Junior Tennis Open 2016

The Java Republic Junior Open 2016 takes place this weekend and next at the Malahide Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club. This Class 1 tennis tournament offers a space for Ireland’s next generation of sporting superstars to enjoy a game of strong competitive tennis as well as an opportunity to renew rivalries and friendships with the best players in Ireland in the u12 , u14, u16 and u18 age groups. The tournament is a top tier event in the Irish Calendar. This year’s Junior Open will see practically every county in Ireland represented with over 350 young tennis players heading to Malahide from as far away as Cork and Donegal.

Whilst the link between coffee, tea and tennis might not be obvious to most, for Java Republic’s own David McKernan they are his two greatest passions. A devoted member of MLTCC since the day he moved to Malahide 12 years ago and a self-described “total advocate of Junior Tennis”. All 4 of his children play. McKernan plays a great deal of amateur competitive tennis himself – he assures us that he is a wonderful tennis player, though sources were not available to confirm this. The Java Republic Junior Open represents an opportunity to link the two worlds and ensure top quality tennis will continue to have a place in this country, not to mention coffee. Java Republic has sponsored the Junior Open for ten years. This year Yonex and Vithit have also sponsored the event.

McKernan would encourage all young tennis players to get involved. Whether the Java Republic Junior Open is your first tournament or you’re a veteran of the Junior Tennis circuit, this weekend’s event is a top tier event in the Irish Calendar with a large number of ranking points available. Gaining ranking points will move you towards selection for International Events, Provincial Teams as well as just moving up through the Irish Rankings.

The winners of the Java Republic Junior Open are some of the top players in Ireland, many of whom will go on to represent Ireland in international tournaments, ultimately moving towards European and World Junior Rankings. McKernan points out, “If you look at the current Irish Davis Cup and Federation Cup teams, all of them would have played in this tournament over the last 10 to 15 years – and not all would have won!”

The Malahide Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club will be completely open to the public, this weekend and next. They are delighted to be involved in the Java Republic Junior Open. Malahide Tennis Club has 5 Davis Cup and a Federation Cup player among its members and so understands that events like the Java Republic Tournament are important not only for their own members to take part in but also to inspire other members to play more and hopefully a few members of the public to join as they watch the highest level of Junior Tennis in Ireland. Malahide’s Director of Coaching and Java Republic referee paid tribute to the club and its members ” what’s great about clubs like Malahide and its members is they understand the importance of giving up the courts to events like these – they lose 7 days of play for this event and instead of complaining they come down and help out, supervising courts, making teas and coffees, running check in tables, handing out balls to players as well as the things you don’t see like cleaning the place so it looks perfect every morning.”

Java Republic refreshments will be available to player, parent and spectator alike, thus we’d heartily encourage you to come along and cheer on Ireland’s next tennis greats.

Also, in twenty years time you will be able to tell your grandchildren “I saw himself play at, oh, it must have been the Java Republic Junior Open of 2016, fine year, bitta sun too. And shur wasn’t he only a slip of a lad. Who knew he’d only go and win Wimbeldon? Three Irish lads in a row now. Who’d a thought?”