10s and under Junior Tennis Tournament 2010

Enniskillen Juniors who took part in U10 Tournament

The recent tens and under junior tennis tournament at Enniskillen was well supported by children from Fermanagh and beyond. This event was based on team participation and involved players at U10, U9 and U8 levels. It was very well supported with a total of 28 players taking part playing a minimum of three matches each. This event was supported by Tennis Ireland and is designed to give young children the experience of playing in competition but without the pressure of competing in a knockout event.

The Under 10s event was the first tournament for some local players such as Emily Miller, Sarah Russell, Sasha Funston and Dearbhla Dillon from Enniskillen. All girls revelled in the experience and played to a high standard. It was also Eimear Smyth's first under ten event and her effortless style and single handed backhand were qualities that will undoubtedly stand to her in the future. Kyran Maguire and Conan Whitely from Irvinestown were in formidable form in a particularly competitive boy's group and this event was appreciated by all spectators.

Dearbhla The Under 8s and 9s events confirmed to onlookers that tennis has a very bright future in Fermanagh. Enniskillen's Fergal Quinn proved unstoppable with his array of groundstrokes and volleys. Irvinestown's Aoife Straume, Kieran Daly and Daniel Hughes continue to make good progress at this level. Ciara Griffin also showed potential with some impressive groundstrokes and is a player to watch in the future.

The Under 9s event saw the participation of Zara Flack, Paige Mackey, Megan Elliott, Amy Griffin, Scott Hughes, Harry Stephenson, Craig Humes and Luke Dillon. The girl's group was led by Irvinestown's Zara Flack who proved exceptionally strong at this level. This was a competitive group that also included Megan Elliott and Amy Griffin, two players who have made solid progress in recent months. Luke Dillon won three of his four matches narrowly missing out to group leader, Harry Stephenson 6/4.

Ciara

This U10s tournament is expected to be a regular feature of the annual Enniskillen Junior tournament . Appreciation was given to Matthew McGann for running the event and to Mount Lourdes for the use of their courts. Each child went home with a medal to remind them that competitive tennis can and should be fun!