Autumn Team Tennis

Autumn Team Tennis started last week. Once again we have 96 players - 8 teams playing on Thursday and 4 teams playing on Wednesdays. Rain has already halted play so let's hope for better weather. One really important thing to note is the importance of arriving and starting on time. This rule, which was the brainchild of a participant not the committee, is designed to ensure that 11 people are not disrupted because one person is late. It is not designed to penalise the person who is late but that is the result. If someone is late starting then the other 3 players are delayed longer than they should be. Then the 4 starting after are delayed by the same time as are the next four due to go on. In the past this caused huge anger especially amongst the people due to go out last as it meant their matches cdid not finish till 10.30. So it really is a question of being fair to everyone. Generally with a little effort we can be on time but in the rare cases where we can't it's only fair to apologise and forfeit the appropriate number of games.

Senior League

The worst thing about Senior league is that the first match takes place the day after Captain's Day. Fortunately this year both the men's and ladies teams got off to a good start with 3-0 wins. The men have had mixed fortunes since then but the ladies have continued their winning ways and are set to qualify for playoffs. Our last match today will determine whether we qualify as winners or runners up. Winning would give us home advantage in the next round so fingers are crossed.

Captains' Day

Captains' Day took place on Sat, Aug 28th and what a day it was! People started arriving from 10.30 and registration began about 11am. We imbibed glasses of punch as teams assembled and finally it was time to start. Teams of 8 did good natures battle with each other until mid afternoon until a winning team emerged. This was Tean B led by past Captain Bill Scott and included John Sheridan, Joanne Cosgrave, Joanne Poland, Mary Rose Callan, Michael Glynn, Stella Nolan & Annmarie Ryan. Thanks Judy Matthews, Lisa Matthews & Sally de Foubert for you did to give us such a wonderful day's tennis. I know exactly how difficult a job this is and really appreciate it.
I left Elm Park at around 4.30 and there was nothing to indicate the transformation that would take place over the next couple of hours. I arrived back at 7.30 and was absolutely astounded - it looked like Carolyn McArdle and her team of Olwyn Ryan, Marielle Blake & Joan Harley had waved a magic wand over the dining room. To say the room looked amazing is such an understatement - it was simply gorgeous and ablaze with colour which I am passionate about.
The colour theme continued when we sat down to dinner -Mary Grier, Rose Haugh, Brian Hagan & John Ryan provided us with some very colourful entertainment and set the tone for the night.
Paul Dunlea & his team served up an excellent meal which was punctuated with speeches and prize givings. We tried to keep these to a minimum and hopefully did not bore you too much. After dinner entertainment was provided by The Snails and it wasn't long before everyone was dancing.
Once again a heartfelt thank you to eveeryone who helped make this such a special day.

Junior Grasscourt Finals

The Junior Grasscourt Finals took place on Sun, Aug 22nd. The sun shone and there some great matches were played. I think there was 13 finals in total but don't have the list to hand - I will post later. However I would like to single out Danny Maher - winner of U18s Singles, Boys Doubles & Mixed Doubles. Brilliant Danny!
Thanks to Yvonne Sheedy, Lisa Matthews and Junior Captains Joanne & Danny for all your hard work.

2010 Handicap Tournament

The Handicaps took place throughout the month of August and as usual there were some great battles. The Men's and Ladies' Singles were captured by new members John Purcell & Suzanne Cahill. They beat Brian Maye & Yvonne Sheedy respectively. In the Men's Doubles Brian Hagan & Mick O'Dwyer beat Paddy O'Boyle & Seamus McLaughlin while in the Ladies Doubles Mary Mulloy & Joan Feeney beat Stella Nolan & Iris Taylor. The Mixed saw Brian Hagan & Mary Mulloy triumph again beating Seamus McLaughlin & Joan Feeney. Congratulations to all of you - just making a final is some achievement.

Elm Park v Banbridge

The annual match took place in Banbridge this year on Sat Aug 7th. The team that travelled was Derek Collins, Joe Meehan, Noel Devitt, Eanna McHugh, Frazer McKimm, Seamus McLaughlin, Mary Mulloy, Yvonne Ryan, Pauline O'Driscoll, Siobhan Ryan, Deirdre Howett & Linda Clarke. We had a very enjoyable day's tennis with the final score being 6-6 which really reflected the day. We had a fabulous meal in The Pot Belly and drank and danced well into the early hours of Sunday. Indeed there were a few who carried on a bit longer back at the hotel but I'll say no more about that.
For those of you who don't know the history this is an annual match that goes back to the 70s and the Troubles. Teams have travelled up and down every year since it's inception and often at times when few people would cross the boarder. It is a very special event and something to be proud of. In addition it is great fun as everyone who has travelled will testify to.

It's been a long time!

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted but I've been without broadband at home. A long ruuning saga finally ended yesterday morning and I am back online. Elm Park takes up a lot of time at work as it is so blogging as well is simply not an option.

Grasscourt Finals

The Grasscourt Finals took place yesterday in dull but otherwise perfect tennis weather. In the Ladies Singles experience had the edge over youth with Jean Twohig emerging victorious over Louise Boden. Conor Gibney beat Brendan Barrett in a fast paced hard-hitting match. Both Conor and Jean are already the 2010 Hardcourt Champions which is an excellent achievement.
The Ladies Doubles was won by Annette Burke and Fiona de Lacy Murphy in a hard fought two setter against Deirdre Howett and Jean Twohig while Killian McCrea and Mike Coyle took three sets to defeat Alan Barrett and Rob O'Donnell in a very entertaining match.
John Ryan and Deirdre Howett are the Mixed Doubles Champions having overcome the family partnership of Mark & Mary Poland in a match which had been played earlier.
Well done to everyone!

This week in Elm Park

The Grasscourt Championships are nearing a close now with finals taking place this Sunday. The schedule for play will be available nearer the day which should see some great tennis.
The draw for the Handicap Tournament has taken place and can be found here. This will be played over the next four weeks with the finals being held on Saturday, August 21st.
Meanwhile Club Night is continuing every Thursday with mixed weather and mixed attendance but is always a good evening of tennis.
We held our last semi open of 2010 on Friday last and were blessed with fine weather despite a very bleak forecast. Once again we had around 40 players and good tennis, good food and good music were enjoyed by all.
There is supervised tennis for Junior members from Mon - Fri during July and August which is being well attended. Supervisors Louise and Rory organise lots of things to suit all age groups and everyone is encouraged to participate.
Captains' Day is August 28th so keep an eye out for the notices. There will be a team tennis event during the day followed by a Dinner that night when we will also have the prizegiving for the Grasscourt Championships, Handicap tournament and the President's Prize.

Semi Open Friday July 16th

Elm Park host the last semi open of Summer 2010 on Friday next. Registration is at 6.30 with play commencing at 7pm. Enjoy an aperitif of Prosecco after play on the terrace to the sounds of guitarist David. There will be an optional steak BBQ at cost of 15 per person.

Junior / Senior Tournament

The annual Junior / Senior tournament took place on Sunday, 11th July. We had a great turnout and thanks to Yvonne and Lisa the day ran really smoothly and everyone enjoyed a super afternoon of tennis followed by a tasty BBQ. Winners of the main prize were Des Roche and Timothy Sheedy who beat Joseph Grealey and Federation Cup player Jenny Claffey to take the title. The trophy for this will be presented after the Junior Grasscourt Championships final.

Grasscourt Championships

The Grasscourt Championships have commenced. Click here for the draw.

Grasscourt Championships

It's that time again - the Grasscourt Championships start on Saturday 10th July with the finals taking place on Sunday 25th July. The Prize Giving will be on Captains' day, August 28th.

Entry fee for 1 or 2 events is €10, fee for 3 events is €12. Click here to download entry form.

Completed entry form with entry fee to be put in Tennis box in Caddy Masters office. Entries close Friday 2nd July @ 8pm.

Any queries call Alan 087 9548517

Latest News

It was a busy weekend for Elm Park with mixed results. On Saturday the men's 1st team lost in the 1/4 finals of Class 2 Summer League to a very strong Carrickmines team. We held a semi open tournament on Friday night which was followed by a BBQ - the entry wasn't quite as high as usual (something to do with World Cup maybe?) but it was a fabulous hot, sunny night. There was some great tennis played and a lively gang enjoyed pink prosecco and delicious steaks afterwards on the terrace. Meanwhile Club night continues every Thursday - there is a great format so players get lots of tennis. This is the perfect opportunity to have a regular game without any effort, or to get back to tennis or for newer members the ideal way to get to know people.

Summer League - Men

The men's 1st team have reached the play-off stages of Class 2 and will face Carrickmines away on Saturday. Best of luck to everyone!
The 2nd team which featured some of our younger players has held it's own in Class 3 which is a good result. The 3rd team struggled this year but may retain their Class 5 status.
Thanks to all players who participated in Summer League and, once again, good luck to the lads in Carrickmines.

Semi Open - Friday June 18th

Our next Semi Open is on Friday, June 18th. An excellent opportunity to invite friends to Elm Park for grass court tennis and a BBQ.

Pre-registration is required - either phone or text Linda 087 274 3936 or email linda@twopacksupplies.com by Wednesday,June 16th.

Play starts at 7pm but everyone must be there by 6.30 to sign in etc to enable play to start promptly.

Summer League Update

The Mens 1st team are in 2nd place (joint) in their section with one match to play. A good result should see them qualifiy for the quarter finals so we wish them the best of luck. The Men's 2nd & 3d teams and Ladies 1st team are struggling in their respective sections. Unfortunately a shortage of Class 3 players is putting a lot of pressure on the teams this year. The Ladies 2nd team are mid table and holding their own so far.

Irish Open Veterans 2010

The Irish Open Veterans takes place in Elm Park from Thursday June 3rd to Monday June 6th. Some of Ireland's finest players will take part in this event in addition to players from other countries. Our very best wishes to Elm Park participants Joan Kelly, Mary Poland and Michael Wogan. In addition to playing ,Michael is also the tournament organiser assisted by Joe Flood and referee Veronica Lyons - thanks a million to all of you.
All draws, schedules and results can be found here

Such a Good Evening

The Summer Semi Open Tennis Tournaments got off to a cracking start last night. 40 people played tennis and more arrived to enjoy the BBQ afterwards. It was a glorious evening - easily the hottest night so far this year - and everyone played on both grass and all weather courts. The tennis finished up around 9 and everyone, lured by the gorgeous aromas emanating from the BBQ, made their way into the bar where a glass of Prosecco awaited. David Taylor, singer and guitarist extraordinaire, played and sang some great numbers while we feasted on succulant steaks with all the trimmings. All in all, a super evening and a hearty thanks to Judy Matthews who organised the evening and to Lisa Matthews & Pete Lowther for getting everyone out on court.
Next one is Friday, June 18th - remember to register early!

Ladies still chasing 1st League Win

The Ladies 1st & 2nd teams both had their second league outings last night. The 1st team travelled to Sutton but were unable to secure a point. The 2nd team fared better winning at nos. 2 & 3 singles before going down 2-3. Two of the other matches were close with the 1st doubles losing in the 3rd set. Onwards & upwards ladies!

Latest on Summer League

The men enjoyed 2 wins out of 3 this weekend. 1st team won 4-1 and 2nd team won 3-2. The 3rds also picked up a point in their match. Latest results can be found here.

Junior Coaching & Tennis Camps

Summer 2010 will be a busy one for Junior Tennis Members. In addition to supervised tennis (details to follow soon) there are Tennis Camps and Coaching Programmes for all age groups and all standards. These are run by Pete Lowther, Director of Tennis and members enjoy a discounted rate.
For more details see the Elm Park Website by clicking here

Fix It Clinics

There will be no Fix It Clinic this Tuesday, May 18th. They will continue on May 25th, June 1st and June 8th - 7-8pm. Just turn up on Courts 6&7.

Club Night

Club Nights kicked off on Thursday. 16 players participated and a most enjoyable evening of tennis was had by all. Club night is for everyone so come along next Thursday. Last registration is 6.45 in the Bar and play starts at 7pm. Players must be there in person and in time to register.

Summer League Update

It was a disappointing start to Summer League this year with the Men's 3rds being the only team to record a win. They beat De Vesci 3-2. Ladies 1st & 2nds lost 2-3 and 1-4 respectively while Mens 1st & 2nds lost 1-4 and 2-3. Good luck to all in next match!

Semi Open Friday May 21st

Our first Semi Open Tennis event of 2010 takes place on Friday, May 21st. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite a friend or two to Elm Park and enjoy the BBQ after.
Registration is 6pm in the Bar and play commences at 6.30pm. Members can invite up to 3 guests and cost of entry is €10 to include a cocktail after. The Steak BBQ is €15 per person.
Please confirm entries with Judy 0862590101 or judymmatthews@eircom.net before Wednesday, May 19th.

Mary Cantwell RIP

Elm Park lost a valued member of the Tennis Club this week when Mary Cantwell passed away after a short illness. Mary was an active tennis player and supported every event whether with her racquet or her camera. She also golfed and loved her bridge. She was quick to acquaint herself with new members and always had a smile and a few words for people. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family. She will be missed.

Club Night Is Back!

Club Night is Thursday night. Starting this Thursday, May 13th it will take place every week until August 19th. It's friendly doubles and there will be a prize each week. It is also a cumulative tournament. Players scores accumulate from week to week and the player with the highest score at the end will win the President's Prize which will be presented at the Captain's Day Dinner. Cyril Maybury is the overall referee although different committee members will run the event each week.
Registration is in Bar - 6.45pm latest and play starts at 7pm sharp.
Complimentary glass of wine on May 13th after play.

Junior Team Tennis

Junior Team Tennis Finals will take place on Saturday, May 15th. Seven teams of eight played - thanks to Yvonne Sheedy for organising and to all the parents who helped out by captaining teams.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to past captain Veronica Lyons on winning the Ladies Golf Vice Captains Prize with a massive 43 points.

Mixed League

We are keen to enter teams in the Mixed League if there is sufficient interest and commitment from members. Matches are on Friday nights during July. See Notice Board for more details or contact Dave 086 6085390 or Fiona 086 1675277.

Summer League

Summer League 2010 commenced on May 8th. Elm Park has entered three mens and two ladies teams. Best of luck to all of them!

CAPTAINS' SERVE IN

The Captains' Serve In took place on a chilly Sunday afternoon. We were delighted to welcome President Fred Graham and Golf Captain Paul Boksberger.Despite the weather forecast the rain held off and a pleasant afternoon's tennis was held. After the tennis we enjoyed Prosecco, Strawberries & Cream with delicious meringues to the sounds of Manila Rythym on the Rose Lawn. The afternoon concluded with the Prize Giving for the Hardcourt Championships and the Serve In tournament.

Hardcourt Championships

The annual Hardcourt Championships took place between April 17th and May 2nd. Thanks to Alan Barrett they went really smoothly with draws, schedule and results all available online. The finals took place on the morning of the Captains' Serve In and ran well into the afternoon. We were treated to some wonderful tennis and congratulate all who played on the day.
Men's Singles Winner Conor Gibney Runner Up Brendan Barrett
Ladies Singles Winner Jean Twohig Runner Up Fiona Murphy
Mens Doubles Winners K.McCrea & M.Coyle Runner Up A. Barrett & R.O'Donnell
Ladies Doubles Winners A. Burke & F.Murphy Runner Up J.Twohig & A.Gibney
Mixed Doubles Winners D.Collins & A.Burke Runner Up B.O'Brolchain & L.Boden

Social Mixed Golf

The two Golf Clubs and the Tennis Club took to the Golf Course on Sunday, April 25th. The annual match between the Men & Ladies Golf and the Tennis Club has evolved into a twice yearly social mixed foursomes followed by a BBQ. This is a great event which brings the clubs together in a most enjoyable way. Our thanks to Annmarie Ryan, Frank Lyons and Jack O'Keeffe for organising the event.

Fashion Show

The Ladies of Elm Park enjoyed coffee & mouth-watering cakes on Saturday, April 24th while fellow members sashayed down the catwalk modelling the latest collections from Seamus Green. Once again Carolyn McArdle and her superb team organised a great show which this year was attended by well over 100 ladies.

Progressive Doubles / Singles Round Robins

Progressive Doubles was a huge success last year particularly with the ladies. It will be on Wednesday nights for the ladies and Thursday nights for the men, starting on Wednesday & Thursday, April 14th & 15th. Entry forms available by the Notice Board.
Singles Round Robins will also start that week and matches are played by agreement within set timeframe. Sign up sheet is on Notice Board.

Social Tennis

Social Tennis will commence on Wednesday, April 14th. Play starts at 10am and all are welcome - just show up. Mary Poland and Lisa Matthews will be there to meet you and there will be complimentary tea / coffee afterwards for the first three weeks.

Serve In - Change of Date

The Tennis Captains' Serve In will now take place on May 2nd. Sorry for change of date but it's unavoidable. More details to follow soon.

Coffee Morning & Fashion Show

Our inaugural Coffee morning and Fashion Show was a big hit with the Ladies last year. The 2010 event takes place on Saturday, April 24th at 11am and doubtless will be another success. All members of Elm Park are welcome.

Ladies Summer League

Calling all Ladies. Summer League kicks off in May and there are 3 singles and 2 doubles on a team. Sign up on the Noticeboard if interested in playing.
Singles Round Robins and Progressive Doubles will also be starting immediately after Team Tennis so there is no time to waste - sign up today!

Looking for a Regular Game?

Are you looking for a regular game? We know lots of members play team tennis, progressive doubles or whatever but don't actually have a regular game. Judy Matthews has agreed to act as a contact for anyone who wishes to play more tennis - singles or doubles, any standard. Call her today!

Junior Tennis

Yvonne Sheedy has made a great start to the Junior Tennis year. Activities including friendly tournaments, U12 & U17 leagues, Team Tennis and the Hardcourt Championships are all taking place between now and the end of April.
It has also been agreed that some parents should be enlisted to help Yvonne and Lisa with Junior activities. A meeting took place on Saturday last with this in mind - we'll let you know the outcome soon.

Winter League

The men entered 3 teams in the DLTC Winter League and the ladies 2 teams. Suffice it to say this was not our best campaign and hopefully we will do better in the Summer League.

Team Tennis

Spring Team Tennis is currently under way. We had a big entry again - 96 players plus subs. We have 8 teams playing on Thursday nights which has necessitated a change in the date of the Finals Night. Finals will now take place on April 1st!
Wednesday night is a much more intimate affair which just 4 teams playing. These teams are playing each other 3 times so as to finish at the same time as the Thursday teams.
The introduction this year of the 10 minute rule (thanks Leo Mangan) has definitely helped with puntuality on the night. Late starts had become a huge bone of contention with players as it meant teams playing the last matches were often starting long after scheduled time. Hopefully the improved time-keeping will continue.
Updates on scores to follow shortly.

AGM

The Agm was held on Jan 13th and heralded in some new faces on the Committee. Mark Sobczyk has created a poster which is displayed on the notice board with photos of the committee so you can put a face on the following names.

Tennis Captain Linda Clarke
Mens Captain Mark Sobczyk
Hon Secretary Brian Maye
Hon Treasurer Jack O'Keeffe
Alan Barrett
Sally de Foubert
Dave Glynn
Judy Matthews
Cyril Maybury
Carolyn McArdle
Mary Poland
Yvonne Sheedy

Christmas Party

The annual Tennis Christmas party took place on December 5th. As ever it was a great night with good food, lots of wine and late night dancing to Frankie's Swing Band. Photos of Jim Murphy in the Captain's blazer suggest that he has set his sights on the role - and it was a great fit! Later, when all should have gone home a session started in the Bar with Mary Grier accompanying a motley bunch on the piano.