I must say how honoured and delighted I am to be Captain of Downshire Tennis Club this year. It’s got to be the best tennis club on the island of Ireland and maybe even the whole world! I love the club and the people in it. For a village, it’s incredible to think that we have around 500 members. Yes, I know we only have 3 courts, but where there’s a will there’s a way, and if you really want to play, you’ll get to play. More about that later…

At the outset I want to say a really big “Thank you!” to last year’s Captain, Anne Sloan. Anne has been a model captain and has had a very successful year all round, both on and off the courts. I could probably count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I was at the club over the last year when Anne wasn’t there, even when she was injured and couldn’t play! Anne has been involved in all that has happened in the past year, showing her enthusiasm, interest and dedication at all levels of the club, from the kids right through to the evergreens. I’m sure everyone at the club would join me in thanking Anne and wishing her and David Orr every best wish and happiness in their forthcoming marriage – about b¬….y time too!

This year could be momentous in terms of decision-making for the club. The development plans for new covered courts up Old Coach Road are well advanced and the time will soon be upon us when a final decision must be made on those. It is essential that everyone in the club take an interest in these plans, because they will undoubtedly have a huge bearing on the future of the club. I would ask all members to keep a look out for information on the progress of these plans and to come along to any meetings at which the plans are to be discussed. If you’re not in, you can’t win. And if you don’t contribute to the debate or decision making process, then your opinion will not be heard.

As I write, Letty’s Leagues have come out of hibernation after the winter chill and are underway yet again. What a fantastic competition! If you want to see smiling faces on a wet and windy Monday night, Downshire is the place to be. I’ve never seen so many people turn up with such enthusiasm for a soaking. And it’s all thanks to Letty Lucas. Where would we be without her? Isn’t it great to see Letty has been appointed President of Tennis Ireland. Congratulations, Letty! We’re very proud and wish you well in your term of office. It’s tremendous for our club to be represented at the very highest level of the game in Ireland.

The new Formula One competition will also be getting underway quite soon too. Once again, we’re blessed with the organisational skills and dedication of Patrick Knowles and Jim Cleland, who year after year manage to throw together a host of members of differing talents to produce great fun and healthy competition at various times throughout the year. The club tournaments are a great way of giving large numbers of members an opportunity for regular tennis. They’re also a great reality check!

It won’t be long before the mixed and junior leagues come round again. This year we’re hoping for even greater success for the 8 mixed teams and numerous junior teams that we are entering. Team selection is going to be very difficult due to the strength in depth we have this year. I think we could have strong teams in all of the leagues we enter. As Club Captain I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the teams in action and to lending my support both at home and away. I’m also looking forward to bringing some silverware back to the club.

I have to say how remarkable it is that Downshire has so many members who are prepared to give so much of their time to making sure the club functions smoothly. I can’t name everyone, but I must single out just one such person at this time – Wilbert McKnight. I’m beginning to think that Wilbert lives in one of the huts behind the clubhouse. He’s always there - clearing up, brushing up leaves, brushing up snow, organising club night, serving bbq meats on Captain’s Day, returning my forehand winner down the tramlines with a backhand volley when he’s supposed to be in the other service court! You just can’t get away from him! Thank you Wilbert!

Enough of my rambling for now. I will sign off with one last thought. I believe the main reason we are such a successful club is because of the friendly atmosphere. At least that’s my own impression. When Kumiko and I joined the club some years ago, we received a very warm welcome and were made to feel part of a big family. As well as getting good exercise and great enjoyment out of playing tennis, we have made wonderful friends at Downshire. And so have our three boys. The tennis is only half the story! If you are reading this and are not a member but thinking of possibly joining, give it a go, be patient, don’t be afraid to ask for a game, come along to club afternoon or club night and in time you’ll have the fun of your life.

20th January 2010