Athy Tennis Club pizza night raises funds for cancer research

ATHY Tennis Club has raised around €1,500 to help support cancer services and research.

A pizza night charity event as part of Tennis 4 Cancer 2024, open to members and non-members, was held on the evening of Friday 28 June.

The pizza was made by local man David Walsh and 40 people signed up to play, with a few more coming along to support.  It was a great opportunity to meet new people and have a fantastic time, all while raising money for cancer research. The pizzas were the perfect way to end a fantastic evening of tennis!

Tennis 4 Cancer was established in 2018 after a number of people in the tennis community had been affected by cancer. It was the brainchild of professional tennis coach Grace Owens, whose parents live locally. It aims to gather the tennis community across Ireland to raised vital funds for ARC Cancer Support Centres (which offer support, free of charge, to men, women and children affected by cancer and those who care for them) and the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (a national charity that funds a comprehensive research programme at the University of Galway). 

Tennis Clubs around the country have dug deep and raised tens of thousands by organising a range of different activities from social mornings to grand slam tournaments.

The funds in Athy were raised through entry fees, an online idonate fundraising page, and a raffle on the night. The club has thanked everyone who came and supported the charity night and those who donated money for the very worthy cause.

Separately, Athy Tennis Club held the Eddie Brien Memorial Club Championship last week from 4-7 July. The members-only championship was held in memory of the long-time loyal member who was a big tennis player. The club will also hold an open weekend from 9-11 August at Athy Showgrounds.