December 31, 2014
On review of 2014, it was a pivotal year in terms of club development for Nenagh LTC. These positive club developments would not be possible without the support of its members, Junior and Senior committees, bar volunteers, Coaches, as well as the club maintenance work of Frank Shanahan and Christine Hogan. The club extends its sincere appreciation and gratefulness to all the sponsors who support the club.
The competitions this year have been overseen by our diligent Club Captain, Frank O’Keeffe and his capable tournament committee. Equally on the junior side of things, Margaret Folan and the junior committee co-ordinate a very well structured junior calendar. As a result of the vibrant calendar of events, Nenagh LTC is always well represented in Munster Winter leagues, Summer Cups as well as many Open Weeks. Thanks to all members who continue to represent the club so well and ensure a high standard of tennis around Munster. On that note big congratulations to Frank O’Keeffe, who was picked to represent Ireland, in the Veteran over 35 competition in Turkey next April.
The two memorial competitions, Joe Doran and Dolores Cahalan, are always a popular competition on the senior calendar with members. It is a great honour to be fortunate to have your name on two such coveted cups. As a token of appreciation to family members of Joe Doran and Dolores Cahalan, the club presented Michael Doran and Eileen Molloy with photographs this year.
The club experienced significant storm damage in December 2013. Liam O’Kelly went to great efforts to clear up the trees and organize members to help with the cutting of timber. One of the most pivotal club developments this year was indeed the new car park. Due to the storm damage the committee organised the repair of the fence. It was also decided to develop the existing car park. The next plan was to finish the car park by putting down tarmac and to line it. This job required us to fundraise and ask all of our members to fill out sponsorship cards. The committee organised an open/fun day on Saturday, July 4th. Pictures From The Day This also coincided with National Tennis Day. Similar to the club open nights in February, this was an opportunity for families, children and adults to come along and try out tennis. Former club members were also invited back to play tennis and for afternoon tea. It also marked the beginning of the inaugural GAA tennis competition. This innovative idea came from club coach, Kieran Galvin. Local GAA clubs battled it out on the tennis court in a unique format of using hurleys and rackets. Tipperary hurlers Darragh Egan and Shane McGrath gave an exhibition of their skills. The ultimate winners were Toomevara. This open day was a huge success for the club and all money raised went towards finishing the car park. The finished car park is testament to the hard work of the committee and its members. Thanks to everyone to helped out with this project.
November was a busy month for the club with an invitational tennis day with Galway LTC. New friendships were formed and a return invitation is expected to take place in the New Year. The club also hosted a charity night in aid of Billy Goulding. Players were treated to hot beverages and cakes after the tennis. There was a very entertaining auction by Michael Gilmartin and James White entertained everyone during the raffle. Little did we realize the wealth of talented singers the club has! Thanks to the committee for their organization of the event, the members for supporting the night, the coaches for running the tennis and to all the local businesses who donated generous raffle prizes – we raised €1733 on the night! As 2014 comes to a close and looking ahead to 2015, I hope the club has continued success going forward. I would like to wish all members a prosperous year ahead and that tennis continues to flourish in Nenagh LTC.
