Davis Cup - Why Not in Cork?

I was at Day 1 of the Ireland v Turkey Davis Cup match yesterday and was treated to some outstanding tennis.

I must admit when I arrived and heard that Luke Sorensen was out injured, I was disappointed as I had hoped to see him play and show my appreciation for his Australian Open efforts, but when the first match started any disappointment was quickly forgotten.

It was James McGee's singles debut and even though his world ranking (502)was higher than his opponents(1200), the experience of his opponent at Davis Cup level (playing since 1998) would have been a huge factor and would have made it an all the more difficult debut, but boy did McGee come out firing.
His all round game, fitness level, agility as well as amazing service returns really showed why there is a difference in the rankings.
It was my first time watching James play and I was very impressed, his willingness to come forward whenever possible is something that is severely lacking in tennis nowadays and at 22 he is only going to get better.
Watch this space!

As impressed as I was with James and not wanting to insult him in anyway, the next tie was the mouthwatering one.
Marsel IIhan, ATP ranking 129 Vs Conor Niland ATP ranking 244, you would expect a step up in levels and for me there was.

I have known Conor since he was a young boy, have being beaten by him and watched him play in his first Senior Interpro but this was a totally different player at a totally different level.

It was going to be a very big ask for Conor to get a result as not only was his opponent ranked higher than him but he also qualified for the main draw of the Australian Open this year and lost a good second round match to Fernando Gonzalez and at 22 is definitely a name for the future.
It was a fabulous no holes barred game of tennis, with unbelieveable rallies, big serves and great retrieving.
The main difference was Conor's overall ability to turn defence into attack time and again.
Marsel had a very big serve and forehand but for every big shot he hit, he found Conor there waiting with a counter punch that most of the time he had no answer to.
In a post match interview Conor said he was delighted with the way he played and the way he has being playing lately and still thinks he is improving.  I hope so.

With the doubles to come today, it could be all over by this evening and then we hope Britain come thru to set up an eagerly awaited clash in Dublin?

And now it comes to my heading, why Dublin? Why not Cork?

Before yesterday I would have thought we wouldn't have a chance at bringing a Davis Cup to Cork but when I saw the lay out in Fitzwilliam yesterday there is no reason in the world why The Sports Village could not hold a Davis Cup match.
Grand stand seating could be set up on one court with the matches played on the second court.  The soccer carpet could be lifted off the other 2 courts to make them available for practice. 
The courts are of a very high standard so that won't be a problem. 
A marquee could be set up for catering outside as it was in Fitzwilliam.  One or two little touches here and there and a bit of planning and the Davis Cup could come to Cork.
I have no doubt the Cork public would fill the place, the kids would benefit from watching that standard of play as not all can make it to Dublin for every home match.

After all it is Tennis Ireland, not Tennis Dublin.  Something to think about!