25-09-2017
Senior Club Championships
Paula Dowling and Sean Raftery were crowned ladies’ and men’s club champions last Sunday. Paula defeated Lisa Brennan in a three set titanic struggle which was a classic. In fact after two and a half hours of superb tennis the third set ended in an 11-9 tie breaker. Sean Raftery had to battle for over two hours also and finally clinched victory in the third set.
In the ladies doubles, Lisa Brennan and Sara Seoige combined to defeat the Paula Dowling/Deirdre Cox combination. The mixed doubles was won by the Paula Dowling/Cathal Kenny duo defeating Orla Kinahan and Atin Kohli.
The plate finals were also keenly contested. John Galvin had to play with exceptional skill and tenacity to overcome Eduardo Ballesteros Ribera. Sarah Seoige could relax as she had a walkover in the ladies final.
Orla Kinahan and Mary Jo O’ Farrell overcame Ann O’ Sullivan and Mary O’ Neill in the ladies doubles plate final. Mary partnered George Bodor to win the mixed doubles against Stephane Kenny and Kieran Mc Carthy. Jeremy Clarke and Jimmy Raleigh were too strong for the John Galvin/Marek Rose combination.
Laura Hunt in her first season as a member of our club overcame Laura O Cluaid, also a first timer, in the Ida Smith Cup.
See Photos in Gallery
Cup Finals
Ladies’ Singles: Paula Dowling beat Lisa Brennan
Men’s Singles: Sean Raftery beat Harry O’ Rourke
Ida Smith Cup: Laura Hunt beat Laura O Cluaid
Ladies’ Doubles: Lisa Brennan/Sarah Seoige beat Paula Dowling/Deirdre Cox
Men’s Doubles: Tim Clarke/Richard Frank V Rob Kearney/David Manser
Mixed Doubles: Paula Dowling/Cathal Kenny beat Orla Kinahan/Atin Kohli
Plate Finals
Ladies’ Singles: Sarah Seoige W/O
Men’s Singles John Galvin beat Eduardo Ballesteros Ribera
Ladies’ Doubles: Orla Kinahan/Mary Jo O’ Farrell beat Ann O’ Sullivan/Mary O’ Neill
Men’s Doubles: Jeremy Clarke/Jimmy Raleigh beat John Galvin/Marek Rose
Mixed Doubles: Mary O’ Neill/George Bodor beat Stephane Kenny/Kieran Mc Carthy
Tullamore Open
Best wishes and hopefully lots of super tennis from Athlone players competing in the Tullamore open this week. Competing are Paula Dowling, Laura Hunt, Des Windsor Mc Glynn, Richard Frank, John Galvin, Jimmy Raleigh, Dave Costello and David Manser.
Autumn Leagues
The autumn leagues will be starting in early October and all members interested in playing in the ladies and men’s leagues will have an opportunity to sign up early in October.
Junior Coaching
Clem Higginbotham continues coaching every Saturday for children under 7 at 10am. Children ages 8 to 11 have coaching at 11 and coaching for older children will start at 12. Clem can be contacted at 0864022490.
Derek Stenson’s coaching sessions started Tuesday 13th and are on every Tuesday and Friday at 4 and 5pm. He caters for children from 4 to 17 and for more details contact him at 0851080013 or to get his time table and registration form email Derek at rallyvolleysmash@gmail.com
Social Tennis
Men compete every Monday, the ladies play every Tuesday while mixed doubles competitions are held every Thursday. These nights are opportunities for new potential members to come along and play a few games.