Tennis         bbermingham@corkcity.ie    www.bbermingham.com

Chairperson, Ladies & Gentlemen

I am delighted to represent the City of Cork, as Deputy Lord Mayor, at this, the Caledonian Life, Munster Senior, Open Tennis, Championships 2001.

Many thanks, for your kind invitation, I understand the championships; will be held here, from June 9^th to June 16^th [2001]

May I thank Caledonian Life, - for sponsoring this very important championship, - recognized, as it is, to be Munster’s premier tennis event.

May I thank the Media - for their excellent coverage of all sport? over the years - they have shown great commitment.

Indeed a very close connection has been established between the media and clubs in Cork, giving this region - a great reputation in Sport.

Participation

It is exciting to note, that there will be, well over, 400 entries, with some of the top ranked Irish and overseas players, competing, in the Men’s and Ladies premier events.

May I thank, in advance all who intend participating?

Participation is, in itself, so beneficial, as it necessitates, training, meeting people and contesting - all elements contributing to the individual’s personal development.

As always, there are, so many contestants, but few winners.

Cork then, is in for a treat, as we can expect to see excellent tennis, encouraging many more people, into sport.

The year 1899 was a historic year, in that the Sunday’s Well; Boating & Tennis Club, was founded.

Due to the foresight of the then committee, leasing these grounds, the club has a site, and home, second to none, creating an atmosphere of sport and leisure on this beautiful Mardyke…

”Where we sported and played, by the green leafy shades, on the banks of our own lovely lee.”

The Club’s contribution to Cork Society is well known.

It lent its ground’s to the Cork International Exhibition of 1902/03.

Coming up, on this event’s, 100^th year anniversary, Our new City manager Mr Joe Gavin has been reminded of this historical event, lets see if anything results.

The exhibition committee, built this present clubhouse, for visitors, which included King Edward 7^th and Queen Alexandra. It’s nice to remember all of our history! 

In 1904, the club took possession of the clubhouse and in the 1950’s the Cork County Club was incorporated, ensuring a unique place in the business and sporting history of cork city.

My pres days were blessed with sports and flag displays on this site - never to be forgotten.

Today the club facilitates Cork Corporation’s parks tennis training and pays for elite training, for a number of parks children with high potential.

Your unique history is displayed all around us.

The City of Cork is very thankful to you.

Cork Corporation

As Deputy Lord Mayor and current Chairperson of the Recreation, Amenity and Cultural

“Strategic Policy Committee” [SPC]

I am pleased that Cork Corporation, within its means, has facilitated sport, down the years, with the provision of playing pitches, tennis courts, recreation halls, swimming pools and so on.

I am delighted with the recent appointment of Mr Larry O’Reilly as Sports Officer with Cork Corporation.

His appointment should increase Cork Corporation’s level and quality of communication, assistance, and response to all sporting clubs - in their development.

Special Olympics

Only a few weeks ago I attended an awards celebration in the Indoor-bowling center - the Coliseum - as the first stepping-stone to the Special Olympics in 2003.

I understand that Ireland is the first country to host the games outside the United States – this is a major achievement.

Ireland is now gearing itself up for this hugh event.

We are thrilled with the honor, and challenged by the enormity of the occasion.

Its organization – the heats, transportation, accommodation, backup, the total lead up, the Olympics themselves, and the post tidying up operation- will tax everyone involved.

Thousands of people will come to Ireland.

We as a community are ready to play our part in ensuring the success of these Special Olympics in 2003.

Sport then, at every level, is alive and kicking in Ireland.

In this, the year of THE VOLUNTEER

No praise from civic leaders can be high enough for the enormous good, and value added,

Your voluntary efforts are making to our community.

May I wish you - all the members, of

Sunday’s Well…Boating & Tennis Club? 

Great and continuing success in the years ahead?

Your contribution to TENNIS & SPORT

is greatly appreciated by all. -Thank You

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