29-08-2016
Dennis Johnston Memorial Cup Competition
This annual competition was held in Mullingar tennis club last Sunday and one of the Athlone teams competing were victorious. Eight teams were involved in playing for this coveted cup. They were divided in two groups with each team having to play three other teams in eight games of men’s, ladies and mixed doubles events.
All thirty two players started play at 11am and by 4pm, with a 20 minute break for refreshments, the winning teams from each group were Athlone and Mullingar. These two teams then contested the final.
Athlone ladies Michele Culligan and Ann O’ Sullivan won their doubles match 5-3 while Richard Frank and Dave Costello won 6-2 giving the away team a significant lead. In the first mixed doubles Michele and Richard lost 2-6, however Ann and Dave won their mixed doubles 5-3.
Athlone other team members Joan Conway, Rose Costello, John Bray and John Cooney were narrowly defeated in their group, they competed exceptionally well losing out narrowly for a place in the final.
The format of this competition was changed this year from a league played over five weeks to a one day event. It was a brave decision by Mullingar organiser David Cornally. Great credit is due to him for organising a hugely successful and enjoyable tournament. The weather was glorious and with two serves each by all competitors in every match there was continuous movement and inter action by all competitors.
Senior Club Championships
The senior club championships are due to commence from Monday 5th with the finals due to played Saturday 24th September. These championships are considered the high light of the club year and members interested in competing in the singles, doubles and mixed doubles events should sign up by Saturday 3rd September.
Midland League
Athlone division 3 members Orla Kinahan, Michele Culligan, George Bodor and Richard Frank played against Birr Wilmer 2 and were happy with a2-2 draw against a very good Birr outfit. Their next outing is away to Birr Wilmer 3.
Division 4 team members Ann O’ Sullivan, Joan Conway, John Cooney and Dave Costello have an away and final league match against Loughrea this Tuesday.
Summer Leagues
This week sees the completion of the summer leagues. There are still a few matches to be played but at this stage the likely winners from each group are Jeremy Clarke, Des Windsor Mc Glynn, and John Bray. The lady winners may be Lisa Brennan and Anna Walsh. Presentation of prizes will be on Thursday 1st with both ladies and men’s pyramids then updated.
Novel Mixed Doubles Event
A novel family mixed doubles competition is being organised for Saturday 10th September from 5 to 7pm. The stronger family teams will be handicapped so all teams can compete with confidence.
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 is available to coach junior and adults and for more details contact him at 0851080013.
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.