We’re delighted to announce the team heading to Italy for the International Blind Tennis World Championships. The World Games will take place from 23rd – 29th September where over 150 athletes from 20 countries will compete.
The players representing Ireland are:
- Lisa McLaughlin B1 Windsor TC
- Stuart Haxell B1 Sligo TC
- Paul O’Rahilly B1 Naas LTC
- Babs Weiberg B2 Windsor TC
- Vinny Keane B2 Rosslare/Naas LTC
- Marguerite Quinn B3 Ballina Killaloe TC
- John Connolly B4 Rushbrooke TC
- Riya Devereux B4 Shankill TC
- Ari Flociuc: Shankill TC – Wildcard Entry
Support staff team: Simon McFarland and Jean Barr from Tennis Ireland and Wesley O’Brien, Ballina Killaloe TC.
In advance of their travels, the team had an audience with An Taoiseach, Simon Harris TD. Mr. Harris engaged with the players about their sport and the incredible achievement of representing their country at an international level.
Stuart brought a tennis ball from his club, Sligo Tennis Club, and explained how athletes at B1 level play and some of the rules around the game. Marguerite shared her story with An Taoiseach, and told him how grateful she was to find tennis after an illness left her visually impaired. The team then presented Mr. Harris with a signed jersey and promised to keep him up to speed with their games in Italy.
The event was also attended by Katie from Progressive Vision and Sara from Vision Sports Ireland, both active sponsors and supporters of the Irish Blind & Visually Impaired Team.
Kevin Quinn, CEO, Letty Lucas, President and Liam O’Donohue, founder of Enjoy Tennis also attended the meeting.
