Charlie Barry: "The fact my Davis Cup debut for Ireland is at home in Limerick makes it extra special"

LIMERICK man Charlie Barry will follow in his brother Sam's footsteps when he makes his Davis Cup debut for Ireland next weekend at UL, as Colm Kinsella writes:

WHEN did you begin playing tennis, Charlie?

“I started playing tennis at a very young age. I must’ve been about three or four when I first picked up a racket. We live very close to Limerick Lawn Tennis Club (LLTC) and my brother Sam who is 10 years older than me was already taking it very seriously by then.

“I just completely fell in love with it. I spent a lot of my childhood down in LLTC playing tennis and having a laugh with my friends.”

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When did it become obvious that you had the talent to play at an elite level?

“It was only in the last few years that it became obvious to me that I can give pro tennis a real shot. While I was at Memphis during my last year of college tennis in the US I started having some results that gave me more than enough confidence that my game will translate to the professional level.

“Until then it was mostly just about trying to get to the level where I can play Division 1 tennis in the USA so I can get an education while continuing to play the sport I love.”

How much of an influence did your older brother Sam, who was also a professional tennis player, have on you ?

“Sam has always had a huge influence on my tennis journey. He’s always someone I’ve looked up to. We are very similar, everything I’ve gone through he’s done it 10 years before me, so he always offers great advice and has always steered me in the right direction. I definitely would not be in the position I am in without all he’s done for me.”

Tell me about Kilroy School and how it allowed you develop and improve your tennis?

“I went to Ardscoil Ris until after I completed my Junior Cert exams. It became clear that although I was enjoying living a normal enough life my goal of going to a top Division 1 school in the US for tennis would not be possible if I stayed on the same track.

“I made the brave decision to move to Spain to have access to a much higher standard of training and competition. I enrolled in Kilroy College which is an online/homeschool and got grinds when I was back home off of mostly 1st and 2nd year college students who were living locally to help me with the Leaving Certificate material while I was home. I sat the Leaving Cert and completed my SAT exams (Final high school exams for the USA in order to go to college) in 2019.”

After second level, you went to Tulane University in New Orleans? Did you find it much of a change?

“It’s definitely quite a culture shock moving over to America. I struggled with the work load in the very beginning. There’s definitely a teething period which I think a lot of international student athletes experience in their first semester.

“Strength and conditioning from 6-7am in the weights room, eating on the go while rushing across campus for your 8am class. 8am-11am attending class at the business school. Tennis practice plus post practice conditioning from 1pm to 4pm-4:30pm, back on campus for 5pm.

“Post practice recovery/physio treatment if you’re carrying any injuries. Then catch up on any work plus homework and study for upcoming exams in the evenings. It was completely hectic in the beginning but you learn to manage your time better and be efficient.”

How long did you spend in Tulane?

“I spent three and a half years at Tulane. I graduated with a degree in Marketing

You then went to University of Memphis and studied a Masters of Business Administration?

“Yes I did an MBA at the university of Memphis. After I graduated from Tulane I transferred schools to do a Masters elsewhere. Going to Memphis was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself personally and also my tennis career.

“I arrived with the goal of enjoying one more year of tennis not knowing if I would play after and left with an MBA and the confidence to that I can compete at the highest level in the future.”

What are the stand-out memories for you playing NCAA tennis?

“Competing as a team is so enjoyable. You’re playing alongside your best friends. The craic, the bus rides to practice with the guys, the team dinners. All the simple daily stuff is the part you miss most. College tennis is very unique and it’s only growing.

“So many top players on the tour now have played NCAA tennis. College tennis gives you the opportunity to compete a lot against very high quality players. It’s a good way to measure your success and level.”

How long are you playing ITF tennis?

“I turned professional in January 2025 after graduating and completing my MBA in Memphis in December 2024. So I’m just starting my second year on tour.

“Last year I won four professional events at ITF level and started the year winning another title. I’m climbing up the rankings step by step.”

Can you give me an idea of your schedule of tournaments for 2026?

“This year I plan to play about 30 tournaments. I’ll always try and play the best event I can get into as there is more opportunity there for points and prize money. I’m closing in on the top 300 so it’s very difficult to tell you exactly what I’ll be playing at this stage. I’m mostly just focused on improving, developing my skills and to let the results take care of itself.”

We are only at the end of January and have already played in France along with Egypt and Germany?

“Including a layover in Istanbul, I’ve already been to seven countries this year. There’s definitely a lot of travel required especially when my training weeks as well as tournaments are abroad.”

How much of a support team do you have with you on the circuit?

“Dave O’Hare is my coach. He’s coached at the highest level of the game and has been a huge help for me. He's from Dublin, but lives in London, so whenever I can I head over to him and get training weeks in. Between himself and my brother Sam I think I’m in quite good hands to help fulfil my potential.”

Does it take time to get used to the hectic ITF schedule, airports, hotels, travel etc?

“Yep, absolutely, it’s another huge transition. In college you have all the resources you need. You have teammates to practice with, two to three coaches to guide you. A strength and conditioning coach with a world class gym. Nutritionist.

“Physiotherapist. Trainers. Everything. And then all of a sudden you’re out there on your own with your rackets and a dream. There’s always so much uncertainty, where you’re going, who you’re playing with, how you’re getting there. You get used to it though and it’s just part of the sport at this stage.

“I’m 300 in the world without a set partner. You have to roll with the punches and take every challenge face on, because there are plenty of them.”

How excited were you to get the call to play in the Davis Cup match in UL?

“Class. It was obviously a very proud day. The moment I had to myself when I read the email and saw that I was selected was very special. I let my family know straight away and when it was announced online I got so many kind messages of support.

“The fact that my first one will be in Limerick makes it that bit more special.”

Your brother Sam obviously also played Davis Cup for Ireland too. Not many families achieve the feat. It's a special achievement?

“It’s amazing really to think about it. Tennis has been a huge part of our lives and in turn my parents lives as they did everything they possibly could to support us. It’ll be a very proud day for the whole family.”

How much of a thrill will it be to have a Davis Cup match back in Limerick?

“It's incredibly exciting. It’s not everyday you get to represent your country in your home town. It’s such an incredible opportunity. You can’t take days like that for granted and I certainly won’t.”

The fact the tie is in Limerick should have a really positive impact on junior tennis players in the region and beyond?

“That’s ideal isn’t it. It’s a great opportunity for juniors to see the game and watch international tennis on their doorstep. Watching the Davis Cup really inspired me as a kid so I hope it can do the same for others.”

What are your hopes for 2026, ambitions for your career on the court?

“Keep getting better one day at a time. Make more strides towards the top of the game.”