16-10-2017
Denis Johnson Cup
Athlone sent a four-strong team to Mullingar to compete in this annual event in which eight teams were involved. Ann O'Sullivan and Michelle Culligan formed the ladies' doubles team and emerged undefeated from their matches while John Cooney and John Galvin were a strong men's pairing. Then Ann and Michelle each took a John for the mixed doubles. After a great day's tennis, Athlone finished in a very creditable third place overall.
Autumn Leagues
The groups for the autumn leagues have been formed based on pyramid standings and players are encouraged to arrange matches while the weather outlook remains good:
Men:
Group A: Sean Raftery, Harry O'Rourke, Des Windsor-McGlynn, Peter Agbonobi, Jeremy Clarke, Pawel Michalski.
Group B: Martin O'Rourke, George Bodor, Rob Kearney, John Galvin, Dave Costello, Marek Rose.
Group C: Richard Frank, Kieron McCarthy, David Manser, John Bray, Eduardo Ballesteros Ribera, Warren Curtin.
Group D: Pat Conway, Michael Flynn, John Cooney, Tanmay Pande.
Group E: Manu Singh, Atin Kohli, Oisin Stronge, Matthew Conway, David Walsh.
Ladies:
Group A: Paula Dowling, Lisa Brennan, Melanie Whyte, Jacinta Digby, Rose Costello.
Group B: Ann O'Sullivan, Michelle Culligan, Anna Walsh, Roisin Casey, Laura Hunt.
Group C: Mary Jo O'Farrell, Sine McFarlane, Sarah Seoige, Laura O'Cluaid, Aileen Cunnie, Brigid Flynn, Lisa Kelly.
Club Nights
Men compete every Monday, the ladies play every Tuesday while mixed doubles competitions are held every Thursday. These nights are opportunities for new potential members to come along and play a few games. Last Monday night, James McClean was the star of the show in Ireland's brilliant win over Wales while on Thursday night, the weather was victorious, also making it to the play-offs. Back to tennis this week hopefully!
Junior Coaching
Clem Higginbotham continues coaching every Saturday for children under 7 at 10am. Children ages 8 to 11 have coaching at 11 and coaching for older children will start at 12. Clem can be contacted at 0864022490.
Derek Stenson’s coaching sessions started Tuesday 13th and are on every Tuesday and Friday at 4 and 5pm. He caters for children from 4 to 17 and for more details contact him at 0851080013 or to get his time table and registration form email Derek at rallyvolleysmash@gmail.com
GOAT
Highlight of the week was of course Roger Federer's master-class in his stunning victory over long-time rival Rafa Nadal in the Shanghai Masters 1000 final. This was Roger's fifth win in a row agaist Rafa who hasn't beaten him in almost four years. Surely, there is no longer any doubt about who is the Greatest Of All Time.