Tennis Ireland Welcomes Blind & Visually Impaired Team
On Tuesday, 22nd October 2024, Tennis Ireland warmly welcomed the members of the Blind & Visually Impaired team who proudly represented Ireland at the recent World Championships. Representing one’s country is not only an honor but also a testament to the dedication and resilience required to excel. Our team members, hailing from every province and representing all levels, embody these qualities and rely on many factors to succeed. Their participation is a credit to the commitment of the players, volunteers, families, and coaches.
The event was graced by Dr. Una May, CEO of Sport Ireland, who congratulated the team and highlighted the crucial role of volunteers in sport, especially those who helped establish Blind Tennis. Joe Geraghty from Vision Sports Ireland, a former Paralympian, commended the team and praised Liam O’Donohoe, founder of the Enjoy Tennis program, for his lasting impact on current and future teams. George Lucas from Sport NI emphasized the collaboration between Sport Ireland and Sport NI, ensuring that all-island athletes can access opportunities like Enjoy Tennis. Liam O’Donohoe spoke passionately about each player’s unique contributions, from Vinny’s encyclopedic knowledge of Blind Tennis to Marguerite’s nurturing role as the “mammy” of the team, highlighting the strength of their bond. Tennis Ireland President Letty Lucas concluded the speeches, presenting gifts to the players and acknowledging Babs Weiberg’s influential role in the sport’s growth.
Special mention was given to Riya Devereux, a double bronze medallist, who shared her inspiring journey back to tennis after a hiatus due to vision loss. She discovered Blind Tennis through a Google search, joined Shankill in January 2023, and rekindled her love for the game. Babs Weiberg, MVP of the World Championships, announced her retirement from international competition but hinted at her plans to continue developing Blind Tennis programs across Ireland. It was a joy to celebrate the team’s achievements and hear firsthand what Blind and Visually Impaired Tennis means to them. We are already looking forward to next year’s celebration!
