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Ratoath Tennis Club
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News
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February 2012
We remain lucky with the weather despite a deluge for the 1st round of Winter League on Sunday as the snow that is due to hit the UK looks unlikely to come our way yet. As I write, Ratoath is fine and bright and the outlook for next Sunday, which threatened snow at one point, seems to have been revised. We should consider ourselves lucky as January has been pretty good compared to last year and both rugby and soccer matches locally all had to be postponed this weekend while we played on, albeit only with some grim determination. 4 great wins especially for Men's 2, who had struggled in past seasons to win their openeing match, goit off to a flyer. This must be due in part to Greg Treacher's fantastic practise preparation, with almost his whole team out every Monday without fail for weeks.
The other special mention must go to Deborah McQueen and her 3rd team, who had been suffering a slight lack of confidence that saw every player volunteering to be a sub. But they beat de Vesci 4 handily in the end and deserve huge congratulations. It was a first league win for some of them - long may their win streak continue.
Besides league competition, however, the club prospers. The first of its 2012 events - Valentine's Fancy-Dress Comp (similar tennis format to the Turkey & Ham Comp before Xmas - is set for 11 Feb at 11am. Make sure you put your names down on the noticeboard or tell a Committee member you want to play. Huge fun was had in the Turkey & Ham - well, until I didn't win! - and this should be equally enjoyable fun social tennis.
We also look forward to our Quiz Night on 29 Feb - maybe a few non-traditional marriage proposals too. This is all planned already, though we are still deciding the venue, to be announced shortly.
Finally the AGM is nearing. Anyone who has had even half an idea of getting involved with the Committee work, let yourselves be known asap. Some new blood is certainly useful and needed every year so that the club can remain the kind of club we all want it to be.
One last congratulations, to the Junior Fun Night organisers - Carol Keavey and her team. They have done great work in keeping a large group of younger tennis lovers amused and beginning to enjoy tennis and they are much appreciated. Any members with children of 6 and up, should feel free to try it out. 6.30 on Fridays.
Please support your club in every way you can.
Shortly after that we
Chairman's Update, 11 January
A belated Happy New Year to everybody. So, Christmas is a distant memory, but unfortunately for some (me included) not the after-effects. As the days tick by, so too does the appetite to continue with our New Years resolutions... Whats that? 'Eat Less, exercise more'? Well, even if you're having trouble with the first part, maybe we can help you with the second??? Here's a few notable dates for your diary.
1. Junior Night: Returns this Friday (the 13th), 6.30pm to 8.00pm. €2 fee to cover lights and coaching. Weather will be clear, with winds of 5mph, coming in from the south east, it promises to be a beautiful evening.
2. Valentine's Day Fancy Dress Mixed Doubles American Tournament: Bit of a mouthful that. On Sat 11th February starts at 11.00am, will finish around 3.00pm or so. If you're interested, reply to this email or write your name on the board in the clubhouse. It'll be run similar to the Turkey Competition (ooh Turkey...)
3. Quiz Night: Wednesday 29th February. Location TBD (probably Ratoath Inn). We'll send an update closer to the time
4. AGM: Thursday 29th March. Plenty of notice for this (and we'll remind you all again). If anybody is interested in doing a stint on the committee, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
That's it for now. Keep your eyes on the Notice Board and Emails for further announcements.
January 2012
After the fun of the Xmas Party and the Xmas Turkey & Ham Competition early in December - won mainly by the O'Hare dynasty with some help from Karen McBride & John McCarthy - the club became a much quieter place over the main Xmas/New Year period as is to be expected. But there have been a few keen weather-endurers seen practising for the 29 January start to the Winter League matches and Olive McCann's whole 2nd team were out to polish up their backhand smashes over last weekend. Apart from the very odd early morning frost, the courts' surface has been playable but the long-running high winds since New Year have made quality tennis a rare event. Some might say that was ever so!
The Captains of the six teams entered for League (Susan O'Scannail, Mark Whitbread, Olive McCann, Greg Treacher, Deborah McQueen and Dave Kelly) will, if they haven't already, be in touch to organise practice sessions for team players and possible subs. Please come to these if you can. If you can't, Mark Whitbread and others are always happy to offer people an hour's hitting one-on-one or to join in or organise a mixed, men's or ladies foursome of whatever level is needed. Call Mark on 085 270 2379 if you're having any trouble finding your own group to play in. There is also always Karl Cooley & his team if full coaching is required.
If any parents would like help organising junior doubles or singles match-ups, also call either Mark or the Club mobile, 087 948 0344.
May every member enjoy their tennis in 2012 to the fullest.
December News Round-Up
Sorry for the pause in club news. Lots happening but little time to tell you about it! While the temperature heads sharply downwards, the weather itself has been great for tennis - well, once you warm up, anyway. The Committees have been busy planning the Xmas Party, resuming Junior Friday Fun Nights 6.30 - 8pm and organising a Turkey & Ham Competition on 17 December, where you can win vouchers to help out with the cost of Xmas Dinner or other expenses. This will include a glass of mulled wine & a mince pie to warm you up for the rest of the day once you finish. Small fee (€10) to participate.
Well, the League teams did better than most people expected in the Floodlight League, which ended on Tues 29 November with the narrowest of defeats against Shankill 1sts. After the first two matches had been split 1-1, it was left to Ellen O'Hare to battle out her 3-setter in high winds and through 3 stoppages due to floodlight failure. It would have been tricky for a seasoned veteran to have played through all that but Ellen fought all the way, eventually JUST losing in the 3rd set tiebreak, 8-6. Although Ellen (& Pat & Helena) was upset of course, she and the whole team did fantastically well to get that far in what is arguably the toughest of the Leagues to win. The Men's 1st team also did well to win promotion despite losing their semi against Deerpark the week before. Both teams gain promotion to Class 3 next year.
January brings more League tennis, which continues after a 2-month break with the Winter League and the provisional teams are practising hard but now comes the time for the club to consolidate and look inwards to see how we can move the club forward, win more members and tend to the social side of the club. A diligent force of 10 or so members, led by Pat O'Hare planted a hundred or more laurel bushes around the club to help with the wind problems in due course and also to put an attractive finish to the tennis club grounds. With the news that the Rugby Club have high hopes of a sizeable new clubhouse themselves, the sports campus should soon be looking more complete and, funding allowing, the club can plan for its next developments.
Happy Xmas all.
Over-35s League - 16 October
The Senior Leagues ended today as the Men's 1sts took the Class 4 cup after a tense, nervy 3rd set win in the deciding 3rd match after almost 2.5 hours of play. Our past opponents in the Winter League playoff & in other recent league matches, Trim, pushed us all the way, after their 1st Pair had won in two very tightly contested sets against Stephen Foley & Dave Curley. As that match finished the Pair 3s (Simon & Pat McDermott for Ratoath) were fighting out the 3rd set of their match after dropping the 1st set 6-4 but edging the 2nd 6-2. Despite his concerns about his own form, Pat played solidly enough and gave Ratoath a chance to win it by taking the 3rd set of their match 6-1. So the match score was tied at 1-match-all and the deciding 3rd match would decide the trophy.
Having lost the 1st set 6-3, Damian Scattergood served well in the deciding match to put he and Mark Whitbread through to a 2nd set tie-breaker but a poor start to the breaker, saw them 5-1 down at the changeover. All looked lost until a run of 6 straight points enabled them to edge the equaliser. There was all to play for again. Trim took first blood in the 3rd set, though, breaking Damian's serve to go 2-0 up but then a run of 6 straight games, several of them painfully close, saw Ratoath win the cup to give the club their 3rd trophy this year. The club had already won the Ladies Class 7 final vs Brookfield in Templeogue in June and the Class 2 Mixed Final vs Navan at Malahide in September.
This may be the last bumper year for the club until some of our juniors take over, however, as promotions in just about all competitions make finals that much more difficult to win next year but we can now claim to be on the road to becoming one of the best clubs in the N Dublin/Meath area, as we set out to be. It is now the turn of either the juniors or our 2nd/3rd/4th teams to climb the classes as their ability suggests they should and we will look forward to celebrating those successes in future.
The Ratoath support for the team today was especially impressive, as it has been for most matches, with an honorary mention for Betty Creegan who drove others down today. And thanks to Eddie Leavy & Tommy White who subbed in for Pat & Stephen in earlier matches to get Ratoath to the Final in the first place.
Summer Championships - 10 September
Saturday saw our 2nd club Championships end with some fantastic matches - despite very strong winds - in Plate competitions & several well-fought battles among the title matches. The Singles matches kicked off with Ellen O'Hare losing after a tense 2-setter to last year's champion, Charlotte Reid. Ellen is one of the best 16 under-16 players in Ireland but Charlotte's steadier play in the wind helped her to a well-deserved win.
Damian Scattergood, former Chairman of RTC, then played last year's runner-up, Sheyi Dosunmu, which was a high-quality 3-set match, although both players had played their semi-finals the night before. Sheyi sealed the title 6-4 in the 3rd to go one better than 2010.
Of special note in the ladies doubles match, was Ellen O'Hare taking her 2nd attempt at a title with Sue O'Scannail, beating Charlotte & her partner Laura Flanagan in 2 sets, gaining revenge for her earlier defeat in the singles.
All the Plate competitions were close contests, with the closest and most exciting being the Ladies Doubles Plate, eventually won in 3 sets by Olive McCann & Betty Creegan in a tight tie-breaker. New members, Bernie Roche & Karen McBride, came so close & were an equal part of the closest match of the day.
Derek Brady, Club Secretary handled the prize-giving deftly, thanking all those who came to support enthusiastically through the day and also to the team of Committee members & kind helpers, who carried out the catering and other duties and to current Chairman, Steve Foley, who, though sadly unable to attend the event, had done so much great work in organising for a 2nd year.
August Update
Our mixed doubles team won the 2011 Dublin mixed doubles league against Navan second team in Malaide. Another great achievement for the club. We would like to say a very big thank you to all our supporters for coming down to watch us play in another finals.
Tennis Taking Off in Ratoath
4th of July fireworks are a fading memory, Halloween bonfires are months away from igniting, yet for one small sports club in the heart of Ratoath, celebrations of success reverberate throughout Irish Tennis.
Opened a little over two years ago, Ratoath Tennis Club (located at Jamestown Sports Campus) is enjoying unparalleled accomplishment for a club so young.
Weekly social tennis evenings, hard-fought club championships, sensational nights out, vibrant ladies mornings and a blossoming junior scene, all point to a club that’s very much on the rise. Victory upon victory in the Dublin Lawn Tennis Leagues has meant that the club has stamped its name and seen its reputation soar in league lore.
Since January 2010, the roll of honour reads better than Roger Federer’s recent Grand Slam record – Promotion to Class 5 Winter League 2010, Class 6 Summer League Champions, Promotion to Class 4 Winter League 2011. As for the ladies – Class 5 Floodlit League Runners-up 2010, Class 7 Summer League Champions 2011. Then, of course, there’s the Mixed league – Class 2 Champions 2011!
And it doesn’t end there. Three of the club’s most promising juniors play at the highest level in Ireland. Oisin Fay was one of the county's top players in Ireland U10 last year, Eimear McEntee finished Top 10 in Ireland U12 last year, while relative newcomer Ellen O’Hare is guaranteed a Top 16 spot in Ireland U16 this year. Both Eimear and Ellen are playing at the Junior Irish Championships this week; a tremendous accomplishment as only the very best countrywide participate. We wish the girls the very best of luck and hope they can take some notable scalps.
And as the membership continues to grow and the club continues to thrive, further achievement is most definitely assured.
July Update
After the success of the Ladies 1st team - Charlotte, Jo, Laura, Catherine, Ger, Niamh & Delma and subs Ellen, Betty & Sue on Sat 25th June in winning Class 7 Summer League against Brookfield 5, we are looking forward to extra interest in our annual Open Day this coming weekend, Sat July 9th. Signs are up at Tesco & at the end of Milltree Park Avenue. This event will have tennis activities & light refreshments and is designed to ensure all the local people know we exist and that they can see the club is thriving and perhaps encourage some of them to join.
Our recent maildrop should also generate new interest, especially in Ashbourne where we sent out to every household in the area. Although membership is holding up well in this difficult economic period, any club must look to recruit new people to maintain the club and ideally to even develop the club further.
Mixed League has begun with both teams winning last Friday evening. The 1st team has a home match vs Navan this Friday at 7.30. This means there will be very limited court availability until about 9pm.
We will shortly begin selecting teams for the Over-35s League from all those who put their names forward. Because we have had a number of dropouts in previous league competitions once teams have been entered and because there are rarely nice round numbers of players who want to play, not everyone can always be a full member of a team but everyone who has put themselves forward will be at least a sub and should get at least one game if they are available when called up. The subs role is often key in the success of our league teams, so don't be too disappointed if you do not make the main teams.
May
BBQ Fundraiser
Anyone who's ever singed their eyebrows crouching over a smoky grill in the garden or sampled the maybe-not-so-well cooked chicken kebabs off the Summer barbie will be keen to attend a fundraising evening being run in support of the club by one of our members Billie O'Shea, who runs the Fairyhouse Cookery School. It starts at 7pm on Weds 18th May and is open to just 40 people, so call Marcella (086 837 2169) or Betty (087 289 7803) straight away to book your place. €30/person. Thanks for your support.
Wind, Rain and Speed - 'Summer' League
Well, despite the April weather in May, plenty of tennis is being played, both in the first round of the Dublin Summer League with wins for the Men's and Ladies 1st teams and some good experimentation in the other two teams. The Men's 2nd team has not been able to field a full-strength side due to absentees but hopefully they should be back to winning ways by Match 3. They also met the strongest Class 7 team I've ever seen in Malahide 6, winners of Class 7 in the winter. The Men's 3rds are now becoming more experienced though most are still relative beginners and pushed their opponents all the way out in Ashbrook, Rathmines.
The Ladies 2nd team played on Tues and were lucky to get a break in the wind but still found the opponents just too strong in some close matches at home - congratulations to a strong Stratford 1st team. The 1sts narrowly missed out on a 5-0 whitewash against Newtown Park on Weds evening, with patient performances on a tough windy night for tennis.
Thanks to all the subs who came in at late notice. 2nd round matches are:
Men's 3rds Fri at 7pm vs Rathgar 4 (Home)
Men's 1sts Sat at 11am vs Glasnevin 4 (Home)
Men's 2nds Sat at 2pm vs Dunboyne 2 (Away)
Ladies 1sts Tues at 7.30 vs Deerpark 4 (Away)
Ladies 2nds Wed at 7.30 vs Templeogue 8 (Away)
Round Robin matches are also getting everyone out playing singles, which I hear everyone is enjoying. These are great for keeping your arm swinging between matches and for bringing up your playing standard more quickly than playing the same people too often. Variety is the spice of life. Keep chasing anyone who hasn't begun playing yet or still has several to play as we want to award a prize for each group this time (unlike mini league in 09/10).
April
Tenni-Thon - a Byrne-ing Success
12 Apr - What an amazing twelve hours was had on Saturday. Burgers, desserts and suncream were the order of the day, we even threw in a little premier league tennis to whet our appetites.
Steve Foley, Club Chairman said a massive "Thank You" to the fundraising committee and all those who worked tirelessly to help make the day such a success. He said he could have listed everybody but he wouldn't, for fear of leaving somebody out. He was sure they know who they are and their efforts were very much appreciated.
He added "That said there is one person who deserves special mention. Niamh Byrne. The day began life as a tinder spark a few months ago before eventually becoming a raging inferno yesterday. Over the last couple of weeks she organised and directed operations to such an extent that Alan Sugar would've been pleased. Rumours are rife that she's already planning the next big event...
One final note. The Tennithon is probably the biggest fundraiser we'll run this year and yes, we made some money which will go towards providing additional equipment for the junior section. But more importantly it was a day when you the members turned out and supported your club in your droves. It was absolutely fantastic to see so many of you down enjoying yourselves. It is only with your continued support that the club will thrive and prosper.
So here's looking forward to a tennis filled summer."
March
Events & League Update
13 Mar - The Men's 1sts just failed to make the Final of Class 5 but everyone did their best and in the 2 matches we lost, they both went to 3 sets and could have gone either way. Great efforts from all on the team and Lillian & Olive for cakes and support for the lunch on the day. Also thanks to all our supporters who turned out in good numbers.
17 Mar - The St Patrick's Day 'Float' was a great success after some concerns over numbers but in the end we had a good morning and very useful publicity was gained for the club. If anyone who lives in Ratoath says they didn't know there was a tennis club here, they clearly live sheltered lives under lock and key. Well done to Derek for the banner and Niamh for most everything else!
23 Mar - Committee met and got plenty of progress on all areas but so much more to do. Tenni-thon is our major fundraising event and needs more support from members - both on the day to organise and in sponsorship contributions, so make sure your cards are filled.
28 Mar - A club round-robin comp is being planned partly just for fun and partly to help the Selection Committee choose teams. Pls txt reply when the message goes out shortly.
February
Calendar Events & League Updates
13 Feb - 4 out of 5 of the league teams won this week. 3 teams still have playoff ambitions going into the final week of the regular season. If teams do progress, R16 matches on Weds 23 Feb. Watch for updates.
Meeting this week on preparation for Tenni-Thon in April. Good progress being made.
Arranging Child Protection Course for all Committee members and parent helpers in March.
2-man/ 2-woman team to play in Glasnevin TC Class 6/7 Invitational on 25 Feb. Support welcome. Starts 7.30pm. Catherine (cap), Sue O'S, Greg Treacher and Pat O in team.
Team photos and league pennants now on display in the clubhouse - Framing by Helena O'Hare. Lovely work - many thanks.
7 Feb - The Junior Committee, led by Niamh Byrne, has put in the club diary two exciting events for Spring (oh, please come soon). As well as resuming the very successful junior Fun Fridays this week (all parental help welcome), slightly reorganised into two age groups, the JC is busily working on arrangements for a sponsored marathon tennis day, or Tennithon, for Saturday April 9th and our inclusion in the St Patrick's Day Parade in mid-March.
The Tennithon, which will be a little like other marathon events, will involve a super-human effort to play tennis for 12 hours non-stop on all 4 club courts. Volunteers are welcome or people will have to be press-ganged (ha ha). It'll be a great fun, though tough, way of bringing in some funds for buying junior tennis equipment such as mini tennis nets and special balls.
The St Patrick's Day parade is already a going event but RTC has not yet had its own contingent and this will help put us on the map even more and encourage member recruitment.
As for the leagues, the Ladies 1sts - with some of the team that so nearly won the Floodlight League a few weeks ago - won again yesterday 3-0 vs Aer Lingus 5 and need just one good win to be odds-on favourites for a playoff place. Men's 1sts and 2nds both won 2-1 as well and have a chance of playoffs if they can win their next two matches. Men's 3rds and Ladies 2nds are having a tough time of it so far but this is great experience for them in League play and will make them better players for the Summer league. Thanks to Pat O'Hare, Greg Treacher, Catherine Bannon & Mark Whitbread for their efforts at captaining the teams and to the many subs that have given up their Sunday mornings to play when required.
January 2011
Update
Happy New Year to all members! We are looking forward to a great winter of tennis. In between the snow fall and the undoubted periods of rain, Club Nights have resumed on Thursday evenings from 7.30 until about 9, where lights are free to all those mixing in. Those not prepared to mix in, should not arrange matches for this time but, if they do, they may find themselves being asked to give way to Club Night matches, which take precedence and you may lose any tokens used in the light meters.
The Ladies 1sts still have their Floodlit Final to play at 7pm on Tues 18th January down in Sandycove. They play Trinity 3, who swept through the playoffs too. It will be a tough match but, with the ideal draw, it should be another Winners pennant for the club.
The Xmas Dinner and the Children's Xmas Party were great successes and the Committee and their band of faithful helpers plan many more events in 2011 to keep the club moving forward and to bring the members together to build the club into a true social hub.
On 10th Jan coaching should resume, weather allowing, and we may all welcome it that bit more if, as is the norm, those mince pies and Quality Street are hanging heavy round our middles. Check with Karl on when your first session takes place.
On 23rd Jan the Winter League starts, with matches home and away against other clubs. There are 3 men's teams entered and two ladies teams. The format of this league round is 3 pairs of men's or ladies' doubles, with teams nominated for the whole season. When nominated players cannot make a match, subs will be needed, however, so be sure to let Steve Foley, Mark Whitbread or another team player know you are interested in playing and you could well be called on to play in one or more matches if you are free. Being a sub is a great way to start getting involved in team/league tennis for the first time or as a way of getting back into it when you haven't played it for a while. We are hoping for one or two teams to get through to the playoffs, though after promotions we have achieved this will begin to get tougher and tougher.
Although the Juniors' Friday nights aren't set to resume until February, if there is demand for it, several senior team players are most willing to arrange team practice sessions for the juniors. Let a Committee member know if you are interested on your children's behalf.
October 2010
Junior League OUT - Floodlit League IN
As Summer turned quite sharply to Autumn, though with a sunny flourish that we are still enjoying, we played the last of the Junior League matches. As most will know and the relevant parents are still anguishing over, we won only one match of the 19 matches played but we gained a lot of experience and we will be much better equipped next year. The Junior Development Committee have plans in place to keep the team players training and practising through the winter and spring so as not to lose the progress so far and to make our kids wiser and more cunning match players and to keep improving their technique and fitness. Most of our kids were 2, 3 or even 4 years younger than those they were playing and have had limited coaching. We will see the results of all our efforts next year.
As the temperatures drop, it is time for Floodlit League for the over 14s. Mark, Steve, Pat O, Lenny Doyle, Charlotte & Catherine are captains this time round. Captaincy is an extra burden but anyone else who'd like to take it on, let Steve or Catherine know. So far the results have been roughly half wins, with both Men's 1 and Men's 2 top or 2nd in their Sections. Men's 3 also have a good chance of getting to the playoffs. Men's 4 and the two Ladies teams are fighting well and Ladies 1 could still qualify if they get a third win this week. Support them on Tuesday and Wednesday if you can. Ladies 1 & Men's 2 are at home. Full details at www.dltc.net.
Quiz Night success
Thanks to all the Committee members and friends of Committee members who helped organise this hugely successful event. As it turned out to clash with an Ireland Euro Champs Qualifier match (that we won't say any more about) there were some worried faces around the Ratoath Inn 15 minutes before the start as we looked to have enough prizes for everyone to take one home. But once the match finished the bar emptied and we got over 60 entrants and I can safely say no-one left without a smile, whether induced by prizes or vodka shots between rounds.
Sorry if some of the questions were a little tricky. It is quite difficult to avoid making up questions that will test and amuse people to a degree without making them too difficult. But every question was correclt answered by someone. The winning team captained by Eoghan O'Shea a tennis club member and the runner-up captained by Charlotte Reid if the Ladies' 1st team did fantastically well and congratulations again.
We hope this may become a annual event if not an even more regular calendar fixture.
Quiz Night - Updated
We really need members's support for this as the club is looking to fund further minor development of the clubhouse area with shrubs and regular site clearance, bins service and the aalready overdue court maintenance refresh now that Peter Smith's contract is soon to run out. If we don't maintain the courts they won't last long and will deteriorate quickly.
These plans are on top of the usual costs of running the clubhouse, the floodlights for club sessions and matches and the other costs of hosting other clubs in the Leagues. Also we have been running very successful junior team tactics and the Junior Fun Nights on Fridays.
So please try to come. It'll also be a good bit of craic.
League Results - Floodlit
The 1st Round results are up on the RTC Facebook page. All the matches had some close games but it has surprised us how good Class 5, the lowest class in Floodlit League, is this year in both Men's and Ladies'. We are hoping our teams have met some of the better teams or we'll have a tough floodlit season.
Evry team still has a shot at the playoffs though so don't give up and try to play every match you're selected for whether you've been picked as a nominated team player or as a sub. You are all essential.
The Juniors are finding life tough but most of them are playing older kids and have acquitted themselves very well both in their attitude and their playing ability. When subs have come in they have given their best but are understandably struggling against players who have been playing leagues for years.
Thanks to all involved.
September 2010
Quiz Night
Deborah McQueen has been working hard on organising a Quiz Night for Friday 8th October. Please let us know asap if you can attend at the Ratoath Inn. Entry is €10 a head; teams of 4. Pay on the night. If you do not have a neat 4 people for your team, we'll sort you into teams when you arrive. Any queries, call Deborah on 087 964 7062. There will be great prizes on offer to the winners.
All members should have received details on their email addresses. If you haven't please reconfirm your email address to Deborah.
Major Catch Up Required - 1st Club Championship and other things
20 September - As it's almost a month since our last news item, clearly a lot has happened. Sorry for not keeping this site up-to-date during this time but everyone has been madly busy elsewhere in different ways. Firstly, the Summer Champs were a great success and we now have our first ever club champions:
Men's Singles - Conor Davis
Women's Singles - Charlotte Reid
Men's Doubles - Sheyi Dosunmu & Dave Curley
Women's Doubles - Delma Flanagan & Catherine Bannon
Mixed Doubles - Ger Davis & Lenny Doyle
Well done to them and huge thanks to Steve Foley for organising these but there were also many other contributions from Committee and members for which we are very grateful.
JUNIOR LEAGUES got off to a tricky start as we were not able to field a full team in the first U17 Boys match but the other players in that team and all those playing for the Girls' teams played their hearts out. Since these were our first ever Junior matches and, for some of the kids, were probably their first ever full competitive matches outside internal club games, we were impressed at how composed, sportsmanlike and keen they all were. Many of our players were also younger and have a few seasons to show how much they can improve.
COACHING - We are currently reorganising our coaching programme to better serve adult and junior players of different playing abilities and ages. Karl will be meeting with some of the Committee soon to plan for the Autumn & Winter period. On the home page is a list of current kids and adult group coaching times - let Karl know if you'd like to take part.
FLOODLIT LEAGUES - These begin on 4th (Men's) and 5th (Ladies) October and run until 2nd November, with playoffs between 9th & 20th November. Let us know if anyone who did not reply to the texts and email invitations for this would now be interested in playing.
August 2010
Junior Leagues & Summer Champs progress
27 August - The junior selection Committee has been hard at work putting teams together for the junior league. Although for most of our juniors this will be their first taste of proper competitive tennis, this will serve them well for the future, win or lose. As those adults who have tasted league tennis for the first this year will testify, these games take some getting used to, because of match-day nerves and just the element of the unknown that comes from different places, different opposition and all the rest. The juniors are really the heart of the club and we wish them all the best.
The Summer Championships have really got into full swing this week with most competitions now through to the quarter-final stages. Although there are many familiar names, the mixed doubles competition is a very difficult one to call and should bring some new names to the final. We need everyone to get their matches played as soon as they can and of course these matches take priority over normal casual play. Feel free to ask other members politely to give way and they should oblige.
Glasnevin Open
Both Ger & Conor in the Mixed and Sheyi & Steve in the Men's Doubles did fantastically well at Glasnevin with Ger & Conor doing best with a run to the Class 6 final. They met a very well-organised pair in the final but enjoyed the tournament immensely. We encourage all our regular playing members to enter any Open competitions that they see as they are a great way to improve your tennis quickly. Templeogue, among others, is on soon, so give it a try.
Minor Mixed League Miracle
11 August - The 2nd team reached the Semi-Finals of the mixed league playoffs - an incredible feat for any team but all the more impressive as they only scraped into the playoffs in their final regular game as runners-up in their section. On their way, they beat Sutton and Malahide, both section winners and on Wed 12th they were narrowly overcome by Rathgar. The match was pretty even in the early stages but both Pat & Sue and Shane & Lillian lost the 1st set, while Malcolm & Charlotte closed out their 1st set in a tie-break after losing a 5-2 lead. After they finished first with a 2-set win, 7-6, 6-0, hopes were high of a first mixed lge final but Pat & Sue slowly lost their grip on the 2nd set despite huge efforts and the match score was 1-all. All hung on the final pair. Lillian & Shane went 3-0 down but fought back well to have points for 3-3 but, once that game was lost, the set didn't last much longer and Rathgar, magnanimous in victory, were through to the Playoff Final.
It should be remembered, though, that this team managed this miraculous run despite all kinds of difficulties, their captain Marcella Kelly has led them well and the core of the playing team - Sue O'Scanaill, Malcolm Drake, Charlotte Reid & Shane McDermott - have outperformed even their own expectations at this point. Olive and each of the subs who have come in when needed, especially Bill, kept us going longer than anyone believed possible.
You all did Ratoath very proud. And we hope everyone in the team will play in the Floodlight League beginning in September.
July 2010
Ups & Downs of League Tennis
6 August - The last round of mixed league matches before the playoffs saw Ratoath 1sts miss out on a playoff place effectively 'on goal difference' as we beat Naas but ended tied for 2nd in our Section with Castleknock, who had narrowly beaten us the week before. A painful way to miss out. The 2nds though beat another Naas team to qualify for the playoffs as runners-up and, on Weds 4th August, beat Sutton in Sutton to progress to the Quarter-Finals. They play their next match at Malahide on Friday. Win or lose, they've had a terrific run under the first-time captaincy of Marcella Kelly, with some recent help from Pat O'Hare. Well done.
The 3rds, who were league first-timers and many recent tennis beginners, gained solid experience and won their first match. This is probably the biggest and best surprise of the Mixed Leagues. Things look good for the future.
Karl Cooley's Summer Camps moved into the High Performance Junior stage this week, where Karl has been using advanced play-monitoring computer applications and video playback study to enhance his coaching of the more advanced 10-17 year-olds. We are looking forward to hearing Karl's analysis of this to help Ratoath structure its Junior Development programme for the future. We have aslo entered 4 junior teams for the leagues that begin next month: U14 Boys, U14 Girls, U16 Boys & U16 Girls. Let us know if anyone has children with experience who might like to try out for a team. Ages normally 10 and up.
Open Success Continues as Conor Davis comes of age
26 July - Conor Davis took the No.1 spot on the Singles Ladder and won Castleknock Open men's doubles in the space of just a few days. For the Castleknock title he needed more than a little help from Sheyi to bring home yet another bit of silverware and some more glory for Ratoath. Those who saw the Final said both men played well to prevent their Final opponents from getting any kind of rhythm and made the win look easy but the succession of evening matches at this busy time of year for tennis meant the achievement was well earnt.
The Mixed teams all played tough matches this week, with the 1sts losing 2-1 at home to Castleknock, the 2nds losing 2-1 at Malahide and the 3rd team going down in close matches against Mt Pleasant. The teams we came up against this week seemed much stronger but we may have to beat even better teams if we hope to get far in the play-offs. Some more mixed coaching may be needed for next year as the tactics are quite different from other forms of the game. But we are all learning fast. The final round of normal league matches is on Wed at 7.30 with the 2nds at home to Castleknock. 1sts play at Naas and 3rds play at Trackside in Sutton with wins for the 1sts and 2nds giving them a great chance of a play-off place.
A lively week for Ratoath
22 July - For the last few weeks Karl Cooley's Summer Camps have been busily bringing tennis to the masses - masses of children that is! Despite a rain-induced rash of slugs and some changeable weather, the camps are going well and Karl has high hopes that many of his latest juniors will go on to be great club players - or maybe even higher, you never know.
The mixed teams have been busy practising for the crucial 4th round of Mixed League, which sees both 1sts and 2nds with good hopes of playoff success. Both 1st and 3rd teams play at home this week, so non-team members won't get a look in to play that night I'm afraid, though support for the teams is always welcome. 2nds are away at Malahide.
Finally, Ratoath doubles pair Sheyi Dosonmu and Conor Davis have won through to another Open semi-final for the club by beating fellow Ratoathians, Steve Foley and Simon McDermott in 3 sets. Best of luck for the club's third trophy when they try to win the title over the weekend.
Club Challenge Ladders - Climb the Greasy Pole
16 July - Chiefly to increase the fun, the club, with huge help from Steve Foley, has introduced singles ladders for members. We have estimated where members are in terms of their playing standard but, if you think you have been placed too low, get challenging and find your true level. The current 1st team have been put at the top to start with, followed by 2nd teamers, etc. Others have been very roughly judged on their play at Club Nights or on other occasions where a Committee member has observed them play. Those who have never been seen, have been placed at the bottom of the ladders for now.
Usually members can only challenge those within 5 places on the ladder but every member has 2 wildcard challenges per year (ie you can challenge anyone), so these can quickly correct where on the ladder you should be. The ladders, full ladder rules and challenge sheets can be found inside the clubhouse. If you have trouble viewing the ladders or arranging matches, let a Committee member know and we will tell you who is within reach for you to challenge and give you contact numbers.
Good luck and have fun.
Mixing it in the Leagues
9th July - Having won 2 out of 3 matches in the first week of Mixed Leagues, the 2nd round on Friday saw ALL 3 teams win handsomely. This was the 3rd team's first win and saw first points scored by Niamh, Kevin, Jillian & Derek and led to many hours of celebratory drinking, which I can only applaud. Well done and may that be the first of many for you all.
I'd like to add that all the captains have started well, especially impressive as none of them had (as far as I'm aware) captained a tennis team in league play before. Thanks Ger, Marcella and Derek. 3rd round is played on Friday 16th.
Raining Silverware
3rd July - The club had several members entering Stackallen where semis were reached in the Class 5/6 Men's Doubles, Laytown Bettystown where a final was reached and Kells where Sheyi and Dave, our top men's pairing, won the final of the Class 5 Doubles. Congratulations to them and this may mean we will need a trophy cabinet before long - Pat?
June 2010
First Silverware for Ratoath
26th June - After playoff wins to LCC 3 at home and away at Rathgar it came down to a final in Wicklow Tennis Club on Saturday. Tension and nerves were huge but, thanks to the closest of 3rd set tie-break wins by Dave Curley and Conor Davis, showing incredible composure, we ran out 3-2 winners and collected a first trophy for the club. Pat McDermott and Steve Foley & Simon McDermott had earlier got the team to 2-2 to give Dave & Conor the chance of victory. Charleville were fierce but fair competitors and the match was played very much in the true spirit of sport.
Also thanks are due to our small but loud group of supporters: Heather (who came even though Sheyi was away on a stag weekend), Graham and Graham's girlfriend (sorry, not sure of your name but thanks for coming).
There are photos on this website, on www.dltc.net and on the RTC Facebook page.
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Playoff Pleasure
13th June - Despite a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Castleknock 7, the men's 1st team narrowly topped their group and play a quarter-final at home on Saturday 19th June. The competition is knock-out from here on. Our opponents have not yet been confirmed. Castleknock won all 3 singles matches, Damian Scattergood the only one to push his opposite number to 3 sets - but Ratoath won both doubles matches comfortably and so qualified top of their section by a single point thanks to better results against Swords 2 and Stackallen 2. The QF will be played in Ratoath on Saturday afternoon (time to be confirmed).
The men's 2nds emphatically won 5-0 in their final group game and qualified as runners-up - they now play Stackallen 3 on Wednesday 16th June in the Round of 16. By luck, they also get to play the match on home turf, so they have a great chance of progressing to the QF next Saturday.
We will have a new kitchen in which to prepare for these matches now that this was kindly donated to the club and fitted very efficiently by a contact of Pat O'Hare's called Seamus. Thanks both of you!
Full speed ahead for RTC
4th June - Each of our 4 Summer League teams have played home and away and this has made the Club feel truly up and running. Last night we also had - for only about the 2nd or 3rd time - a full Thursday club night - and I hope that is a sign of things to come.
The clubhouse has been painted and is slowly being fitted out fully with showers, lights, alarms and soon a kitchen to enable small groups to gather for match teas and - in time - meetings of various kinds. We are still in need of a cheap set of chairs as people have had to take back their own that they have leant from time to time as everyone needs their garden furniture thanks to the all the sun we're getting. Let us know if anyone has chairs they don't want and we'll arrange to have them taken off your hands.
The Leagues are going well. The Ladies teams - who are much less experienced in league tennis than the men's - have enjoyed their first foray into Summer League. We have mostly met very hospitable and friendly opposition - with only a few surprising exceptions. It certainly shows that league tennis even in Class 6 and 7 is keenly fought and will bring our team players on very quickly.
The Men's 1sts and 2nds look good bets for the playoffs too, which is depite having to bring in some subs - who have often agreed to play only after some persuasion and we thank every one of them.
I'd like to say even now a massive thanks to the all the team captains, who have put a lot of time and effort into organising us rabble into teams and maximising our fun at the same time. While we plan to rotate captaincy around a few different people to share the load, the first few captains have paved the way very well for those to come. Thanks Steve, Pat, Catherine & Niamh.
Ger Davis has agreed to captain the Mixed 1sts and will be selecting the team shortly. We have entered 3 teams, so anyone who wants to play or sub, let me or Ger know. Dave Kelly has agreed to captain the 3rds, so we also need a captain for the 2nds and one will be chosen once the players for each team are narrowed down.
I hope - like me - you are looking forward to a fantastic Summer of tennis in Ratoath.
May 2010
CLUBHOUSE FINISHED
14th May - It was a frantic rush in the end but thanks to the efforts of Pat O'Hare and his band of working men - builders, plumbers, electricians and the Loghouse lads doing the floors, decking and rails, we were ready for our first home match at Ratoath Tennis Club ever. Amazingly, given how tired everyone was, it was also a 5-0 win against a handy Swords side who were happy to muck in for their tea in slightly spartan conditions.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed items for the clubhouse already, whether permanently or on lend, including the Murtaghs of Ashbourne (table), Catherine Bannon (chairs), Steve Foley (cups, spoons, teapot, kettle) and probably other things I am forgetting. Thanks a million.
We look forward to many happy years of use from our new clubhouse and, one day, it will be able to welcome a playoff pennant to adorn the inside. Congratulations to all.
Summer Leagues Begin
11th May - Both the Men's 1st and 2nd team won away in the first week of Summer League, which is a great but not totally unexpected result. Several of the team had played leagues at a higher class before and were well able to control their games.
The Ladies 2nds had a losing start to their campaign but, considering they had never played league matches before, that's no disgrace. They all fought bravely and many games went to deuce but the opponents, Glenalbyn, were clearly hardened league players and had too much experience in the end. Thanks, though, to all the 2nds for making it there and trying their very best. Your first win won't be far away - mark my words.
The Ladies 1sts played on Tues night and lost narrowly 3-2 to Laytown/Bettystown 3. A very good Ratoath team lost some close matches but came up just short. Bad luck.
Clubhouse nearing completion
6th May - The electrical and plumbing contractors have begun work today on installing the toilets, showers and electrical fittings needed to make the clubhouse a place to be proud of. Pat O'Hare and Ronan Kelly have once again spent a lot of their valuable time on getting reasonable quotes, preparing their recommendations to the Committee and keeping the installation moving and the Committee and especially the Chairman thanks them warmly.
The latest estimate for completion of this phase and for the commencement of home league games is 10-14 days. Pat will be pushing them all the way.
Summer League starts on Friday 7th May
5th May - It has been a crazy fortnight picking all the teams and checking everyone can make the first match for each of our 4 teams but we are almost there! There will be no surprises that the Men's 1st team, who will play in Class 6, contains 4 of our successful Winter League team but due to a combination of some good form and greater league experience, Mark Whitbread, Damian Scattergood, and Simon McDermott, up-and-coming star of the club, have been chosen to complete the Men's 1sts.
Pat O'Hare and Conor Davis, who also did so well in the winter, head up the Men's 2nd team and should have a great chance, with Tommy White, Tony Cunningham, Malcolm Drake, Shane McDermott and Pat Flanagan, of getting to the play-offs in Class 7.
The Ladies teams, who will both be playing in Class 7, have come together in the last week or so, with Catherine Bannon heading up the 1sts and Niamh Byrne very kindly volunteering (under slight duress) to captain the 2nds. While the 1sts have a great chance of play-off glory, with a strong team of Catherine, Jacinta Lewis, Delma Flanagan, Sue Scannail, Carmel Adair, Marcella Kelly & Lillian Murtagh; the Ladies 2nd team are mostly very new to tennis or to league tennis and will be looking to get some fun experience, though they may surprise themselves. Ladies 2nds are: Niamh Byrne, Laura Flanagan, Linda Corr, Deborah McQueen, Olive McCann, Miriam Cremin, Jillian O'Sullivan. We plan to get as many of the keen beginner and returning lady players involved for a match or two during the season.
Good luck to everyone and thanks for representing the club.
1st May - All membership renewals are now due. Every member as at 30th April on a yearly Family, Single or Junior membership should have received a renewal letter with the exact renewal cost. They must pay this preferably by cheque (cash otherwise) on or before 15th May or they will be asked for their court key to be returned and to no longer use the tennis/campus facilities.
We have an action-packed Summer planned so we very much hope everyone will feel it is well worthwhile re-joining for 2010/2011.
April 2010
Summer League teams coming together
As you know, we are fielding 2 men's and 2 ladies' teams in the Summer League, which starts on 5th May, running initially for 5 rounds/matches, mostly on Saturdays. By 28th April, we have to nominate our teams and subs for this, so it is now time to put yourself forward if you'd like to play.
Just to explain a couple of things people have asked me about, firstly it is not necessary to be available to play every match. Even if you can only make 1 or 2, put your name forward and you will probably be included as a sub. If you can make 3 or more, you may still be nominated for the team and we will get subs for the matches you can't make.
Secondly, the playing level in Class 7 only requires a fairly reliable serve and groundstrokes. You don't need to be able to hit the cover off the ball or serve aces.
Thirdly, matches can be as far afield as Wicklow Town to the South and Navan to the North but it certainly helped me find my way around Greater Dublin. A lift with someone else in the team is always available to anyone who doesn't drive.
Finally, matches are the best way to develop your game quickly and to get the most from your time on a tennis court. There's also the social side of things; visiting other clubs is fantastic for making new tennis friends over a pint and a sandwich lunch/tea.
If you'd like more information or an idea of whether you'd be suitable to play, just call me on 086 852 0844.
Why are we waiting?
 9th April - The concrete base for the clubhouse is finally laid after some further frustrating delays by Loghouse. Although the weather hasn't helped, I notice that the car park at the National School has been completely dug-up and relaid in the time we have been waiting for our works to be carried out. Despite huge efforts from Pat O'Hare and Ronan Kelly to hurry them up, including threats of fines, they have been so relaxed they are horizontal and practically needed their arm breaking before they got on with it.
I'll say no more for fear of slowing down this latest activity and just hope progress is now swift and non-stop.
Thanks again to Pat and Ronan without whom we wouldn't have got this far.
March 2010
Brave defeat in Dublin League Semi
Steve Foley and the boys gave their all in the semi-final of Class 6 Dublin League out at Bettystown Golf & Tennis Club last Sunday, 14 March, ending up narrowly losing 2-1 to a very good Laytwon/Bettystown 2nd team. Sheyi & Dave Curley, our 2nd Pair, beat Laytown/Bettystown's 2nd Pair in a tight match but the other 2 pairs battled to narrow defeats against very good opposition. Everyone who played on the team as a regular or a sub can be rightly proud of our semi-final achievement in our first season of league tennis as a club.
Thanks to both Men's and Ladies' teams for their commitment to turning up in some mixed weather through the winter and playing all their matches away.
Sadly, Jo Davis, who played in our 1st Pair in the Ladies leagues, is leaving for new adventures in London, so we are looking all the harder for ladies to play team tennis in the Summer. But I have already seen many good candidates and I'll be asking them all to play.
Have fun Jo - we'll miss you! |
