Thomas Townsend reports on last weekend's first ever Cork Pride Tournament.
The first ever Cork Pride tennis tournament took place on a scorching Whit weekend on the banks of the lovely Lee in Sunday’s Well Tennis Club.
Frank, who enthusiastically set up Out4tennis four years ago, did great work getting us into Cork’s most prestigious tennis ground.
The get-together consisted of six girls who regularly meet in Cork; Cristine, Helena, Janet, Cora, Val and Nikki, the girl’s captainette and six boys; visitors from Dublin, Mark and Daniel and four who play monthly in Silversprings; Paul, Keith, James and myself. We even had our own ball boy and plenty of support.
Mixed doubles matches were first up with the pairings decided by tournament directors Nikki and James, apparently Helena and myself was a ‘brown envelope’ suggestion. After five matches, the winners were Mark and Cristine with the best Steffi Graf serve. James and Cora were at times hitting more balls on the cricket pitch next door while Keith was voted the best mixed doubles partner and received a Barbie.
After a much needed break in the stifling heat, it was on to the unmixed events where the women played doubles while the men had to battle it out in singles matches.
In a very close contest, Cristine and Janet triumphed over Nikki and Helena who was given the prize for the best shot of the day. Cora and Val were consoled with awards for the best scorekeeper and grunter respectively, not sure if they were pleased or disappointed with those!
As for the men's, Paul lived up to his favourite status and secured top spot convincingly, proving that Kilkenny men are not only good at hurling. Perhaps he should have been disqualified for showing up in a black t-shirt.
It was a battle for second place between the Dubs with Daniel edging out bitter rival Mark. Keith and I came next with James bringing up the rear but still a valiant effort for only a year of playing!
So all in all it was a rewardingly enjoyable day instead of lazing on the beach. We had plenty of sand ourselves on court, my excuse for failing to win along with the bouncy balls. I’m used to playing in the rain there with heavy ones!
Drinks were deservedly followed in the bar where the prizes were given out. Afterwards, looking like lobsters, some of us (Mark didn’t survive), went to Currans where we enjoyed a satisfying menu thanks to James but maybe critical Janet had other opinions.
Then to round off the night we ended up in Loafers.
There will be many tennis meet ups in Cork this summer. So, come and join us!