A grand slam of giving
Mullingar Tennis Club serves up €5,023 for charity
Mullingar – sunshine, sport, and the spirit of giving came together over the weekend of April 5 and 6 as Mullingar Tennis Club served up an ace of an event, raising an impressive €5,023 in aid of ARC Cancer Support Centres and the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.
In partnership with Tennis 4 Cancer, the club hosted a packed weekend of activity, headlined by its annual Michael Creighton Charity Tournament, generously sponsored by Sleator Kia. Nearly 90 players from clubs around the country took to the courts in a celebration of competition and compassion.
Players were divided into four mixed-ability categories - A, B, C, and beginners - pairing with partners of similar levels for fast-paced, 30-minute matches on Saturday. The top 32 returned on Sunday to battle through knockout rounds that delivered drama, skill, and no shortage of heart.
Emerging victorious were Haitham Elamin of Mullingar (A Level) and Hazel Killian of Birr (Beginner Level), who outlasted Jimmy McCormack (Mullingar, B Level) and Carmel Hayes (Moate, Beginner Level) in a final that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. After splitting the first two sets 6-2, 3-6, the championship tie-break sealed it 10-5.
But the weekend wasn’t just about the winners, it was about a community rallying together. Hundreds turned out to enjoy the matches, and Saturday morning’s coffee morning became a standout moment. Sponsored by Áine and Ger Gavigan of Uisneach Catering and Paul Fay’s Bar in Granard, the event drew townspeople and tennis fans alike for coffee, cake, and conversation, all in the name of a good cause.
The weekend also featured live music, a well-supported raffle, and a host of generous local sponsors. Sleator Kia led the way with €1,000 in raffle prizes, joined by supporters including Jimmy Rayleigh Accountancy, Mullingar Furniture, Jewelry Effect, Kelly’s Photography, Buckley’s Supervalu, and more. Congratulations to Ursula Murray, who walked away with the top raffle prize of €500.
Behind the scenes, the club’s volunteers powered the event. Special recognition goes to Men’s Captain Alan Jones, who led the tournament organisation with tireless dedication. “It was a fantastic weekend,” he said.
“As organiser of the event, I was thrilled with the response from the community, the help from businesses around town, and the commitment of our club members. Everyone pulled together to show the true meaning of community in Mullingar. It was really outstanding.”
Also instrumental were fundraising dynamo Karen Farrington, and PR Officer Luke Smith, whose communications helped bring the community to the courts. Fagan’s Print, Ray Dolan, Midlands103, and Harbour Place Shopping Centre all played pivotal roles in promoting and hosting the event.
"This weekend wasn’t just about tennis - it was about community," said one club member. "The generosity we saw, from sponsors to spectators, reminded us what local sport is truly about."
With the nets now rolled up and the courts returning to regular play, the club turns its attention to its next marquee event: the Senior Club Championship, kicking off May 23. Registration opens on May 1 on the Tennis Ireland website, with singles, doubles, and mixed categories across all levels. Mullingar Tennis Club continues to welcome new members, offering top-tier facilities, professional coaching, and a sense of camaraderie that extends far beyond the baseline.
For membership enquiries call 086 4682481 or email membership@mullingartennisandbadminton.ie
(See this week's Westmeath Examiner for more coverage).