THESE are exciting times for Ardfield Rathbarry Tennis Club.

With a newly resurfaced court, brand new floodlights, a welcoming clubhouse, and an ambitious programme of coaching and events already underway, the club is growing and providing top-class facilities to the local community.

The centrepiece of the club’s transformation is the complete resurfacing of one of its two courts. It’s a significant capital investment that has left the facility in the best condition it has ever been.

The club marked the occasion in style with an official reopening attended by TD Christopher O’Sullivan, who performed the official ribbon-cutting.

Families, members, and neighbours came together for a BBQ and a day of fun on the courts, a fitting celebration of everything the club has achieved, and a sign of the community spirit at its heart.

Ardfield & Ratbarry Tennis Club marked the marked the resurfacing of one of its two courts in style.

Perhaps the most exciting development at Ardfield Rathbarry Tennis Club this year is the expansion of its junior programme. The club has appointed its first ever junior development officer, Janne Stone, whose role is dedicated to building a thriving junior section from the ground up.

Driving the coaching programme are two qualified coaches, Alan O’Mahoney as head coach, and Jennifer Colford, a Tennis Ireland Level 2 coach who runs sessions for adults and teenagers.

Together, they bring a level of expertise and structure to the club that represents a step change in what the club can offer its members.

Junior match-play sessions for ages nine to 16 are already running every Tuesday and Wednesday at 3.30pm, at just €3 per session on a drop-in basis. These sessions are open to both members and non-members. Parents looking for an affordable, structured, and social afternoon activity for their children are encouraged to simply come along and give it a try.

An aerial photo of the resurfaced court.

‘The junior programme is something we’re particularly proud of. Having a dedicated junior development officer and two coaches means we can offer real structure and progression for young players, not just ad hoc sessions. We want Ardfield Rathbarry Tennis Club to be the place where the next generation of West Cork tennis players gets their start,’ explained club chairperson Anthony Auffret.

The club has a packed tournament calendar lined up for the summer, with something for competitive and social players alike: Mixed Tournament (Sunday, June 21st), Blackwell-Landis Cup (Saturday, July 18th), Parish Cup (Sunday, August 2nd) and BBQ & Tournament (Sunday, August 16th).

Regular club nights and coaching sessions run alongside the tournament calendar, ensuring there’s activity on the courts throughout the season.

Tennis is one of the few sports where a family of four can play together on the same court, and at €150 for a family membership this year, the club believes it offers some of the best-value family activity in the area.

New members are always welcome. Introductory rates are available to those joining before the end of August.