Tennis courts - an ace facility

After nearly 100 years, Ballyjamesduff’s tennis tradition is still going strong. The two courts, once known locally as the Gravel Hole, underwent major refurbishment in 2021 and has since being a multi-use games area (MUGA).

Originally, the courts date back to the 1930s when Stan Lynch transformed the land into grass courts after purchasing it from James Slowey. Under the care of Bill Wright, the club quickly flourished. Over the decades, the courts saw several revivals and setbacks, at one stage even becoming a dumping ground, until a new committee with Fintan Cronin among others aimed to restore them. “We organised a relay fundraiser from the Stag’s Head in Dublin to the Percy French and gathered 12,000 pounds,” the local newsagent reports - the equivalent of about 55,000 pounds today.

The club enjoyed a golden era through the 1980s and 1990s, hosting summer tournaments and producing top regional players. In 1983, the courts even gained international attention when tennis legend John McEnroe, whose grandfather was from Ballyjamesduff, visited the town and humorously recalled that his Irish relative “preferred Borg” to him.

In 2021, Ballyjamesduff Community Council secured Leader programme funding to fully refurbish the courts, creating a modern MUGA that now accommodates basketball and handball alongside tennis. The Community Council, chaired by Susan Willis, retains ownership of the facility, while the club run the day-to-day business: “We assist the club whenever we can, we are very happy that the Tennis Club is so active and looks after the facilities.”

With the annual membership, the courts are free to use. Non-members pay €10 per hour - all reserved through the online booking system.

Today, the club has around 100 active members and offers social sessions on Sundays and Wednesdays, men’s meet-ups on Fridays, and professional coaching for children and adults. Internal tournaments are a regular highlight, with all levels of ability catered for.

“This is a fantastic facility for the community,” said Ms Willis.

“It sets Ballyjamesduff apart and gives people of all ages a chance to stay active and connected.”