PICTURES: Monaleen GAA Tennis Club celebrates 30th anniversary

MONALEEN GAA Tennis Club celebrated its 30th birthday with a celebration night in the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel this month.

There were more than 100 people in attendance for the gala night, including four of the women who founded the club in 1994. Liz O'Sullivan, the first Chairperson of the club, and Margaret Clarke, the first vice-chairperson, outlined the origins of the club and how it went from a single unlit tarmac court to a two court fully lit astro surface within the first five years.

The tennis club's current chairman, Declan O'Dálaigh, chronicled the club's progression to its current status of having four state-of-the-art LED-lit tennis courts, its own changing rooms, showers and toilets and a vibrant membership with singles and mixed tennis ladders.

The club also celebrated the anniversary with its inaugural senior open doubles tournament at the start of August this year. Thanks were extended to all in attendance for supporting the event.

Thanks to the hardworking 30th Anniversary committee, of Stephen and Audrey Ruschitzko, Brendan Maguire, Damien Morgan, Sheelagh Ryan, Maria Kinsella, Morgan Mansfield and Gillian Carragher, for making the evening such a success.

Monaleen GAA Club Chairman Jim Canny attended and was thanked for his ongoing support for the tennis club. All the officers of the club throughout the years were thanked for their input to getting the club to where it is today.

Last, but not least, the founding members in attendance, Liz O'Sullivan, Cathy Hunter, Margaret Clarke, and Geraldine Sadlier were thanked for their vision in getting the club up and running in 1994. The celebration was a huge success.

Thanks to the Kilmurry Lodge for their welcome and the excellent band 'Switch' who kept the attendance entertained. Here's to the next 30 years! Check out the website at monaleengaatennisclub.com for information on joining the club, coaching and upcoming events.