ENNIS TENNIS & Badminton Club hosted its first ever “Smash Cancer” tennisathon and badminton blitz in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland on Saturday, November 1. The event proved a great success, raising over €6,300 for the charity.
Myriam Riand kicked off the day with an incredible five hours of nonstop tennis. The team event continued throughout the afternoon, with over 60 members taking part.
One of the highlights was the Fastest Serve competition. Jeremy Ah Chong recorded a speed of 161 km/h, Sarah reached 113 km/h, while juniors Finn Gleeson and Maeve hit 100 km/h and 79 k Flanagan m/h respectively — future champions in the making. The Winner Stays On match saw James O’Connell triumph over his father Dan with a decisive winning smash.
Meanwhile, the badminton courts were busy with junior and senior blitzes, and table tennis proved popular throughout the day.
The club expressed its gratitude for the strong support and sponsorship from local businesses. Special thanks were extended to Justin Gleeson from People and Place, Copy Stop for printing, Tale Security, Jim Casey Trophies, Kathy Howe, and the Ennis Tennis & Badminton Club committee.
The raffle was also a major success, thanks to generous prize donations from local businesses including Pat Hough Racket Sports, The Lahinch Coast Hotel, Hotel Doolin, The Armada Hotel, Fiddle + Bow Hotel Doolin, No Forty One Bar & Restaurant, Ennis Veterinary Clinic, Coffee Rush Drive Thru, AerCap Shannon, Tennis Ireland, Anne-Marie Darcy, Rob Dunne, The Wine Buff Ennis, Donie O’Keeffe Champion Meats, Manix Ennis, and Danny Comerford.
A big thank you was also given to all club members who donated online, organised raffle prizes, bought tickets, baked cakes and buns, and came along to play and support such an important cause.
The Smash Cancer Committee members were Clara Malone, Karen Mullen, Myriam Riand, Sue Gavin, Edel Malone, Sinead Moloney, and Katja Wittmer.