The Men’s Summer League burst into action last weekend as all 8 teams got their campaigns underway, each with their sights firmly set on Summer League glory. With competitive fixtures across the board, the opening round delivered plenty of excitement, and early statements of intent as teams looked to build momentum from the very beginning.
It was a great start for Sandycove, With 7 of the 8 teams recording victories, Sandycove have laid down an early marker and shown the strength and depth running throughout the club this summer. The strong results reflect the hard work already being put in by players, captains, and coaches, and there is a real sense of optimism heading into the weeks ahead.
A special mention goes to Player of the Week, Conor Emerson, who showed tremendous composure and determination in the deciding match against Deerpark. In what proved to be a fantastic battle between two talented young players, Conor rose to the occasion and delivered a standout performance when it mattered most, helping secure another important result for Sandycove. His display was a brilliant example of the competitive spirit and quality already on show in this year’s Summer League.
1s
Sandycove 1st faced a strong Greystones 1st side in a competitive and entertaining fixture.
Max unfortunately drew the toughest assignment of the day, coming up against the Greystones head coach—an experienced player with a background on the APT Futures tour. While the result didn’t go his way, it was a valuable learning experience, and he can take plenty from competing against such a high-calibre opponent.
Next up was Will, who delivered an outstanding performance on the red clay. Facing a very talented U-18 junior—whose father had represented his country in the Davis Cup—Will showed great composure throughout. The second set tiebreak was a standout moment, a real masterclass in controlled aggression, which Will edged to secure a well-earned victory.
Cuan made his Sandycove debut in third singles and made an immediate impact. Like Will, he adopted an aggressive style, moving his opponent effectively from side to side and waiting for the short ball to attack. This approach proved particularly devastating in the second set, sealing an impressive win.
In doubles, Sandycove’s first pairing of Edoardo and Louise picked up exactly where they left off in the winter league. They dominated from start to finish, combining powerful baseline play with sharp touch at the net to control the match throughout.
Finally, Ross—also making his Sandycove debut—carried Cormac in the second doubles. Ross produced a strong performance, helping guide the pair to another comfortable victory against two talented U-18 opponents.
Overall, a strong showing from Sandycove, with some standout performances and promising debuts across the team.
2s
The second team travelled to Deerpark on Friday evening to take on the Deerpark first team in a tough away fixture.
At first singles, Robbie was involved in a titanic three-set battle. Despite ending up on the wrong side of the result, he showed tremendous determination throughout and looks in top condition for the remainder of the campaign.
Alex faced an opponent in second singles who simply could not miss on the night. While it proved a difficult opener, Alex continues to build valuable match sharpness through regular external tournament play and is well placed for the matches ahead.
Unfortunately, Rob’s match at third singles was cut short by injury. After hurting his back towards the end of the first set, his most famous weapon — a serve once clocked at a remarkable 138mph — was understandably blunted. Rob was forced to retire midway through the second set. Everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery.
At second doubles, Reif and Conor kindly stepped in as substitutes at short notice. They put in an excellent performance and were unlucky to come up just short. Many thanks to both for stepping up for the team.
The highlight of the evening came at first doubles, where seasoned campaigners and reliable point collectors Gill and Ferreira rose admirably to the challenge. Producing an excellent display, they secured a straight-sets victory to salvage a valuable point for the team.
Attention now turns to next Friday’s fixture away to Naas at 19:30. Travelling support is very welcome
3s
Sandycove 3rds kicked off their league campaign with an impressive 4–1 win over St Mary’s 1st team.
Mark Fourie and David Beamish got the team off to the perfect start with a great doubles win, made even better as it was David’s debut league match for the club. Colin Wardlaw and Sam Hughes faced a tough match in the other doubles and unfortunately came up short, but a big thank you to both for stepping in for the team.
In the singles, Luke Bennet was on form and showed great composure in a straight-sets win. Keith O’Byrne played some excellent tennis against a tricky opponent but dug deep to come through in three sets. Sam Hanley also put in a strong performance, fighting hard for a three-set win against a very consistent player.
A really encouraging start to the season for the team, who now head to Greystones next Saturday for their first away match of the campaign.
4s
The 4ths started their league campaign in positive fashion with a strong 4-1 home win against Castleknock on a fine Friday night.
At 1st singles, Sean Cronin used his superior power and conditioning to blast holes in his opponents game.
At 2nd singles, Patrick Dempsey overcame a cagey Cavan opponent, who gave nothing away for free.
At 3rd singles, Steve Boucher drew the singles short straw against an Italian stallion that appeared to just get everything back. Despite a gallant effort, Steve came up just short in a very competitive tie.
Alan Casey and Steve Tilson got into their doubles groove early and made short work of their opponents.
While Steve and Tom commenced this year’s campaign is similar fashion to how they conducted their 2025 season. Emphatic victors.
The 4ths look forward to welcoming back their spiritual leader, Ken “Sensai” Browne, from international duty this week as they head to Claremont Railway Union and the Stade Marcel Michelin for the 1st of their 4 consecutive away fixtures.
Bon Chance! L’Opportunite…C’est Enorme!
5s
5th team starting off with 3-2 win against Leopardstown 3rds. First off court at top doubles was captain Colin W and Sam Hughes who after missing several set points in 1st set lost in straights. Next off was Richie Smyth at 3rd singles with a very impressive straight sets win against a big hitting opponent. Great league debut for Richie. At 1st singles last minute super-sub Colin G won in straights after a very tough 2nd set where he had been 5-4 down. His opponent regular plays and wins Class 4 tournaments but Colin’s consistency was too strong for him. Next off our 2nd doubles Greg McDowell and Shane Gill lost in 3 tights sets against Richie Morris who was a regular on Sandycove 1st team in the not too distant past. Strong performance from Greg and Shane. That put the score at 2-2 with Conor Emerson involved in a great match at 2nd singles against another top junior. The over riding feeling from all the players on both sides watching on the balcony was ‘thank god I didn’t end up playing 2nd singles!’ Conor played great tennis to win 6/3 in the 3rd and clinch victory for the team on his summer league debut. Won’t be too long before Conor is playing on a higher team.
6s
Sandycove 6 kicked off the campaign on Saturday afternoon in the sunshine armed with 3 subs in Paul Kilduff, James Grant & Dave Hanley. Paul led the way with a quick and decisive 6-4 6-0 win in singles 1, Michael Murphy got over the line in a tougher 6-4 7-6 battle in singles 2, while James Grant was unlucky to lose out 6-2 6-3 in the 3rd singles game. Doubles 1 pair of Derek Buckley & John Emerson had a fairly straight forward 6-2 6-1 win and then last but not least the game of the day, saw our doubles 2 pair of Alan Warren & Dave Hanley win 6-3 6-7 6-1 to round off a good 4-1 start for the team. Big thanks again to Paul, James & Dave.
7s
Sandycove 7 got off to a winning start on Friday night against Enniskerry. Our singles kicked off the evening with
Dominic battling back from a set down to win 3-6 6-2 6-2
Marc McCabe also taking home the point in a well battled 7-6 7-5 win. With last singles John Shanley unlucky not to have come out on top in another 3 set encounter.
Our doubles pairings got off to a flawless start with Dermot and Andrew putting on a dominant display with a 6-1 6-1 victory. Conor and Jim also putting on a clinic with a 6-2 6-4 straight sets win.
A successful outing with round two kicking off this Saturday at 2pm in the Sandycove.
Class 8 Sandycove 8 away to Carraig LTC
Our opening match of the Summer League took us away to Carraig LTC in Blackrock on what turned a be a beautiful sunny day for tennis.
Lar Enderson and Paul Sinnott got proceedings underway with a straight forward 6-2, 6-0 victory at 1st doubles…Lar’s all round energy and fitness shining through.
At 2nd singles, Mark Gill barely broke a sweat with a commanding performance and a very comprehensive 6-1, 6-0 win.
At 2nd doubles Stephane de Bure and Brian McManus having secured the first set 6-1 had to rebuff a brief comeback by their opponents in the second set but managed to run out 6-3 winners to take the match
Conor Flanagan at 1st singles, having been up all night participating in the “Darkness to light” charity walk, then produced an excellent performance on court for the team with a very convincing 6-3, 6-1 win.
Finally, Matt McCann at 3rd singles produced an equally gritty performance with lots of long rallies to win his match 6-2, 6-2 and take the tie for Sandycove and a clean sweep….great performance all round from everybody to get our campaign well underway…!