Dear members,

2020 has been a year like no other so I wanted to take the unusual step of writing to keep everyone in touch with the club and it’s activities.

We have not had our usual get togethers, social nights, competitions, charity night, quiz night or anything else to gather together to chat, to laugh and generally do what we do so well in Nenagh and welcome members and visitors alike.

First and foremost I would like to take this opportunity on my own behalf and that of our hard working committee to thank each and everyone of you for the efforts you have made to comply with the government and Tennis Ireland guidelines to make our club a safe place to be. It was definitely more difficult on some more than others but compliance was fantastic and made our job easier and for that we thank you. However, as we all know while a vaccine has arrived we are far from out of the woods so I urge you all to continue to comply with whatever future guidelines are issued and hopefully before long we can get back to some form of normality.

Some good news, as you are all no doubt aware at this stage the committee have decided to offer a one off reduction to those who renew their membership before the end of February in recognition of the club being unavailable for a period of time during 2020.

We have also taken the decision to apply for planning permission to develop the children’s courts plus the addition of 2 red courts beside the ball wall. The Sports Capital grants are currently open for applications and we will be making an application for funding in an effort to bring this plan to life. The development of the red courts will take place irrespective of the outcome of the grant. As some of you may be aware, we received a bequest of 5000 euro a couple of years ago and it was decided then to put it towards the  children’s area.

When we do get to return to normal activity you will also see we have refurbished both the ladies and gents bathroom and shower facilities.

2020 also a had a sad note with the passing of members James White and Whitby Moynan, both long time popular members of our club and we also lost a past president, Brian Geaney. While members could not give these clubmates and countless other family and friends their normal send off this year as a result of Covid,  it was fantastic to see so many Nenagh LTC members in blue tops lining Church road to pay their respects.

We also had a member reach national success with Nathan Slattery becoming the Irish under 16 National champion and I wish to extend congratulations to Nathan and his parents.

It has been a difficult year for everyone but hopefully 2021 will be better and brighter. While I appreciate time is a precious commodity for everyone I would urge members to consider joining the committee. We are always seeking fresh ideas and input from others and would welcome any new additions to the committee. Before I joined the committee a popular club member who was on the committee at the same time said to me “people don’t always agree with our decisions but everyone should go on the committee just once to at least see what goes into running the club and organising our events”.

Finally I hope you all had a nice Christmas and wish everyone and happy, safe and hopeful New Year in 2021.

Michael Gilmartin
President Nenagh Lawn Tennis Club.