IC of Ireland 25th IC Anniversary Quadrangular Tournament

IC of Ireland 25th IC Anniversary Quadrangular Tournament Weekend

Venue: Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club

The IC of GB were honoured to be invited to participate in the 25th Anniversary four nations tournament involving IC of Belgium, IC of Luxembourg, and of course our generous hosts, IC of Ireland, over the long weekend of 20-24 July.

The IC of Ireland was established in 1997, largely through the efforts of several founding members, amongst them one or two members of the IC of GB of Irish descent.

Legendary Irish hospitality has rarely been more evident than over the weekend’s mixture of competitive tennis and social gatherings with all teams fully getting into the spirit of the I.C. objectives of “Hands across the net, friendships across the oceans” – or at least English Channel and Irish Sea in this case! Off the court we were treated to two memorable evenings. Firstly, an Irish themed music and dance night at a great fun venue in which the GB group more than held there own in terms of participation… Secondly, a more formal affair on the final evening at the impressive Fitzwilliam Club where a Presentation Dinner was attended by 200, again hosted by The IC of Ireland.

The on-court results for ICGB (two wins and a draw) had led to GB winning the specially commissioned quadrangular trophy as well as the Peter Jackson Trophy (a longstanding head-to-head challenge v Ireland). Consequently, it was ICGB match captain Lewis Barnes (who had marshalled the team strongly and selected some canny pairs) who proudly stepped up to accept the trophies.

Amongst all the nations speeches of thanks, Richard Walmsley as Captain of the IC of GB 2022 congratulated The IC of Ireland on the occasion of their quarter century and expressed deep gratitude for the wonderful hospitality and organization of the event. It felt perfect that these four teams in particular had come together to mark the occasion and the weekend had felt like a celebration of the whole ethos of the International Club movement.

In recognition and to commemorate the occasion of the quarter century, Richard presented an engraved silver dish to Gina Niland, President of the IC of Ireland, and also an IC of GB tie to the Irish organiser and captain, Niall Murphy as we welcomed him to the IC of GB as an honorary member.

Additionally, it was special that the IC of Ireland recognised ICGB player Colin Jones for his full commitment over the weekend with an honorary membership, and also in a particularly fitting gesture, and honorary membership to IC of GB member Peter Hannon, who had effectively been one of those founding fathers of The IC of Ireland 25 years ago.

So ended a greatly memorable weekend that all agreed truly reflected the spirit of the International Club movement.

Richard Walmsley- Captain of The I.C. of GB 2022.

Match Report- Lewis Barnes

We were very kindly hosted at the lovely and tranquil surroundings of the Carrickmines Croquet & Lawn Tennis Club where the weather was very kind to us, and the grass courts were in perfect condition.

GB 2 – Luxembourg 2

On the first day it was a very close battle with Luxembourg, who had a strong team with Davis Cup experience – the day started with 2 very close men’s doubles matches where IC veterans Kit Spencer (who had flown in from Bahamas) and Richard Walmsley narrowly lost in a third set tiebreak despite giving away a lot of years! This match provided some spectacular rallies to the crowds’ delight, and on the next court Peter Hannon and Colin Jones succumbed to some beautiful tennis from the very talented Luxembourg pair. With the score at 2-0 the IC of GB turned to the ladies and Karen Hunter and Karen Cass provided a doubles masterclass to pull the tie back 2-1 overall – Lewis Barnes then stepped out for an entertaining singles match clinching a narrow victory meaning the tie ended with 2-2 draw.

GB 4 – Belgium 0

On the second day Kit Spencer and Jamie Whiteford got GB off to a flying start. Karen Hunter and Karen Cass barely missed a ball to get another win on the board for GB in the ladies’ doubles. Lewis Barnes carried on his singles momentum with another hard-fought victory and Felipe Bunster and Colin Jones wrapped the day up with a comprehensive victory ensuring a 4-0 victory overall for GB.

GB 3 – Ireland 1

On the final day, Felipe Bunster and Colin Jones started proceedings with a hard-fought victory followed by an entertaining come-back win for Richard Walmsley and Peter Hannon, from a set and 3-0 down. Carrying on the momentum into the afternoon, Jamie Whiteford & Lewis Barnes produced a solid performance to win against the Irish first pair, followed by two very entertaining mixed doubles victories for GB by Kit Spencer/Karen Cass and Karen Hunter/Colin Jones. Ireland produced some marvelous tennis to pip the GB ladies pairing of Karen Hunter and Karen Cass to get a rubber on the board.

The weekend highlighted why the IC is such a special organisation and every team member embodied all the key values of the IC. The Irish team’s hospitality was exceptional and made the weekend extra special. I would like to thank all the team members for playing the fixture and a special thank you to the Irish IC for organizing an excellent weekend that will be talked about for years to come!