“It started in Jelly’s Pit”

1909 – 2009

Abbeyleixs Tennis Club Centenary Year Book

This is the ideal gift which will bring back many happy memories to all who have graced the tennis courts over the century. 

This is now on sale in the following premises or by contacting the below.

 

Premises-                               Bramleys

Morans

The Heritage Centre

Abbeyleix Credit Union

Abbeyleix Manor Hotel

Andy Shiels

Clelands

Mulhalls Portlaoise 

Contact-      This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Emily 085 7085153

Garry 087 6420941

It was a night of celebration filled with nostalgia and pride for Abbeyleix Lawn Tennis Club last Wednesday night at Abbeyleix Library for the launch of their Centenary Book “It Started in Jelly’s Pit – 100 Years of Tennis in Abbeyleix”. Described on the night as not so much a book on tennis and sport but more of a social history entwined in sport and life of real people over the last 100 years in Abbeyleix -  not so much  a love story but a place where many love stories began. An absorbing read for anyone with an interest in Abbeyleix or in Tennis, with 200 pages of stories, recollections and photos from 1909 to 2009. Jelly’s Pit of course is the old name for the Park (many of the Heritage signs in the town point to Jelly’s Pit) after the Jelly Family from Shanahoe who operated a sand pit at the turn of the 19^th century

County Librarian Gerry Maher opened proceedings by complimenting the Club on their fabulous publication which would stand as a permanent record for future generations, and wished the club well for the future. Centenary Club Chairman Garry Luttrell on behalf of the Centenary Committee thanked all who had helped in publishing the book by supplying articles and stories and photos, Barnaville Print and Graphics for their excellent work in printing and design, Diarmuid O Connell from Laois Chamber of Commerce for his work in proof reading. Special thanks were expressed to Laois Partnership Company for their financial backing of the project, and their advice and support over past few months and their ongoing work in assisting local groups carrying out projects like this, which otherwise would go undone.

Former player and Abbeyleix native Desmond Baggot who now lives in Grenada spoke of his wonderful memories of the 50’s and 60’s, his love of tennis and the great friendships made from the game. Gerry O Hara, who took on the unenviable task of pulling the book together as editor, spoke of his satisfaction in completing the book and recounted some of the many stories relayed to him in its compilation.

Chris Bardon a club stalwart of the 80’s and 90’s spoke of the honour of being asked to launch the book and recalled many of the great times he had at Abbeyleix Tennis Club. Chairman of the club in 1986 and entered into the Clubs Hall of Fame in 2005, Chris made a huge contribution to the development of the club. The Bardon family have had an involvement for four generations with from Chris’s parents down to Chris & Fionn’s granddaughter Florianna who started out this year on the Saturday mornings. In a move that epitomizes the man, Chris called on current Club Chairperson Emily McDonald to assist him with the launch. MC for the night was Kevin Hutchinson who used his wit and charm in introducing the speakers and also read out a letter form Tom de Vesci who was unable to attend due to work commitments but hoped to spend more time in Abbeyleix in the future. The sentiment expressed by Kevin on the loss of the de Vesci family to the town over the last 20 years was shared by many on the night.

The large crowd in the fabulous Library building included many current and past members, Mark Clancy from Laois Partnership Company, Fr Ger Ahearn representing Park Trustees, Tom Cox – Heritage House, local County Councillors JJ Fennelly, James Daly and Padraig Fleming and many more invited guests. A cheese and wine reception was followed the launch with over a hundred copies were sold on the night.

“It Started in Jelly’s Pit – 100 Years of Tennis in Abbeyleix” is the perfect stocking filler for all members of the Abbeyleix Lawn Tennis Club and local community past and present. The book is on sale for €20 (€25 including P&P) at the following locations – Moran’s News agency, Abbeyleix Credit Union, Andy Shiel’s butchers, Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, All-Books in Portlaoise, from any Committee member (Angela Phelan, Breda Broderick, Catherine/Kevin Hutchinson, Donal Dunne, Emily McDonald, Garry Luttrell, Gerry O Hara, Irene Bonham and Liam Fitzgerald) and can be ordered from This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

Abbeyleix Tennis Club held their annual race night in the Manor Hotel Abbeyleix on Friday 20^th November.  The night was a great success with members of the club and local community attending, over 300 horses sold and sponsorship provided by many local businesses.

 

Club Vice Chairperson Leisa Fitzgerald thanked Gerry Grealish and David Robinson at the Tote’s table, Tony McInerney for providing a colourful commentary between races and for the charity race, David Brophy for organising the race cards, races (and dodgy DVD's) on the night and all that supported, sponsored and attended on the night.

 

A large thank you goes out to all the generous sponsors of the event; Bonhams Garage, Fyffes Fashions, Jimmy Bergin Jewellers, Laois Hire, Peter and Shelly Stokes, Casserly Transport Ltd., Owenass Developments, Liz Meagher, Brownes Jewellers Portlaoise, Abbeyleix Credit Union, Manor Hotel Abbeyleix, Ortus Technology, Morrisseys Abbeyleix, Donal Dunne, Moynan’s Fuel Service and Bardon Molumby.

 

The last social event on the club’s calendar is the launch of a book celebrating the last 100 years of the club on Wednesday 02 December at 8 pm in the Abbeyleix Library.

 

 

Due to the recent run of bad weather and condition of the courts the Open Week Singles competition has been cancelled.

The Open Week Singles competition due to take place this week has been suspended until further notice due to safety concerns as the current weather is making the courts dangerous to play on. All entrants will be contacted by phone to be notified of the change of schedule. Sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.

The draw and schedule for the Singles Open week can be found by clicking here. Good luck to all involved.