Now that the kids are back in school and the evenings are closing in, it’s a good time to reflect on a wonderful summer for the juniors in Sandycove Tennis & Squash Club.

It was great to have Aine involved in the summer camp this year and, with the experience of Rob, they put together a well structured programme that had an emphasis on both tennis and fun. Over the course of the summer, more than 100 kids, ranging in age from 7 to 14, took part in the Summer Camp. For the most part, the weather was great and, hopefully, the activities encouraged everyone to get involved in the coaching that will be starting soon. An important aspect of the camp is also the involvement of older juniors who act as camp assistants and provide a bridge between the younger kids and the adult side of the club. The practice during the summer camp obviously paid off, as so many of the summer assistants excelled in the Senior Championships with Maebh Moore winning the Ladies Singles and Will FitzGerald being edged out by a slightly older junior in Oisin O’Hanlon in the Men’s Singles!

A special thanks to Rob for running the Handicaps and Aine for organising the Junior Championships.

The Junior finals day is always a major event in the club calendar and it was great to see so many children and parents on the day. The talent show has become a highlight of the day and thanks again to Helen Curran and Louise Henderson for stepping forward to manage the event. The day would not be complete without the traditional BBQ and thanks to Alan Cherry and John Cronin for putting up with both torrential rain and blistering sunshine to provide deliciously cooked burgers. Behind all the catering was the steady hand of Agnes Danaher, our Junior Co-ordinator, who was always available to direct and cajole people into helping. She was also a major part of the administration of the summer camp collating the funds, doing the Musgraves runs and keeping the luminous sweets of the tuck shop menu – Thanks Agnes for all your work during 2019!

The entire Junior programme throughout the year was overseen by our Junior Officer, Paul Fitzgerald and I would like to personally acknowledge and thank Paul for all his excellent work and commitment to this vital component of the club.

There are a large number of events scheduled for the rest of the year between leagues, club afternoons, coaching etc. To ensure everyone is aware of the activities and to get feedback, there will be an information evening arranged shortly and we would encourage as many parents as possible to attend.

Ken Browne
Club President