08 Sep Irish teams winTri- Nations!
Ireland made history in winning all 3 agegroups in the Tri-nations tournament which was played in Lansdowne Tennis Club last weekend.
Perhaps inspired by the achievements of James McGee in qualifying for the US Open this month the mood in the camp was good from the get go and the never say die attitude that prevailed throughout the camp was a big factor in closing out some tight matches.
The under 12 girls Ali McClean and Olivia Moriotti had to dig deep into their reserves to claw their way through a championship tie-break which sealed victory for their age-group under the steady guidance of their experienced team captain Lynsey McCullough, herself no stranger to tri-nations competition.
Ammar Elamin and Conor Gannon were consistency personified and never dropped a set enroute to helping bring the U12s title home.
The biggest drama played out in the U14s where going into the final round of doubles vs. Scotland Ireland needed to win either the boys or girls doubles, failing this they needed to bring one of the matches to a third set, as in the event of a tie the winner is decided on a count back on sets won. With both matches going in Scotland’s favour the Irish girls Sofia Derivan and Georgia Drummy dug deep for the team at a set & 2-5 down to claim the second set and notch up that all important point for the U14s. The foundation had been laid the previous day as Ronan Sweeney and Daniel Vlas took the lead with some great singles performances. Their team captain John McGahon showed his experience as a former international player in instilling that fighting mentality.
The U18s were impressive from the start winning 6 of their opening day singles matches. The team featured Julie Byrne, Lauren Deegan, Osgar O’Hoisin & Sam Bothwell. Their captain Stephen Nugent, having worked with them through their junior years expressed his pride & delight for them as they accepted their trophies.
President of Tennis Ireland Mrs Ann O’Connor congratulated the players, their team captains and all involved saying it was a true reflection of where Irish junior tennis is at today.
Tennis Ireland is indebted to BNP Paribas who sponsor the national academy and play a big part in making it possible for talented Irish juniors to reach their potential.
The Irish Team
U12
|
Ali |
McClean |
|
Olivia |
Mariotti |
|
Conor |
Gannon |
|
Ammar |
Elamin |
U14
|
Sofia |
Derivan |
|
Georgia |
Drummy |
|
Daniel |
Vlas |
|
Ronan |
Sweeney |
U18
|
Lauren |
Deegan |
|
Julie |
Byrne |
|
Osgar |
O’Hoisin |
|
Sam |
Bothwell |