Official Opening of Court 5
UAbbeyleix Tennis Club is a vibrant Club in the heart of Abbeyleix Town. It has 4 all weather floodlit courts which caters for over 200 members. We run a busy competitions schedule all year round for adults however we also have a summer programme for kids and a weekly slot for teenagers.
Over the years it has become evident that there was a huge interest in the game in the area and a demand for another court. In 2010 we began work on our new Court 5. The court was dug out then tarmacked, marked out and a net put up. It was left like this until 2015. Although functional it was not lit up and no competitions could be played on it.
In 2015 having spent 5 years fundraising and saving and upon securing Sports Capital Funding we were in a position to make the next move to complete the court.
We have now covered it with ‘Tiger Turf’ grass to match our existing 4 courts and have erected lights. As our amount of members have increased, this court is in full demand and helps greatly with the running of our competitions.
The new Court 5 has a retractable net and some adaptable features which also means it can also be used by the local hockey club for their training.
We officially opened the court on Sunday 25th October with a wonderful turn out. Club representatice Leisa Fitzgerald spoke on behalf of the club and thanked all involved in securing the grant and completing the great work that was done. Mr Charlie Flanagan attended the opening ceremony and officially cut the tape. Also in attendance were all our local TD’s and many County Councillors. We were also honored to have Mr Tom De Vesci there to join in the celebrations.
Refreshements were served in the clubhouse afterwards with many past chairpersons and members in attendence.
The committee then organised a mixed doubles competition on the day to make use of the new court. 44 people from Abbeyleix, Rathangan and Kilkenny etc battled it out in this charity event with all proceedings going to the local branch of St. Vincent de Paul. The event was kindly sponsored by Martin Bonham of Bonham Bros Garage.
Prizes were presented to the winners and runners up of both sections and the John Walsh Salver went to the overall winners on a percentage basis. Mirian Kelly and Tom Madigan from Kilkenny took home the shield and thanked all involved in a hugely sucessful day.
Club chairperson Emily McDonald then presented the €1100 raised on the day to the president of the local SVP, Martin Bonham. Martin thanked all involved and ensured everyone that the money would be put to great use.
