​New Tennis Courts Ready For Play

by Jack Treacy

Councillors Evelyn Parsons (centre) and Tim Broderick (far right), who Have Kindly Contributed €5,000 to the Club’s New Development, With Committee Members (L-R) Joe Staunton, Sarah Doherty and Breege O’Brien at Ardscoil Mhuire

The first phase of Ballinasloe Tennis Club’s new development above the running track in Brackernagh is finally due to open!
 
This first  phase cost was over €80,000, €28,000 of which was funded by a Sports Capital Grant, memberships, extensive fundraising, as well as generous donations from councillor Dr Evelyn Parsons and Cllr Tim Broderick, Ballinasloe Credit Union and more local organisations and individuals. The club have still required a loan of over €20,000 to be be drawn down and repaid.
  
There has been a great deal of interest in tennis in recent months with many new members joining and new activities added. The latest to be introduced is Cardio Tennis, which has generated so much interest that two sessions have been held most nights and may need to be extended to three sessions. 
  
As the club currently has only two courts at their new site, activities will be spread over the new site and their temporary home at Ard Scoil Mhuire. There are now scheduled activities seven days a week:  
  

• Monday and Friday – Open Club Nights 6.30- 9 pm 
• Tuesdays 6 - 8 pm – Teen sessions 
• Wednesday 6 – 8 pm - Cardio Tennis sessions 
• Saturday 11 am-12 Noon – Junior sessions ages 7 -11 
• Saturday 12 noon –1 pm – Junior sessions ages 12-17 
• Sunday 10 -11 am - Introductory session for inexperienced players 
• Sunday 11am -1 pm – Open Club Sessions 

Club members can also play anytime outside these sessions, subject to availability. Fresh players of all standards can attend a free introductory session or join the club for the extremely reasonable fees of only €30 for adults, €20 for Juniors and €50 for Families 
  
The club is currently fundraising for their short fall in funds. Their EuroMillions Lottery syndicate begins in August and there are still some tickets available for only €30 for four entries in every EuroMillions Plus draw for a full year! The club also ran Wimbledon Sweepstakes and continue to explore other fundraising options and would be delighted to hear from any individuals or organisations that may be able to help in any way. 
  
PRO Garry Zancanaro stated: “Sports Capital funding has been applied for the next phase of the development, a third court and artificial surfaces and lights for all three courts. Subject to this further grant, the next phase will be completed next year.” 
  
For further information click here or go the end of this news item  or email the club or call: Garry 085 1124197, Joe 087 2521424, Louise 087 1353751 or Sarah 087 6800598 (Junior queries)

Tennis Club launch of Lotto with Senator Aisling Dolan