Ladies Morning Charity Leagues

For the past thirty years 5 or 6 ladies doubles teams have been involved in the South County Dublin Charity League. On average between €8000 and €9000 per year is donated to local charities.

The winning teams choose their designated charity. Bray charities that have in the past benefited include Bray Lakers, Bray Cancer Support, the Women’s Refuge and the local branch of the St Vincent de Paul.

Some of the clubs involved include Blackrock, Carrickmines, Elm Park, Newtown Park, Shankill and Monkstown. We are fortunate that one of our members Betsy Walsh has been on the organising committee since it began.

There are four sections:

• Tuesdays am non-league which is the lowest section.
• Should you win that section you progress to the Monday non- league.
• Should you win that section you advance to Monday League, (Class 6 and 7).
• Should you win that section you go forward to Tuesday League, (Class 4 and 5)

Bray have done exceptionally well in this competition and they have won all sections at different stages over the years. This has resulted in large cash donations to local charities

The charity league has proved to be very popular. As it is run for charity it is a great incentive both to participate and to win.

A huge social aspect to this league is that players get the chance to visit other clubs and gain experience in interclub playing and competition. It also promotes collegiality and friendship in the teams and between the teams. Since the league is run for charity it is both attractive to be involved in and there is the added incentive to win for your designated charity. Many players have found that it fosters a great interest in the game of tennis and loyalty to the club

Following each game, refreshments are provided by the home team.

So delicious are the refreshments served that in 2014, the charity league committee brought out a cookery book of recipes provided by the players, which was sold and raised about €6000 which was donated to the Irish Cancer society.

All ladies are welcome and they can put their names down to play, at club level in the competition.