A practice wall is planned for 2008 - We lodged the planning permission before Christmas 2007 and we're now seeking quotes while working though the paperwork. It looks great on paper and we hope to get ground-work started later this year, as we know it'll be a great facility for all members of the club to practice their strokes and warm up while waiting for friends to arrive.

It will inevitably involve a bit or disruption, but we think that will be a small price to pay...

The current layout awaiting approval from the Planning authorities will have one practice court on either side of a central reinforced concrete wall. The idea being that there will be a large sized Senior court on one side and a smaller Junior court on the other. However, we must wait and see what is approved before we can be sure of the final layout.

So, what have we done in the last while?

Over the past few years we have, in no particular order...

1. Put in a full access control system to provide members with a safe, controlled and organised facility within which to enjoy their tennis. How it works is every member gets an access 'fob' that electronically controls access to the club.

 2. Instituted a full maintenance program for the courts - very important!

3. With the assistance of some much-welcomed Lottery Funding we replaced all the fencing and put in new lights on all ten courts. The lights are excellent and facilitate playing all year-round.

4. We upgraded the clubhouse in a number of ways, built a deck outside, which is now a focal point of the club, and upgraded the shower facilities. We also painted the clubhouse and developed a comfortable 'social' area upstairs to sit, have a chat and enjoy a cup of coffee....

5. A kitchen upgrade - our kitchen got a massive 'makeover' which was completed in Summer 2007 and we're now enjoying the fruits of our labour. Is there a better kitchen in a Tennis Club in Dublin - show us!