The Beginning...
Carrick-on-Shannon Lawn Tennis Club was established in 1887. It was originally as the name suggested, consisting of two lawn courts. In the late 1950’s, the club was flourishing and it was decided to replace the lawn courts with tarmacadam. At that time, the club had a relatively high membership and played in tournaments with other local clubs and was also represented in officially recognised Connacht Branch fixtures. The club remained active and very much part of the local community right up to the late 1980’s.
This was followed by a period of relative inactivity with very few playing tennis and unfortunately the club dwindled to the point of near extinction. However in the late 1990’s a group of people got together with a view to reviving the club. A public meeting was called and very well attended, and a committee was set up resulting in the formation of Carrick-on-Shannon Lawn Tennis Club Ltd to ensure the continuity of the club in the community. This was incorporated in March 1998 with a board of 10 directors.
Recent Improvements
After a few years of increased interest, it was decided to seek financial help with a view to upgrading the courts to modern day standards. The application was well received by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and a grant was obtained. Together with important support from Leitrim County Council, and coupled with our own fundraising efforts, sufficient funds were raised to proceed with the laying of the two new polymeric courts. The work was completed in June 2010.
Leader Grant 2023
After 12 years of use, the courts badly needed resurfacing to make play safer – particularly in damp weather. This work was made possible thanks to a Leader Grant through the Leitrim Development Company, covering 75% of total project costs – the rest obtained through the club’s own funds and fundraising efforts. Work on the courts was completed in July 2023.
Interest in membership of the club following these developments has been phenomenal, bringing players from a wide catchment area including the neighbouring towns of Ballinamore, Drumshanbo and Castlerea. The court setting and location make Carrick-on-Shannon Tennis Club one of the most picturesque in Ireland.
