Tennis set for change

Tennis Ireland is to launch a three-year strategic plan next month aimed at developing the sport throughout the country.

The plan includes the setting up of an all-Ireland inter-club league competition and the development of tennis in primary and secondary schools nationwide.

The project has been unanimously approved by the association's central council.

Tennis Ireland legislators have been concerned for years about the weak image of the game, particularly at primary level, and at last positive methods are to be put in train to address the problem. It is hoped that the introduction of short tennis and mini tennis at primary and secondary levels will have long-term benefits.

Christian Brothers' schools in Dublin, such as Synge Street and O'Connell's, who figured in Leinster schools' competitions in the past, are to be encouraged to attempt to rekindle interest in the sport.

An all-Ireland inter-club league is one of the most important aspects of the venture. A residential training centre is also a target to be realised within the next two years.

The TSB grade programme designed to grade and re-grade all Irish players on the basis of playing ability is expected to reach fruition during the coming year. Over 26,000 players are now involved in the programme. Plans are also afoot to honour players who have played with distinction for Ireland in the Davis Cup down the years. A list of names sure to evoke nostalgic memories has been compiled by Tennis Ireland. It includes Joe Hackett, Cyril Kemp, the late Guy Jackson, Joe McHale, the late George McVeagh, Michael Hickey, Peter Ledbetter, Matt Doyle and Sean Sorsenen.