16-11-2015
Annual General Meeting
Our AGM which was held last Thursday entered a new era when Dave Costello stepped down as chairperson after 18 years and Lisa Brennan was elected to lead the club over the next few years. Michele Culligan was chosen as secretary. Paula Dowling and Tomasz Koza are the ladies’ and men’s captains respectively.
The secretary’s, the treasurer’s and chairperson’s reports were well received by the attendance and all queries were readily answered to the satisfaction of the members present. The main item for discussion was the planned move from Páirc Chiaráin to the Regional Sport’s Centre. Discussions with officials from Westmeath County Council are still in progress.
Executive Committee
Chairperson: Lisa Brennan, Secretary: Michele Culligan, Treasurer; John Cooney, PRO: Dave Costello, Ladies Captain: Paula Dowling, Men’s Captain: Tomasz Koza, Junior Organiser: Derek Stenson, Membership Secretary: Mary Jo O’ Farrell, Committee Members: Jacinta Digby, Julie Costello, Clem Higginbotham, Martin O’ Rourke, Des Windsor Mc Glynn, Kieran Mc Carthy.
Autumn Leagues
The presentation of prizes to the autumn league winners took place last Thursday. Paula Dowling has been the top performer in group 1 of the ladies league, Sean Raftery tops the men’s league.
Autumn League Winners
Lady Winners Groups 1, 2, 3: Paula Dowling, Lisa Brennan, Stephane Kenny
Lady Runners Up Groups 1, 2, 3: Joan Conway, Jacinta Digby, Aoife Raleigh
Men Winners: Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: Sean Raftery, Luciano Molinari, George Bodor, Peter Agbanobi, James Roche, John Cooney
Men Runners Up Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: Pawel Michalski, Richard Frank, Jamie Waldron, Jimmy Raleigh, Niall Gallagher, Gary Hurley
Ladies’ and Men’s Pyramids
Paula Dowling is number 1 lady having won all her matches in the autumn league. Joan Conway retains her position at number 2. Melanie Whyte has third spot with number 4 held by Orla Kinahan and Michele Culligan is number 5.
Sean Raftery tops the men’s pyramid with Pawel Michalski in second place. Former number 1 Harry O’ Rourke is in third position followed by Des Windsor Mc Glynn and Jeremy Clarke at 4 and 5 respectively. An interesting fact is that Sean, Harry and Jeremy all played in the under 18 club championship back in September.
Winter Singles Leagues
We are organising a ladies’ and men’s winter league instead of a doubles league as planned. All matches will be played by February 7th 2016. Members interested in taking part can register using viber to Dave, email, info@athlonetennisclub.com or sign up on the official form in the clubhouse. Closing date is Thursday 26th November.
Social Tennis
Paula Dowling and Tomasz Koza will be down every week to organise social tennis for members who turn up to enjoy social tennis. Men compete every Monday with the ladies playing every Tuesday. Mixed doubles takes place every Thursday.
Junior Coaching
The next term of junior coaching has started this week and will run for the next 6 weeks. Coaching is available for children aged 6 - 16 and takes place on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 4pm. You can book a place for your child by contacting Derek on 0851080013.
Clem Higginbotham continues coaching lessons for junior members every Saturday. The lessons begin at 10 for children under 8, at 11 for under 12 and at 12 o’ clock for older children. His contact number is 0864022490.