Limerick hosts Ireland's World Group II Davis Cup tennis tie with Syria this weekend

IRELAND will take on Syria in a Davis Cup World Group II Play-off tie this Saturday and Sunday, February 7 and 8 at the UL Sport Arena on the University of Limerick Campus.

Ireland will be represented by Michael Agwi, Peter Buldorini, Conor Gannon, Ammar Elamin and Charlie Barry, with the tie set to bring international team tennis back to the heart of the Munster.

The selection includes a first Davis Cup call-up for Limerick native Charlie Barry, who becomes the newest member of the Ireland team. Barry is a member of Limerick Lawn Tennis Club and will have the opportunity to represent his country on home turf, in front of local supporters, as Ireland looks to deliver a strong performance across the two-day contest.

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On being named on the squad, Barry commented: “I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to perform on home soil. It’s always been a dream of mine to play Davis Cup for Ireland. Almost 20 years since I first picked up a tennis racket, it feels incredibly special to come full circle and play my first tie in Limerick.”

Speaking to Limerick Leader Sport, Barry added about his Davis Cup selection: “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.”

Charlie Barry follows in his older brother Sam's footsteps in earning a call-up to an Ireland Davis Cup squad.

Barry, who turned professional at the start of 2025, said: “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.

“It’s not every day 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.

“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.”

Fellow Limerick man, and Team Captain, Conor Niland added: “The last tie in my hometown of Limerick was very special. To now also have a Limerick player in Charlie Barry, whose recent performances on the Futures circuit more than justifies his selection, adds something extra. We all can’t wait to compete in front of our home fans.”

National Performance Development Director, Cian Blake looked ahead to the tie: “We are excited to return to Limerick for the upcoming Davis Cup tie against Syria. The atmosphere was incredible there in 2024. The team are in good spirits and are very much looking forward to another great tie.

“Our last two matches against Austria and PR China showed our players’ capacity to rise to the big occasions. They know they need to be at their best, and are quietly confident they will be.”

Following the electric atmosphere of Ireland’s memorable Davis Cup clash with Austria at the University of Limerick in 2024, the arena will once again be transformed into a sea of green this weekend as fans get the chance to cheer the home team on in a tie that could prove pivotal in Ireland’s Davis Cup journey.