omagh Club, had a memorable victory in the Men’s B Doubles section, winning 7/5, 6/ 1.
Michael Coleman showed the benefits of his winter season on clay courts, had a great win in the Men’s C Singles, capturing the trophy with a fine score of 6/0, 6/ 1. Noah Fleming played alongside Jared Monaghan in the Men’s A Doubles, reaching the final where they met the No 1 Seeds, Mark Smyth and Francis Venzon. This was one of the games of the weekend, with Smyth and Venzon prevailing 6/ 6/ 4. Noreen Cassidy and Stephen Cunnigham made it to the final of the Mixed B Doubles, where they were narrowly beaten by Stephen Cuthbertson and Oonagh Colton. Noreen also made it to the final of the Ladies A Doubles when teaming up with Aoifin Shorten, going down after a titanic struggle against Donna McSorley and Elaine Chambers. Mother and son combination, Joan and Fiachra Grennan also reached the final of the Mixed C event, but neither Joan’s guile nor Fiachra’s energy was enough to get them over the winning line. Frank Armstrong and Seosamh MacSuibhne were the No 1 seeds in the Men’s C Doubles class, and lived up to that billing by comfortably reaching the final. Here they met an experienced Dublin duo of Eoin Naughton and Barry O’Leary, who were just too strong for the Sligo lads on the day. The Manorhamilton Tennis Club sent two very able ambassadors to the competition, with Mary Coyle and Mary Gilgunn going all the way to take the Ladies C title. Well known Sligo firm, Kilcawley Construction came on board as sponsors of the 2017 West, and the support from Brendan and Sheena Henry is greatly appreciated by all at the Club, the organisers said. Other support came from Redco Honda in Dublin. A very successful raffle took place over the weekend, with prizes sponsored by MacNean House and Restaurant; Synergy Networks; Filan Centra; Castle Dargan Hotel; Alice Mc Nassor; Radisson Hotel. The raffle winners were: Darragh Mc Morrow; Emer Concannon; Aoife Kerrigan; Mo Keane; Kate Mc Keown; Marian Feeney. Kay Curley and a range of volunteers kept everyone fed over the weekend. RESULTS: Singles, Ladies A. Ffyona Cunningham beat Donna Mc Sorley 6/ 3/6 7/ 6 Men’s A Paul Keoghan beat Matthew Mc Gann 6/ 2 6/ 1 Ladies B Agne Mazgelyte beat Deirdre King 6/0 4/ 6 6/ 3 Men’s B Drew Chambers beat Benoit Lusson 1/6 6/ 1 7/ 5 Ladies C Elizabeth Smyth beat Maria Jones 6/ 6/ 3 Men’s C Michael Coleman beat Tim O’Hanrahan 6/ 0 6/ 1. Ladies Doubles A. Elaine Chambers & Donna Mc Sorley bt Noreen Cassidy and Aoifin Shorten. B. Olivia Deely & Helen Lawless bt Andrea Irvine & Vanessa McBrien C. Mary Coyle & Mary Gilgunn beat Elizabeth Smyth & Ciara Mc Gowan. Men’s Doubles: A. Mark Smyth & Francis Venzon beat Noah Fleming & Jared Monaghan B. Tony Comiskey & Stephen Cuthbertson beat Roger Howe & Davy Thompson C. Eoin Naughton & Barry O’Leary beat Frank Armstrong & Seosamh Mac Suibhne. Mixed Doubles: A. Francis Venzon & Elaine Chambers beat Federico Raffo & Ffyona Cunningham B. Stephen Cuthbertson & Oonagh Colton beat Stephen Cunningham & Noreen Cassidy C. Brendan King & Joanne Daly beat Fiachra and Joan Grennan.