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MAYOR of Limerick Gerald Mitchell has honoured one of the oldest sporting institutions in the city.
Members of Limerick Lawn Tennis Club, located at Ennis Road, were in attendance at a special reception in the council chamber at City Hall.
Founded in 1877, the club is home to the historic South of Ireland Senior, Junior and Veterans tennis championships, as well as the Limerick Squash Open.
Its facilities can boast nine synthetic grass courts and recently added three clay courts and three squash international standard courts.
A gym, sauna and modern changing facilities were also put in place, with its clubhouse was redeveloped in 2006.
“According a mayoral reception is one of the highest honours I can bestow. I believe your club is a worthy recipient. I am extremely delighted to honour and acknowledge your achievements and contribution to sport and to the wider local community and also promoting social healthy interaction and helping fund charitable events,” said Mayor Mitchell.
“You are great ambassadors for Limerick!”
A number of well-known people locally have turned out for the Lawn Tennis Club.
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In that number is Conor Niland, who got through to the latter stages of the Wimbledon tennis championship in 2011, as well as Vere Thomas St Leger Gold, who also appeared at the same tournament back in 1878.
The mayor also acknowledged some of the other initiatives the club is involved in promoting.
The club launched a special programme in 2021 alongside Dochas, which supports children with autism.
Wheelchair tennis is also a feature of the club calendar.
Clients of Enable Ireland are set to start a programme this summer.
There’s training for visually impaired tennis players, while Ukrainian nationals are given a discount to train at the club.