This month proved to be one of the busiest in the tennis club calendar this year with the Galtee fundraising walk, the 60km fundraising cycle, our annual open tournament, the completion of our new clubhouse, the start of a new juvenile coaching term and a friendly juvenile tournament.

All praise and thanks to our dedicated committee and members who worked tirelessly and without complaint over the last number of weeks.

60KM FUNDRAISING CYCLE

Saturday, March 21st saw our inaugural 60km fundraising cycle take place. This particular fundraiser was the brainchild of Shane Ryan to whom the tennis club cannot extend enough gratitude to for the amount of work he put into planning and organising this wonderful event.

We were off to a good start when we were treated to such fantastic cycling weather with the sun shining and a gentle breeze. The route which was planned and outlined by Shane, took in Fermoy, Kilworth, Mitchelstown, Kildorrery, Glanworth and Ballyhooly with a water stop in Mitchelstown square.

Registration took place from 9am in Ballyhooly Community Centre where participants were treated to some teas and sandwiches before everyone congregated in the schoolyard for take-off at 10am.

There were some good challenges along the way which included the long pull up to the Glocamorra and into Kildorrery village so well done to everyone. The tennis club would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and again all funds raised will go towards our new clubhouse.

A special mention of thanks to the Three Counties MCC who escorted our cyclist throughout the entire route in a very impressive and professional manor making sure every road crossing and junction was safe. Thanks also to Fermoy An Garda Siochana for their assistance through Fermoy town, the St John’s Ambulance crew, and Hennessey Cycles who assisted with a breakdown vehicle in the event of any bike trouble.

Brian Douglas did a great job out the front in the pace vehicle while Killian McCarthy was at the back with the Blackwater Outdoor Activity truck to make sure no man was left behind. When we returned to Ballyhooly we were treated to welcoming smiles and applause at the finish.

Afterwards it was back to the hall where a wonderful spread of soup, sandwiches and teas and coffees were laid on by or usual hard working committee. A special thanks to Jackie and Shile who are always there to help with the catering at our fundraising events.

Thanks also to Ballyhooly National School Board of Management for allowing us the use of the schoolyard for the day.

BALLYHOOLY OPEN MIXED DOUBLES TENNIS FINAL

Last Friday we saw a thrilling conclusion to three weeks of fantastic tennis. We were so fortunate with the weather this year and all went to schedule. Thanks to our tournament sponsors Larry O’Keeffe and Tangled Yarns every cent raised by entries is going to the new club house fund.

Division one main final was a hard fought match with home team Sofia and Kevin taking the win against Open regulars Mary and Con from Whitechurch. Our division one plate final went down to the tie break decider with Emma and Dj from Emly taking the win over home team Mary and Michael.

The home club was also represented in the division two final by Suzanne and Killian against Mallow Kiara and Lee. This also went down to the tie-break decider and Ballyhooly took the win. With Division two this year taking home the O'Dwyer tarmac perpetual cup, Suzanne and Killian were a very proud team on the night.

Division three final was very close and as it was the first final of the night it set the tone. Long rallies with stylish play saw Kilworth Ursula and Tom take the win in the end over Ballyhooly Mike who was paired with Kilworth Annemarie. It is one of the great skills tournament organiser Kitty Collins has. You can enter as a team or individual or a team, Kitty will ensure you are evenly matched.

This tournament goes from strength to strength every year and one of the reasons for this is the welcome and hospitality all players receive. That being said, it could not happen without all the help our members give from making sandwiches, seeking sponsors and supporting on finals night. We look forward to running it again next year.

ADULT COACHING

After a very successful term last year we are happy to announce a new term of adult coaching starting Monday April 20th. The emphasis will be on fitness through tennis. Cardio tennis will give a full work out while participants learn and improve the skills and techniques of tennis. All abilities welcome.

Contact Suzanne on 087-9142721 to reserve a place. Numbers are limited so book early.

JUVENILE NEWS

We played host to Mallow U12s last Sunday and using a Round Robin American tournament format all of the 17 players got a chance to experience competitive match play for over 2 hours . We were all pleased to see our players standards are consistent with other clubs and all noted how as the day progressed each player was stronger on court and more consistent.

This highlights the need for practice matches so will will be organising more in the future. Great fun and games throughout the day with our new club house playing host. Thanks to all who turned up to play on the day all land to the parents from brow clubs who supported the day. Thanks to Kay, Suzanne, Malcom and Shane who gave a hand on the day.

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