July 12, 2016
There was a record entry at the AIB North Tipp Open Tennis Championships at Nenagh LTC last week, the finals of which took place on Saturday last. All clubs within an hour or so traveling distance from Nenagh were represented, including Limerick Lawn, Cath Inst, Monaleen, Ennis, Killaloe-Ballina, Birr Wilmer, Roscrea, Templemore, Larkspur, Tipp Co, Kilfeacle, Abbeyleix, Loughrea and Portumna. And the status of the tournament was further reflected with other entrants traveling from Rushbrooke, Tralee, Galway and Claremorris.
Added to these was a big local entry from Nenagh and Puckane making the tournament the biggest to date in Nenagh, played in generally excellent weather apart from some rain in finals day which did not diminish the enjoyment of same.
The club’s 6 courts were in full use and the club was fortunate to have the use of Puckane’s courts and the newly revamped private court of Willie and Bridget Carey, Nenagh, and President Margaret Folan expressed the sincere thanks of all to Puckane and the Careys on Presentation Night.
Killaloe-Ballina man Barry McCarthy skills have graced these Championship regularly in recent years and Barry was again in top form taking the singles title, withstanding a heroic effort from 2015 champion Frank O’Keeffe who pushed the matter right down the wire with Barry wining 7/6 in third.
The ladies singles was won by Aisling O’Riordan from Rushbrooke who edged Lena O’Connor in a fine 3 set final. Aisling and Lena then combined to win the doubles, and Lena finished her busy finals day by also winning the mixed with Barry McCarthy in a another tight 3 setter against Frank O’Keeffe/Anne Marie Darcy.
Within 30 events, there were many outstanding performances. Among those players who won 2 titles in their respective categories were Sean Kennedy (Loughrea), Helen Lawless (Loughrea), J P Savy (Birr Wilmer), Catriona O’Dwyer (Monaleen), Naomi Cormican (Portumna) and Gillian Dunne (Portumna). Gillian was in fact in 3 finals.
Chris Collins (Wilmer), Conor Hyland (Portumna), Paula Quinlan (Wilmer) Agris Strods (Nenagh) and Billy Woods (Roscrea) each featured in 2 finals, winning one each. Meanwhile, Nenagh’s ever consistent Jane Spearman and Catherine O’Meara won the ladies title in their category. And we welcome former junior Eamonn Murtagh back to action. Eamonn joined Pauline Ryan to win a mixed.
At the presentation Nenagh LTC President Margaret Folan welcomed Anne Egan, Assistant Manager, AIB Nenagh, to the club, thanking AIB for its generous support of the tournament, not alone this year, but over many years. Anne Egan said that AIB was delighted to be associated with such a wonderful event, this year and over the past 16 years during which AIB has been sponsoring events at the club.
Margaret Folan then paid tribute to all who made the tournament so successful, including tournament director David Hackett, tournament committee of Pauline Ryan, Matthew Ryan, Agris Strod and John Lehane, and tournament referee Pat Hough.
She also complimented George McGrath and his bar staff, Anne Fitzpatrick and Brid Coffey (desk rota organisers), Frank Shanahan (grounds) and Chrissie Hogan (clubhouse), the general committee and all who helped via desk duties, bringing in food, etc, not forgetting Michal Dziewiatka who manned the BBQ all week.
Barry McCarthy, speaking on behalf of players and visitors, echoed similar sentiments and complemented the club on the tournament and its hospitality. Wimbledon of course was also on last week and the night-time conversations in the bar invariably included speculation on the both the local and Wimbledon proceedings, making for a great tennis week.
Nick Flannery received the organisers’ special award for most sporting player.
Photos From The Night
