Tennis in Ireland has struggled to get coverage from the Irish Media something that has annoyed me for a long time. This is an article from the New York Times Tennis Blog, hopefully some sports reporters see this and think maybe tennis is worth covering.
At the Open, Two Players from Ireland Make History
By DAVE SEMINARA
When Novak Djokovic steps onto the court for his first round match at this year’s Open, it’ll be his New York debut as world number one, but it will be the unfamiliar player on the other side of the net who will be making history. That man is Conor Niland, a 29-year-old Irishman, who, together with countryman Louk Sorensen, will be the first Irish players ever to compete in the main draw of the U.S. Open.
“We’re pretty certain in saying that no Irish player has made it into the U.S. Open main draw,” said Des Allen, the C.E.O. of Tennis Ireland, who is at the moment stuck in Dublin due to Hurricane Irene, trying to find a flight to New York for the Open.
Allen said that this is probably the biggest thing to happen to Irish tennis since 1983; that was the year Ireland made it into the world group of the Davis Cup and faced John McEnroe and the rest of the U.S. team in Dublin. The Irish team was then led by Louk Sorensen’s father, Sean, and an Irish-American named Matt Doyle. Doyle was born in the U.S. and competed in the main draw of the Open on four occasions–but at that time he hadn’t yet obtained Irish citizenship.
The Irish lost to the Yanks, 4-1, but Doyle gave the home crowd a thrill by beating Eliott Teltscher, who was then a top ten player, leveling the tie at 1-1 on the opening day.
“At the time, the movie ‘E.T.’ was big, and the Irish crowd was taunting Telscher, yelling ‘E.T. go home!’” recalled Allen, who was in attendance that day.
But Irish tennis fans have had little to cheer about since that moment nearly 30 years ago. Tennis is considered a second tier sport in Ireland, well behind soccer, Gaelic football, hurling and rugby in terms of popularity and participation. Allen estimates that there are only about 2,000 tennis courts in the country and about 150,000 players. Allen said that so far the Irish press hasn’t taken much interest in their two homegrown players at the Open, but he hopes that Niland’s match against Djokovic might galvanize them to take an interest in the sport, particularly if it’s scheduled during the day in New York, so Irish fans don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to watch it.
Niland grew up in Limerick, the hometown of Frank McCourt, and trains at Tennis Ireland’s National Academy in Dublin, which boasts seven indoor courts with a surface that is “nearly identical” to that of Flushing Meadows, according to Allen. Niland has spent much of the last four years competing on the challenger circuit, after playing for four years at University of California at Berkeley, toiling in places like Sarajevo, Casablanca, and Savannah, amongst hundreds of other cities.
He peaked at #129 last year and fought his way through the qualifying tournament to make the main draw of Wimbledon this year. He narrowly missed a chance to play Roger Federer, after failing to close out a 4-1 lead in the fifth set against Adrian Mannarino. Before that showing, Niland had never made it out of the qualifying rounds at a major and the closest he’s come to facing top ten talent is some sparring sessions with Andy Murray. Nonetheless, Allen believes that Niland won’t be “undone” by Djokovic, who has lost just two matches all year.
“It’s a wonderful draw and I think that’s how Conor feels about it, it’s a huge opportunity,” Allen said. “Almost certainly it will be on Arthur Ashe, and no matter what level you’re at or who you are, the idea of playing the world number one in front of 20 odd thousand people is something that Conor won’t be shying away from.”
Allen said he believes that the crowd is likely to be on Niland’s side.
“I don’t know how popular Djokovic is in New York, he’s had his ups and downs there,” he said. “I think Conor may very well have the majority of support in the stadium, particularly if the match gets a little tight.”
Anyone predicting a Niland victory over Djokovic would probably be accused of tucking into a bit too much green beer, but no matter what the result is, the publicity can only help Irish tennis.
Louk Sorensen, ranked #618 in the world, is also not likely to be picked by many to upset his first round opponent, the sixth seed, Robin Soderling. Sorensen, who grew up in County Cork and has an Irish father and German mother, nearly quit the sport earlier this year after being plagued by a variety of injuries over the last few years, but decided to give it one more go after regaining his health and form this spring.
The 26-year-old won a round at the Australian Open last year but has played mostly on the challenger circuit. He barely squeaked into the qualifying tournament but after beating three opponents will have more recent match play than Soderling, who hasn’t played in a hard-court tournament since March.
No matter what the results, the long Irish drought at the Open is over. The press in Ireland still may devote more space to Rory McIlroy’s romance with women’s tennis’ number one, Caroline Wozniacki, but Allen thinks that the sport has a bright future in the Emerald Isle.
“The statistics are stacked against us, but this is a huge platform for Irish tennis,” he said.
If he can’t find a flight to New York, Allen will be watching Ireland’s two native sons, even if that means staying up all night staring at his computer screen in bed.
“For a fanatic like me, it may be the only way,” he said.
Rob's Racketrestringing
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Ballinlough Open starting soon
Ballinlough Open is due to get underway soon and entries are still being taken.
To enter online click here.
Ballinlough have built this tournament up over the years to be one of the most enjoyable on the calender.
Their hospitality and friendliness is second to none and this is always reflected in their entries.
For a very enjoyable week whether you are playing or not why not drop into the club from the 1st of September to the 10th of September and you will be made feel very welcome and will get to enjoy some very good tennis.
To enter online click here.
Ballinlough have built this tournament up over the years to be one of the most enjoyable on the calender.
Their hospitality and friendliness is second to none and this is always reflected in their entries.
For a very enjoyable week whether you are playing or not why not drop into the club from the 1st of September to the 10th of September and you will be made feel very welcome and will get to enjoy some very good tennis.
Interfirm In Rushbrooke
Eamonn, his family and friends are putting a lot of time and energy into fund raising for the Irish Cancer Society.
This is one of many events they organise to help raise funds and all have being very successful with a lot of money raised to date.
If you can lend your support in anyway, either by entering a team or coming down and supporting the event please do so.
East Cork Senior Open Underway
The East Cork Senior Open is on at Lower Aghada tennis club since Sunday.
This is an all doubles event and should provide some very competitive matches.
To keep to date with scores and to check the schedule click here.
This is an all doubles event and should provide some very competitive matches.
To keep to date with scores and to check the schedule click here.
Douglas Senior Open Singles Tournament
I love the idea of this tournament, a singles only event. Even though I have yet to play in it, I think it is a great idea and hopefully more clubs follow suit.
Judging by the number of entries it obviously is a very popular event and fittingly finals day produced some very close and entertaining matches.
Congratulations to the organisers and to all the participants.
Results:
MS 1: Duncan Cronin V Kevin Higgins 6-4, 6-2
MS 2: Paul Flynn V Conor McCarthy 6-4, 5-7, 6-3
MS 3: Jonathon Mulcahy V Egon IIyes 4-0 ret.
MS 4: Kevin Moynihan V Jonathon Mulcahy 6-1, 6-4
MS 5: Brendan Noonan V Mark O Connor 6-4, 7-5
MS 6: Mark Cronin V Martin Hurley 6-2, 4-6, 7-6
WS 3: Joanna O Riordan V Karen Barry 2-6, 6-4, 6-1
WS 4: Monica Twomey V Ann Bogan 6-3, 6-3
WS 5: Susan Wallace V Siobhan Cronin 6-1, 6-3
WS 6: Siobhan Cronin V Emer Groarke 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Judging by the number of entries it obviously is a very popular event and fittingly finals day produced some very close and entertaining matches.
Congratulations to the organisers and to all the participants.
Results:
MS 1: Duncan Cronin V Kevin Higgins 6-4, 6-2
MS 2: Paul Flynn V Conor McCarthy 6-4, 5-7, 6-3
MS 3: Jonathon Mulcahy V Egon IIyes 4-0 ret.
MS 4: Kevin Moynihan V Jonathon Mulcahy 6-1, 6-4
MS 5: Brendan Noonan V Mark O Connor 6-4, 7-5
MS 6: Mark Cronin V Martin Hurley 6-2, 4-6, 7-6
WS 3: Joanna O Riordan V Karen Barry 2-6, 6-4, 6-1
WS 4: Monica Twomey V Ann Bogan 6-3, 6-3
WS 5: Susan Wallace V Siobhan Cronin 6-1, 6-3
WS 6: Siobhan Cronin V Emer Groarke 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
William Fry Junior Irish Open - Fitzwilliam
A long summer came to an end for our juniors in Fitzwilliam last weekend. We had a very large number of Cork players taking part in the various events. The standard was very high in all age groups and competition for places in the main draw were not guaranteed, with a lot of events having qualifying rounds.
I would like to congratulate all players who made it into main draws and say well done to all who reached finals.
Cork had one winner and this was Siobhan Ryan Bovey in the Girls U-18 doubles when she teamed up with Sinead Lohan of Tramore to win a tough 3 set final.
Other finalists on the day were Emily Daly in the U-14 Girls singles and doubles finals, Rachel Daly in the Girls U-16 doubles finals, Niall Casey in the Boys U-14 singles final.
Other players who made it through in the main draws were:
Boys singles U-12: Davydas Sadauskas
Boys singles U-14: Sean O Callaghan, Niall Casey and Daniel Moloney.
Mixed doubles U-14: Cathy O Neill
Boys doubles U-14: Ben Rasmussen and Adam O Sullivan
Boys singles U-16: Gary Stack and David Gardiner
Girls singles U-16: Rachel Daly
Boys Doubles U-16: David Gardiner
Mixed doubles U-16: Rachel Daly and David Gardiner
Boys singles U-18: Adam Rasmussen and Sam Thompson
Girls Singles U-18: Siobhan Ryan Bovey, Jane Daly and Danielle Geary
Boys doubles U-18: James Reidy, Adam Rasmussen, Gary Stack, Mark Hannon and Sam Thompson
Well done to all, keep up the hard work.
I would like to congratulate all players who made it into main draws and say well done to all who reached finals.
Cork had one winner and this was Siobhan Ryan Bovey in the Girls U-18 doubles when she teamed up with Sinead Lohan of Tramore to win a tough 3 set final.
Other finalists on the day were Emily Daly in the U-14 Girls singles and doubles finals, Rachel Daly in the Girls U-16 doubles finals, Niall Casey in the Boys U-14 singles final.
Other players who made it through in the main draws were:
Boys singles U-12: Davydas Sadauskas
Boys singles U-14: Sean O Callaghan, Niall Casey and Daniel Moloney.
Mixed doubles U-14: Cathy O Neill
Boys doubles U-14: Ben Rasmussen and Adam O Sullivan
Boys singles U-16: Gary Stack and David Gardiner
Girls singles U-16: Rachel Daly
Boys Doubles U-16: David Gardiner
Mixed doubles U-16: Rachel Daly and David Gardiner
Boys singles U-18: Adam Rasmussen and Sam Thompson
Girls Singles U-18: Siobhan Ryan Bovey, Jane Daly and Danielle Geary
Boys doubles U-18: James Reidy, Adam Rasmussen, Gary Stack, Mark Hannon and Sam Thompson
Well done to all, keep up the hard work.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
FDC Championships of County Cork
Rushbrooke LT & CC are entering their crazy season again, with 4 big tournaments in 3 weeks. The first of these finished last Saturday on a day of mixed weather. Thanks to the co-operation of the players and the organistaional skills of Martin Cusack and his team the day finished on time.
Rushbrooke is one of the only events with singles for all grades and this adds to the popularity.
Over the next 2 weeks Rushbrooke will also host their Junior open which is then followed by 2 international events, an U-14 ETA event and an U-18 ITF event. These two events will attract players from all over the world and promises to provide some very entertaining tennis.
Results:
MS 1 - Jamie Blake bt Rob Leahy 6-2/6-3
WS 1 - Niamh Coveney bt Siobhan Ryan Bovey 4-6/6-3/6-4
MD 1 - Kevin Rea/Rob Leahy bt Conor Kelly/Duncan Cronin 5-7/6-3/6-1
WD 1 - Niamh Coveney/Joanne Williamson bt Danielle Geary/Hannah May Morrissey 6-1/6-1
MX 1 - Joanne Williamson/Kevin Rea bt Niamh Coveney/Duncan Cronin 6-4/1-6/6-3
MS 2 - Kevin O Keeffe bt Colin Laffan 5-7/6-2/6-2
WS 2 - Un Ryle bt Joanna O Riordan 6-0/6-3
MD 2 - James Hewitt/Colin Laffan bt Gary Stack/Adam Rasmussen 6-4/6-4
WD 2 - Clodagh Fitzgerald/Siobhan Murray bt Aine Kiernan/Sinead Power 6-3/3-6/6-2
MX 2 - Aine Kiernan/Kevin O Keeffe bt Sinead Power/Martin Cusack 6-2/6-4
MS 3 - Keith Kenny bt NIck Cloke 6-1/6-0
WS 3 - Joanna O Riordan bt Karen Barry 6-4/6-2
MD 3 - Niall Ahern/Niall Cloke bt Nick Cloke/Jeremy Forde 3-6/7-6/7-6
WD 3 - Gillian/Louise Brohan bt Kay Lynch/Daragh Quinn 7-6/7-5
MX 3 - Kay Lynch/Niall Cloke bt Carla James/Jeremy Forde 6-1/6-3
MS 4 - Eugene O Mahony bt Kenny Ding 6-1/4-2 ret
MD 4 - Peter Howie/Tim Ryan bt Dermot Carbery/Tom Reidy 6-2/6-1
WD 4 - Ann Bogan/Deirdre Duboy bt Fiona Burke/Gill O Donovan 7-6/3-6/7-6
MX 4 - Mary McGarry/Brendan Nolan bt Fiona McCarthy/Ger Russell 2-6/7-5/6-3
MS 5 - Diarmaid Hurley bt Gary Hurley 6-4/6-3
WS 5 - Anne Humphries bt Siobhan Cronin
MD 5 - Kenny Ding/John O Donovan bt Gary/Diarmaid Hurley 6-2/6-1
WD 5 - Cathy Dorrian/Susan Hamel bt Jo Cahalane/Jenny Warren 6-2/6-4
MX 5 - Catherine McCarthy/Niall Coonan bt Anne Humphries/Liam Murphy 6-4/6-2
MS 6 -Brendan Noonan bt Barry Foley 6-2/7-5
WS 6 - Susan Wallace bt Siobhan Cronin 6-1/6-3
MD 6 - Martin Hurley/Tony Lyons bt Ray McDonald/John Murphy 6-3/2-6/6-2
WD 6 - Julie O Sullivan/Susan Wallace bt Karen Holmes/Sheila Stokes 6-2/7-5
MX 6 - Susan O Regan/Brendan Noonan bt Helen McCarthy/Tim O Leary 7-5/6-4
Babolat Cork Tennis League points collected from this event.
Sheila Stokes - 5 points
Tim Ryan - 8 points
Rushbrooke is one of the only events with singles for all grades and this adds to the popularity.
Over the next 2 weeks Rushbrooke will also host their Junior open which is then followed by 2 international events, an U-14 ETA event and an U-18 ITF event. These two events will attract players from all over the world and promises to provide some very entertaining tennis.
Results:
MS 1 - Jamie Blake bt Rob Leahy 6-2/6-3
WS 1 - Niamh Coveney bt Siobhan Ryan Bovey 4-6/6-3/6-4
MD 1 - Kevin Rea/Rob Leahy bt Conor Kelly/Duncan Cronin 5-7/6-3/6-1
WD 1 - Niamh Coveney/Joanne Williamson bt Danielle Geary/Hannah May Morrissey 6-1/6-1
MX 1 - Joanne Williamson/Kevin Rea bt Niamh Coveney/Duncan Cronin 6-4/1-6/6-3
MS 2 - Kevin O Keeffe bt Colin Laffan 5-7/6-2/6-2
WS 2 - Un Ryle bt Joanna O Riordan 6-0/6-3
MD 2 - James Hewitt/Colin Laffan bt Gary Stack/Adam Rasmussen 6-4/6-4
WD 2 - Clodagh Fitzgerald/Siobhan Murray bt Aine Kiernan/Sinead Power 6-3/3-6/6-2
MX 2 - Aine Kiernan/Kevin O Keeffe bt Sinead Power/Martin Cusack 6-2/6-4
MS 3 - Keith Kenny bt NIck Cloke 6-1/6-0
WS 3 - Joanna O Riordan bt Karen Barry 6-4/6-2
MD 3 - Niall Ahern/Niall Cloke bt Nick Cloke/Jeremy Forde 3-6/7-6/7-6
WD 3 - Gillian/Louise Brohan bt Kay Lynch/Daragh Quinn 7-6/7-5
MX 3 - Kay Lynch/Niall Cloke bt Carla James/Jeremy Forde 6-1/6-3
MS 4 - Eugene O Mahony bt Kenny Ding 6-1/4-2 ret
MD 4 - Peter Howie/Tim Ryan bt Dermot Carbery/Tom Reidy 6-2/6-1
WD 4 - Ann Bogan/Deirdre Duboy bt Fiona Burke/Gill O Donovan 7-6/3-6/7-6
MX 4 - Mary McGarry/Brendan Nolan bt Fiona McCarthy/Ger Russell 2-6/7-5/6-3
MS 5 - Diarmaid Hurley bt Gary Hurley 6-4/6-3
WS 5 - Anne Humphries bt Siobhan Cronin
MD 5 - Kenny Ding/John O Donovan bt Gary/Diarmaid Hurley 6-2/6-1
WD 5 - Cathy Dorrian/Susan Hamel bt Jo Cahalane/Jenny Warren 6-2/6-4
MX 5 - Catherine McCarthy/Niall Coonan bt Anne Humphries/Liam Murphy 6-4/6-2
MS 6 -Brendan Noonan bt Barry Foley 6-2/7-5
WS 6 - Susan Wallace bt Siobhan Cronin 6-1/6-3
MD 6 - Martin Hurley/Tony Lyons bt Ray McDonald/John Murphy 6-3/2-6/6-2
WD 6 - Julie O Sullivan/Susan Wallace bt Karen Holmes/Sheila Stokes 6-2/7-5
MX 6 - Susan O Regan/Brendan Noonan bt Helen McCarthy/Tim O Leary 7-5/6-4
Babolat Cork Tennis League points collected from this event.
Sheila Stokes - 5 points
Tim Ryan - 8 points
Carrigaline Senior Open Results
Yes believe it, Carrigaline eventually got the weather to finish one of their tournaments on the day it was supposed to finish.
Report to follow shortly, for now the results.
MD 3 - Niall Cloke/Kieran Hackett bt John Hurley/Ken Murphy 6-4/6-2
WD 3 - Kay Lynch/Daragh Quinn bt Denise Fenton/Evelyn O Connor 7-6/7-6
MX 3 - Monica Williams/Paul O Callaghan bt Carla James/Jeremy Forde 6-0/6-4
MD 4 - Rob Jenkins/Johnathon Mulcahy bt Dermot Carbery/Dominic Crowley 7-5/4-6/6-4
WD 4 - Deirdre Duboy/Deirdre Murphy bt Ann Marie Collins/Gillian Wall 3-6/6-3/6-2
MX 4 - Deirdre Duboy/Kevin Moynihan bt Monica Twomey/Rob Jenkins 7-6/7-5
MD 5/6 - Brian Hennessy/Derek Murphy bt Gary Hurley/Liam O Regan 6-4/6-3
WD 5/6 - Cathy Dorrian/Susan Hamel bt Catherine Griffin/Maria O Keffee 6-3/6-2
MX 5/6 - Bridget Webb/Frank Delaney bt Val Cremin/Brendan Noonan 6-1/6-2
Report to follow shortly, for now the results.
MD 3 - Niall Cloke/Kieran Hackett bt John Hurley/Ken Murphy 6-4/6-2
WD 3 - Kay Lynch/Daragh Quinn bt Denise Fenton/Evelyn O Connor 7-6/7-6
MX 3 - Monica Williams/Paul O Callaghan bt Carla James/Jeremy Forde 6-0/6-4
MD 4 - Rob Jenkins/Johnathon Mulcahy bt Dermot Carbery/Dominic Crowley 7-5/4-6/6-4
WD 4 - Deirdre Duboy/Deirdre Murphy bt Ann Marie Collins/Gillian Wall 3-6/6-3/6-2
MX 4 - Deirdre Duboy/Kevin Moynihan bt Monica Twomey/Rob Jenkins 7-6/7-5
MD 5/6 - Brian Hennessy/Derek Murphy bt Gary Hurley/Liam O Regan 6-4/6-3
WD 5/6 - Cathy Dorrian/Susan Hamel bt Catherine Griffin/Maria O Keffee 6-3/6-2
MX 5/6 - Bridget Webb/Frank Delaney bt Val Cremin/Brendan Noonan 6-1/6-2
Lakewood Senior Open Results
Lakewood Open 2011 - Report provided by Emma Crowley.
Every year religiously during the Open week, we ask the same question will we run an Open the following year. Work for the Open starts in January trying to organise sponsorship, who’s doing what, should we make any changes etc etc. . With five tournaments in a row, (Sundays Well, Arigeedeen, Lakewood, Carrigaline, Rushbrooke) we wonder will we get the entries, will the weather hold out and more specifically what will non availabilty be like. As tournament organisers trying to facilitate all players can be cumbersome and if I’m honest stressful at times.
This year though, we were very fortunate with all of the above, the players were great, the sun was shining for the week - literally not a drop of rain fell, and to be honest at times we were saying it was too hot to play (a rare comment in itself) and of course with the pleasant evenings, it makes the delays that little bit easier to handle !!
Finals Day was a treat, once again the sun was shining. Great tennis commenced at 11am and then continued for rest of the day. We finally concluded the day with a 3 set match Mixed1&2 between our own Toni O’Keeffe & Frank McDonald against Sommer Craig & Robert Murphy. After some amazing tennis, Sommer and Rob won.
Eamonn McCarthy (President of Munster Branch) came in his all glory, I should clarify I mean his chains ;) to present the prizes and this was very much appreciated.
All in all, the week itself ran smoothly, with no major hiccups and this could not have happened without the support of our own club members who gave up much if not all of their own free time to help out. I would also like to thank the players for their support, its great to meet so many new players on the scene and hopefully this will continue.
MX 1/2 - Sommer Craig/Rob Murphy bt Toni O Keeffe/Frank McDonnell
MD 1/2 - Paul Cotter/Joe Donovan bt Ken Duffy/Vincent Quirke 6-3/6-2
WD 1/2 - Sommer Craig/Carmel Daly bt Marie Duffy/Grace Reidy 3-6/7-5/6-0
MD 3 - Jim Connolly/Johnathon Mulcahy bt Niall Cloke/Kieran Hackett 6-3/6-4
WD 3 - Marion Healy/Monica Williams bt Siobhan Fahy/Carol Leland 4-6/6-3/6-3
MX 3 - Mairead/Martin Neary bt Nick Cloke/Marion Healy 6-2/6-1
MD 4 - Li Haoning/Diarmaid Hurley bt Declan Alton/Martin Neary 6-3/7-5
WD 4 - Dara Carbery/Joanne O Keffee bt Anne Marie Collins/Gillian Wall
MX 4 - Ann Bogan/Kevin Moynihan bt Tara Mukerjee/Martin Neary 7-6/6-1
MD 5 - Diarmaid/Gary Hurley bt Ross McDonald/Padraig Mullane
WD 5 - Teresa O Donovan/Jacqui O Mahony bt Mags Cronin/Maria Crowley 6-2/3-6/6-3
MX 5 - Pauline Murphy/Padraig Mullane bt Liz Brosnan/Liam O Regan 6-1/6-2
MD 6/7 - Diarmaid/Mark Cronin bt Ray McDonald/John Murphy
WD 6/7 - Karen Holmes/Kitty Moynihan bt Betty Fitzgerald/Helen McCarthy 7-6/6-7/6-1
MX 6/7 - Carmel Morrisson/Michael Murphy bt Linda/John Murphy 6-3/6-4
Every year religiously during the Open week, we ask the same question will we run an Open the following year. Work for the Open starts in January trying to organise sponsorship, who’s doing what, should we make any changes etc etc. . With five tournaments in a row, (Sundays Well, Arigeedeen, Lakewood, Carrigaline, Rushbrooke) we wonder will we get the entries, will the weather hold out and more specifically what will non availabilty be like. As tournament organisers trying to facilitate all players can be cumbersome and if I’m honest stressful at times.
This year though, we were very fortunate with all of the above, the players were great, the sun was shining for the week - literally not a drop of rain fell, and to be honest at times we were saying it was too hot to play (a rare comment in itself) and of course with the pleasant evenings, it makes the delays that little bit easier to handle !!
Finals Day was a treat, once again the sun was shining. Great tennis commenced at 11am and then continued for rest of the day. We finally concluded the day with a 3 set match Mixed1&2 between our own Toni O’Keeffe & Frank McDonald against Sommer Craig & Robert Murphy. After some amazing tennis, Sommer and Rob won.
Eamonn McCarthy (President of Munster Branch) came in his all glory, I should clarify I mean his chains ;) to present the prizes and this was very much appreciated.
All in all, the week itself ran smoothly, with no major hiccups and this could not have happened without the support of our own club members who gave up much if not all of their own free time to help out. I would also like to thank the players for their support, its great to meet so many new players on the scene and hopefully this will continue.
MX 1/2 - Sommer Craig/Rob Murphy bt Toni O Keeffe/Frank McDonnell
MD 1/2 - Paul Cotter/Joe Donovan bt Ken Duffy/Vincent Quirke 6-3/6-2
WD 1/2 - Sommer Craig/Carmel Daly bt Marie Duffy/Grace Reidy 3-6/7-5/6-0
MD 3 - Jim Connolly/Johnathon Mulcahy bt Niall Cloke/Kieran Hackett 6-3/6-4
WD 3 - Marion Healy/Monica Williams bt Siobhan Fahy/Carol Leland 4-6/6-3/6-3
MX 3 - Mairead/Martin Neary bt Nick Cloke/Marion Healy 6-2/6-1
MD 4 - Li Haoning/Diarmaid Hurley bt Declan Alton/Martin Neary 6-3/7-5
WD 4 - Dara Carbery/Joanne O Keffee bt Anne Marie Collins/Gillian Wall
MX 4 - Ann Bogan/Kevin Moynihan bt Tara Mukerjee/Martin Neary 7-6/6-1
MD 5 - Diarmaid/Gary Hurley bt Ross McDonald/Padraig Mullane
WD 5 - Teresa O Donovan/Jacqui O Mahony bt Mags Cronin/Maria Crowley 6-2/3-6/6-3
MX 5 - Pauline Murphy/Padraig Mullane bt Liz Brosnan/Liam O Regan 6-1/6-2
MD 6/7 - Diarmaid/Mark Cronin bt Ray McDonald/John Murphy
WD 6/7 - Karen Holmes/Kitty Moynihan bt Betty Fitzgerald/Helen McCarthy 7-6/6-7/6-1
MX 6/7 - Carmel Morrisson/Michael Murphy bt Linda/John Murphy 6-3/6-4
Saturday, July 2, 2011
A double for Coveney in fine style.
Congratulations to Niamh Coveney, Irish Close Champion 2011.
When you lose you have different thoughts racing through your mind, and you have choices to make. You can get down about things and let a slump begin or you can learn from it and use your losses as the start of a new beginning.
A couple of weeks ago Niamh lost, what has become her title, The Munster Senior Open, and standing there watching the final she could have left her slump begin.
This was just another disappointment following on from her omission from the Fed Cup team but Niamh's true character shone through, and she headed to Donnybrook to get things back on track.
Seeded 2 behind Irish Fed Cup player, Lynsey McCullough, Niamh would have some tough matches if she were to progress to the final.
An early walkover was followed up with wins over Tanya Murtagh, currently on tennis scholarship in the states and fifth seed Sinead Kennedy to set up a final against Lynsey.
The final was a topsy turvy event with the first set going to Lynsey on a scoreline of 6-2.
Not a great start, but followed up with an impressive second set, Niamh won 6-0.
So into the last, with both players showing why they were seeded 1 and 2, they stayed together until 4-4 before Niamh dug deepest to come out on top 6-4 and with it become the Irish Close Champion 2011.
Niamh then teamed up with Lynsey to win the ladies doubles and maybe highlighting the error in her omission from the Fed Cup team?
Congratulations Niamh.
When you lose you have different thoughts racing through your mind, and you have choices to make. You can get down about things and let a slump begin or you can learn from it and use your losses as the start of a new beginning.
A couple of weeks ago Niamh lost, what has become her title, The Munster Senior Open, and standing there watching the final she could have left her slump begin.
This was just another disappointment following on from her omission from the Fed Cup team but Niamh's true character shone through, and she headed to Donnybrook to get things back on track.
Seeded 2 behind Irish Fed Cup player, Lynsey McCullough, Niamh would have some tough matches if she were to progress to the final.
An early walkover was followed up with wins over Tanya Murtagh, currently on tennis scholarship in the states and fifth seed Sinead Kennedy to set up a final against Lynsey.
The final was a topsy turvy event with the first set going to Lynsey on a scoreline of 6-2.
Not a great start, but followed up with an impressive second set, Niamh won 6-0.
So into the last, with both players showing why they were seeded 1 and 2, they stayed together until 4-4 before Niamh dug deepest to come out on top 6-4 and with it become the Irish Close Champion 2011.
Niamh then teamed up with Lynsey to win the ladies doubles and maybe highlighting the error in her omission from the Fed Cup team?
Congratulations Niamh.
Gardiner is on a roll.
David does it again and again.
This isn't the first time I have written pieces about David this season and i'm predicting now, it won't be the last either.
In a previous article I spoke about David being a player to watch for the season ahead and he hasn't let me down.
A couple of weeks ago he travelled to Malahide to take on Ireland's best juniors both in his own age group of U-16 and also the U-18 event.
David was seeded 1 in the U-18 event and true to the seeding he came through to the finals where he took on and beat Galways' Michael Clarkson 6-0, 6-1.
The U-16 event was the big one.
Here David was seeded 2, and considering he was seeded 1 in the U-18 event it just shows how difficult this draw was. David made it to the final where his opponent was Coilin MacNamara.
Coilin hadn't lost at this age group yet this year. David has played Coilin on a few occassions over the last couple of years and they have always had good battles, with results being unpredictable and both tasting success.
There was, however, only going to be one winner this time and with the form David has being showing it was he who succeeded on a scoreline of 6-2, 6-4.
Following Malahide was the Munster Senior Open, where as a fourteen year old David was the youngest in the draw. Age didn't seem to matter and playing beyond his years David beat senior interpros along the way before succumbing to eventual winner Jamie Blake in the semi finals.
After good performances in singles and doubles David headed to Naas Junior Open with confidence high.
Playing in the U-16 singles, David was seeded 2 behind Sean O Rourke, his doubles partner.
Following some very impressive performances and none more so than the final, David beat Eoin Fitzsimons 6-2, 6-0 to add to his list of titles for the year.
Then teaming up with Sean they took on the number 1 and 2 from the U-18 singles draw and won 6-4, 6-2, to give David another double in Leinster.
Congratulations David and I have no doubt there is more to come.
This isn't the first time I have written pieces about David this season and i'm predicting now, it won't be the last either.
In a previous article I spoke about David being a player to watch for the season ahead and he hasn't let me down.
A couple of weeks ago he travelled to Malahide to take on Ireland's best juniors both in his own age group of U-16 and also the U-18 event.
David was seeded 1 in the U-18 event and true to the seeding he came through to the finals where he took on and beat Galways' Michael Clarkson 6-0, 6-1.
The U-16 event was the big one.
Here David was seeded 2, and considering he was seeded 1 in the U-18 event it just shows how difficult this draw was. David made it to the final where his opponent was Coilin MacNamara.
Coilin hadn't lost at this age group yet this year. David has played Coilin on a few occassions over the last couple of years and they have always had good battles, with results being unpredictable and both tasting success.
There was, however, only going to be one winner this time and with the form David has being showing it was he who succeeded on a scoreline of 6-2, 6-4.
Following Malahide was the Munster Senior Open, where as a fourteen year old David was the youngest in the draw. Age didn't seem to matter and playing beyond his years David beat senior interpros along the way before succumbing to eventual winner Jamie Blake in the semi finals.
After good performances in singles and doubles David headed to Naas Junior Open with confidence high.
Playing in the U-16 singles, David was seeded 2 behind Sean O Rourke, his doubles partner.
Following some very impressive performances and none more so than the final, David beat Eoin Fitzsimons 6-2, 6-0 to add to his list of titles for the year.
Then teaming up with Sean they took on the number 1 and 2 from the U-18 singles draw and won 6-4, 6-2, to give David another double in Leinster.
Congratulations David and I have no doubt there is more to come.
Fitzgerald rules in Limerick
Paul Fitzgerald was top dog in the recent South of Ireland Open in Limerick Lawn Tennis Club.
The South. as the locals like to call it, is a big open that can attract players from all over and it was good to see Paul continue his good form (following his win at Rushbrooke Easter). This bodes well for Munster's chances in the upcoming Interpros, with their top players performing well throughout the country.
Paul teamed up with fellow interpro Cian Blake in the doubles but unfortunately this was a bit of a non event as they received walkovers the whole way through.
The South. as the locals like to call it, is a big open that can attract players from all over and it was good to see Paul continue his good form (following his win at Rushbrooke Easter). This bodes well for Munster's chances in the upcoming Interpros, with their top players performing well throughout the country.
Paul teamed up with fellow interpro Cian Blake in the doubles but unfortunately this was a bit of a non event as they received walkovers the whole way through.
Bishopstown Junior Open - Enter here
Bishopstown has one of the most active junior programmes anywhere in Ireland and they will be hoping this is reflected in results in their upcoming junior open.
To enter click here.
To enter click here.
Season well underway across all levels.
Here's a few events just getting underway, so if you have any spare time and want to watch some tennis head to Sundays Well during the day for the Munster Junior Ope and watch some of our future stars in action.
You can keep up to date with the scores and schedules here.
Also just starting is Carrigaline Senior Open. Now they have to have fingers, toes and whatever else they have crossed in the hope they get a dry finals day. This is an event that has had its finals rained off for the last 2 years, so with a bit of luck they get a glorious week, which will be no more than they deserve.
Keep in touch with what's happening here.
Just finished is Lakewood. Scores and report to follow shortly.
You can keep up to date with the scores and schedules here.
Also just starting is Carrigaline Senior Open. Now they have to have fingers, toes and whatever else they have crossed in the hope they get a dry finals day. This is an event that has had its finals rained off for the last 2 years, so with a bit of luck they get a glorious week, which will be no more than they deserve.
Keep in touch with what's happening here.
Just finished is Lakewood. Scores and report to follow shortly.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Babolat Cork Tennis League Updated Scores
After the recent tournaments here's an updated list of how the scoring looks.
James Cooney 16 points
Tim Ryan 13 points
Conor Ahern 5 points
Piotr Czarnecki 5 points
Sheila Stokes 21 points
Trish O Leary 8 points
There is still plenty of time to register and lots of tournaments to play to give yourself a chance of winning the fabulous prizes on offer from Cork Tennis and Babolat.
Munster Senior Open 2011 - Results
The Munster Senior Open finished at Sundays Well Tennis Club on Saturday in tough windy conditions.
The weather however didn't dampen peoples spirits as there was a good turnout of supporters who were provided with some very entertaining matches throughout the day.
The Munster Senior Open is a title everybody wants and this was obvious all week when you could see how hard players battled to get through to finals day.
The event was very well organised by Stephen McCarthy, Alice Fawsitt and the rest of the team and on arrival you were always greeted with a warm welcome.
One of the talking points of the week was the food. This was supplied by Brook Catering who were also the title sponsors. This made perfect sense to me and I can't understand why it hasn't being done before. How often to sponsors get an immediate return on their investment and also have the opportunity to promote what they do best to a large number of people. This could be start of a trend, Liam.
There are so few tournaments where all grades are represented and also where players get the chance to play singles as well as doubles. In fact there are only two and this definitely adds to the event.
A few players did the double and they are worth mentioning, Clodagh Fitzgerald, Joanne O Keeffe, Jamie Blake and Ronan Conway. Well done to all on their great achievement.
Another player worth mentioning is Nicola Drummy from Dublin (but of Cork blood. Nicola's father Victor is a four time winner of the premier singles). Nicola at 14 is possibly the youngest winner of the Ladies Premier Singles. That is a fabulous achievement and Nicola is a player definitely worth watching in the future.
Results:
MS1 Jamie Blake V Rob Leahy 6-1/6-4
LS1 Nicola Drummy V Lucy Easton 7-5/6-2
MD1 Jamie/Cian Blake V Antoine Bercy/Rob Leahy 6-2/6-3
LD1 Niamh Coveney/Joanne Williamson V Deirdre Collins/Toni O Keeffe 6-0/6-2
MS2 Conor McCarthy V Silvio Di Blasi 6-3/6-3
LS2 Clodagh Fitzgerald V Un Ryle 6-2/6-3
MD2 Paul Cotter/Joe O Donovan V Silvio Di Blasi/Donal Neary 6-3/2-6/7-5
LD2 Clodagh Fitzgerald/Siobhan Murray V Connie Creed/Grace Reidy 7-6/6-7/7-6
MX2 Sommer Craig/Dave Thompson V Sinead Power/Eddie Ronayne 3-6/6-3/6-2
MS3 John Ryan V Gerard Sheehan 6-2/6-2
LS3 Karen Barry V Joanna O Riordan 7-5/6-2
MD3 Richard Bywater/Jeremy Forde V Paul O Callaghan/Hugh Harrington 6-0/6-3
LD3 Gillian/Louise Brohan V Kay Lynch/Daragh Quinn 3-6/6-0/6-2
MX3 Carol Daly/Niall Aherne V Daragh Quinn/Hugh Harrington 7-5/6-3
MS4 Rob Jenkins V James Cooney 6-4/6-2
LS4 Ilona Stuntebeck V Tara Mukerjee 6-3/2-6/6-2
MD4 Dominic Crowley/Tom Reidy V Leo O Leary/Rob Jenkins 6-1/6-2
LD4 Joanne O Keeffe/Margaret Roche V Nime Stefanstonn/Sandra Higgins
MX4 Joanne O Keeffe/Brian Dennis V Sandra Higgins/Declan Malone 6-4/6-3
MS5 Ronan Conway V Diarmuid Hurley 6-4/7-5
LS5 Marie O Sullivan V Dervilla Griffin 7-6/6-4
MD5 Ronan Conway/John O Donovan V Kenny Ding/Tim O Donovan 7-6/6-2
LD5 Jo Cahalane/Jenny Warren V Therese Horn/Carol O Shea 6-0/6-4
MX5 Sarah Dwane/Kenny Ding V Kitty Collins/Paul O Connell 7-6/6-4
MS6 Brian Hennessy V Martin Hurley 6-2/2-6/6-4
LS6 Emer Groarke V Roma Buckley 6-1/6-3
MD6 Tony Lyons/Uilliam O Lorcain V Daragh Fitzgerald/George Ross 6-1/6-3
LD6 Kitty Moynihan/Sheila Stokes V Tina Bushe/Shirley Kennelly 6-3/7-6
MX6 Alicia Collins/Diarmid Cronin V Martina O Sullivan/Paul Hogan 6-3/6-4.
Congratulations to the winners and the runners up.
Babolat Cork Tennis League points picked up by Sheila Stokes and James Cooney.
Finalists make note you are all missing out on the chance of winning a full kit including racket from Babolat.
The weather however didn't dampen peoples spirits as there was a good turnout of supporters who were provided with some very entertaining matches throughout the day.
The Munster Senior Open is a title everybody wants and this was obvious all week when you could see how hard players battled to get through to finals day.
The event was very well organised by Stephen McCarthy, Alice Fawsitt and the rest of the team and on arrival you were always greeted with a warm welcome.
One of the talking points of the week was the food. This was supplied by Brook Catering who were also the title sponsors. This made perfect sense to me and I can't understand why it hasn't being done before. How often to sponsors get an immediate return on their investment and also have the opportunity to promote what they do best to a large number of people. This could be start of a trend, Liam.
There are so few tournaments where all grades are represented and also where players get the chance to play singles as well as doubles. In fact there are only two and this definitely adds to the event.
A few players did the double and they are worth mentioning, Clodagh Fitzgerald, Joanne O Keeffe, Jamie Blake and Ronan Conway. Well done to all on their great achievement.
Another player worth mentioning is Nicola Drummy from Dublin (but of Cork blood. Nicola's father Victor is a four time winner of the premier singles). Nicola at 14 is possibly the youngest winner of the Ladies Premier Singles. That is a fabulous achievement and Nicola is a player definitely worth watching in the future.
Results:
MS1 Jamie Blake V Rob Leahy 6-1/6-4
LS1 Nicola Drummy V Lucy Easton 7-5/6-2
MD1 Jamie/Cian Blake V Antoine Bercy/Rob Leahy 6-2/6-3
LD1 Niamh Coveney/Joanne Williamson V Deirdre Collins/Toni O Keeffe 6-0/6-2
MS2 Conor McCarthy V Silvio Di Blasi 6-3/6-3
LS2 Clodagh Fitzgerald V Un Ryle 6-2/6-3
MD2 Paul Cotter/Joe O Donovan V Silvio Di Blasi/Donal Neary 6-3/2-6/7-5
LD2 Clodagh Fitzgerald/Siobhan Murray V Connie Creed/Grace Reidy 7-6/6-7/7-6
MX2 Sommer Craig/Dave Thompson V Sinead Power/Eddie Ronayne 3-6/6-3/6-2
MS3 John Ryan V Gerard Sheehan 6-2/6-2
LS3 Karen Barry V Joanna O Riordan 7-5/6-2
MD3 Richard Bywater/Jeremy Forde V Paul O Callaghan/Hugh Harrington 6-0/6-3
LD3 Gillian/Louise Brohan V Kay Lynch/Daragh Quinn 3-6/6-0/6-2
MX3 Carol Daly/Niall Aherne V Daragh Quinn/Hugh Harrington 7-5/6-3
MS4 Rob Jenkins V James Cooney 6-4/6-2
LS4 Ilona Stuntebeck V Tara Mukerjee 6-3/2-6/6-2
MD4 Dominic Crowley/Tom Reidy V Leo O Leary/Rob Jenkins 6-1/6-2
LD4 Joanne O Keeffe/Margaret Roche V Nime Stefanstonn/Sandra Higgins
MX4 Joanne O Keeffe/Brian Dennis V Sandra Higgins/Declan Malone 6-4/6-3
MS5 Ronan Conway V Diarmuid Hurley 6-4/7-5
LS5 Marie O Sullivan V Dervilla Griffin 7-6/6-4
MD5 Ronan Conway/John O Donovan V Kenny Ding/Tim O Donovan 7-6/6-2
LD5 Jo Cahalane/Jenny Warren V Therese Horn/Carol O Shea 6-0/6-4
MX5 Sarah Dwane/Kenny Ding V Kitty Collins/Paul O Connell 7-6/6-4
MS6 Brian Hennessy V Martin Hurley 6-2/2-6/6-4
LS6 Emer Groarke V Roma Buckley 6-1/6-3
MD6 Tony Lyons/Uilliam O Lorcain V Daragh Fitzgerald/George Ross 6-1/6-3
LD6 Kitty Moynihan/Sheila Stokes V Tina Bushe/Shirley Kennelly 6-3/7-6
MX6 Alicia Collins/Diarmid Cronin V Martina O Sullivan/Paul Hogan 6-3/6-4.
Congratulations to the winners and the runners up.
Babolat Cork Tennis League points picked up by Sheila Stokes and James Cooney.
Finalists make note you are all missing out on the chance of winning a full kit including racket from Babolat.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Best of luck Conor.
I know everyone will have their stories about the time Conor did this, or when I played Conor, and this I'm sure is the same all over the world as many players play Wimbledon for the first time this year.
But if anyone deserves their chance to perform on the big stage it is Conor and knowing him he won't be thinking about just one match, he will have his sights set on a certain Roger Federer.
This achievement alone will do more for Irish tennis than anything or anyone gone before him. I say this without being disrespectful to Louk Sorensen's achievement or as the media are mentioning Matt Doyle, the last 'Irish' man to play in Wimbledon.
The difference for me is, Conor grew up playing his tennis in Ireland, he travelled around playing the tournament scene, he played interpros for Munster, he has won Irish titles, he plays and trains in Dublin so he is more accessible to the Irish public and much better known.
All our up and coming juniors know Conor and have met him and no doubt have received words of encouragement or wisdom from him at some point. To a lot of them he is their inspiration and tomorrow he will be their hero playing in, what to us, is the biggest of the Grand Slams.
I have no doubt when I say 'GOOD LUCK' to Conor, I'm not just saying it from me, I'm saying it from the whole tennis population in Ireland.
Read a very interesting article written by Conor for this blog and you will get an insight into how tough it is on the tour and how hard you have to work to make a living. And then you will get an appreciation of what Conor has achieved in qualifying for Wimbledon.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Kinsale Open Results
LD 1\2 Lisa Long\Mary Claire McCarthy V Aine Kiernan\Joanna O Riordan 6-2\6-3
MX 1\2 Lisa Long\Conor Kelly V Sommer Craig\David Thompson 6-2\6-4
MD 3 Radim Pokopochiem\Frank Walsh V Jim Connolly\Leo O Leary 6-3\6-4
LD 3 Marion Healy\Rom Preston V Marion Gargin\Monica Williams 6-4\6-3
MX 3 Kay Lynch\Niall Cloke V Jesse Morris\Jim Good 5-7\6-2\6-3
MD 4 Rob Jenkins\Leo O Leary V Martin Neary\Declan Alton 6-3\6-3
LD 4 Sabine Graef\Jesse Morris V Therese Hurley\Tara Mukerjee 6-1\6-3
MX 4 Deirdre Duby\Kevin Moynihan V Jesse Morris\Sebastian Kadau 6-3\3-6\7-5
MD 5 Derek Murphy\John O Donovan V Brian Hennessy\Ken Hourihane 6-4\1-6\6-2
LD 5 Ursula Hogan\Jacqui O Mahony V Jo Cahalane\Jenny Warrren 6-1\3-6\6-3
MX 5 Catherine McCarthy\Niall Coonan V Sarah Morris\Paul Hogan 6-1\6-4
MD 6 Garry Fitzroy\Tony O Reilly V Alan McCarthy\Niall Stanley 6-3\6-4
LD 6 Kitty Moynihan\Sheila Stokes V Julie O Sullivan\Susan Wallace 7-5\6-3
MX 6 Therese Crowley\Brian Hennessy V Majella Daly\Tony O Reilly 6-3\6-0
Well done to Kinsale on another very successful open tournament.
Congratulations to the winners and runners up and to all who took part.
Babolat Cork Tennis League Points from this event.
Sheila Stokes 8 points.
MX 1\2 Lisa Long\Conor Kelly V Sommer Craig\David Thompson 6-2\6-4
MD 3 Radim Pokopochiem\Frank Walsh V Jim Connolly\Leo O Leary 6-3\6-4
LD 3 Marion Healy\Rom Preston V Marion Gargin\Monica Williams 6-4\6-3
MX 3 Kay Lynch\Niall Cloke V Jesse Morris\Jim Good 5-7\6-2\6-3
MD 4 Rob Jenkins\Leo O Leary V Martin Neary\Declan Alton 6-3\6-3
LD 4 Sabine Graef\Jesse Morris V Therese Hurley\Tara Mukerjee 6-1\6-3
MX 4 Deirdre Duby\Kevin Moynihan V Jesse Morris\Sebastian Kadau 6-3\3-6\7-5
MD 5 Derek Murphy\John O Donovan V Brian Hennessy\Ken Hourihane 6-4\1-6\6-2
LD 5 Ursula Hogan\Jacqui O Mahony V Jo Cahalane\Jenny Warrren 6-1\3-6\6-3
MX 5 Catherine McCarthy\Niall Coonan V Sarah Morris\Paul Hogan 6-1\6-4
MD 6 Garry Fitzroy\Tony O Reilly V Alan McCarthy\Niall Stanley 6-3\6-4
LD 6 Kitty Moynihan\Sheila Stokes V Julie O Sullivan\Susan Wallace 7-5\6-3
MX 6 Therese Crowley\Brian Hennessy V Majella Daly\Tony O Reilly 6-3\6-0
Well done to Kinsale on another very successful open tournament.
Congratulations to the winners and runners up and to all who took part.
Babolat Cork Tennis League Points from this event.
Sheila Stokes 8 points.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Amusing!!
I find it very amusing the way the Irish media jump on the band wagon of tennis when one of our guys is on the verge of a breakthrough into a Grand Slam.
Don't get me wrong the coverage is great for the game, but why can't it be covered on a more regular basis.
Tennis is played all over Ireland week in, week out. With competitions running all year round. We play in hail, rain, sleet and sometimes snow but without a mention.
Our open tournaments don't get covered by local papers, our Interprovincial championships might get a mention (a few lines in a small column in one of the national papers) and our Davis Cup or Federation Cup might as well be invisible.
People might say well would you not contact someone, or provide the papers with some information, but even this isn't always enough.
Last year prior to the Interpros for the U-14, U-18 and Senior teams, I contacted a local and a National paper and offered them information on who was playing, where the events were being held and also said I would feedback to them afterwards with results. None of the two papers replied.
The events were played and the Senior team returned victorious, their first win after seventeen years, and again there was no mention of this in the papers.
After speaking to a few people about this and them agreeing it was a disgrace I decided to contact the papers again and one of them replied saying if I put something together they would publish it.
They did! without any editing and gave credit to one of their reporters.
My point in all of this is, if you go through the local papers you will see pages on local GAA, local soccer, horse racing, road bowling and hockey, local dart leagues are mentioned, premiership soccer or intercounty matches have about four writers writing about the same match, yet tennis can't get a look in.
What do we need to do to get the papers to help us promote our game?
It would be great if people took it upon themselves to keep onto the papers about the lack of coverage our sport gets and hopefully they might give it a mention in the future.
All that being said Best of luck today Conor, you're doing us proud.
Don't get me wrong the coverage is great for the game, but why can't it be covered on a more regular basis.
Tennis is played all over Ireland week in, week out. With competitions running all year round. We play in hail, rain, sleet and sometimes snow but without a mention.
Our open tournaments don't get covered by local papers, our Interprovincial championships might get a mention (a few lines in a small column in one of the national papers) and our Davis Cup or Federation Cup might as well be invisible.
People might say well would you not contact someone, or provide the papers with some information, but even this isn't always enough.
Last year prior to the Interpros for the U-14, U-18 and Senior teams, I contacted a local and a National paper and offered them information on who was playing, where the events were being held and also said I would feedback to them afterwards with results. None of the two papers replied.
The events were played and the Senior team returned victorious, their first win after seventeen years, and again there was no mention of this in the papers.
After speaking to a few people about this and them agreeing it was a disgrace I decided to contact the papers again and one of them replied saying if I put something together they would publish it.
They did! without any editing and gave credit to one of their reporters.
My point in all of this is, if you go through the local papers you will see pages on local GAA, local soccer, horse racing, road bowling and hockey, local dart leagues are mentioned, premiership soccer or intercounty matches have about four writers writing about the same match, yet tennis can't get a look in.
What do we need to do to get the papers to help us promote our game?
It would be great if people took it upon themselves to keep onto the papers about the lack of coverage our sport gets and hopefully they might give it a mention in the future.
All that being said Best of luck today Conor, you're doing us proud.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)