Excitement builds ahead of Ireland's Davis Cup tennis clash at UL

THE Ireland tennis team for the upcoming Davis Cup fixture with Austria at University of Limerick has been named.

Simon Carr makes a welcome return to the Ireland team to play Austria next month for a place in World Group I. The tie will be played as a best of five rubbers over two days in a sold-out UL Sport Arena, Limerick on Saturday, February 3 and Sunday, February 4.

Announcing a team of five, including playing vice-captain Dave O’Hare and returnee from injury Simon Carr, captain and Limerick native Conor Niland said: “I really believe these players have the mentality and mindset needed to get us a win.

There is a great dynamic within the group and everyone has done their bit to get us this far. I am really proud to captain this team and I am looking forward to a challenging but also really special weekend for Irish Tennis.”

The five selected are Osgar O’hOisin, Michael Agwi, Simon Carr, Conor Gannon and David O’Hare.

Carr returns to the team after missing the tie against El Salvador in September due to injury. Speaking about his selection, he said: “It’s very exciting to be back in the team. I’ve had various injuries so it’s been a difficult year, but I am fit again, playing well, and really looking forward to joining back up with the team for our first home tie in 9 years”.

The match will be a tough one for Ireland, given the potential strength of the Austrian team. They are in a position to select the former World No 3 Dominic Thiem, as well as other top players Sebastian Ofner (ranked 43 in the world), Jurij Rodionov who is ranked 111, and Filip Misolic (ranked 145).

Excitement is building for the first home tie in 9 years. Tickets for both days have sold out, though fans can join a waitlist on tennisireland.ie for any returns which might become available.