In 1979 one of the most enjoyable events in Banbridge Tennis Club’s social calendar was first inaugurated. THis was our first friendly match with Elm Park, Dublin and was the brainchild of one of the Club members at that time, DJP Ferguson. He made the initial contact through friends (Brendan, Barry, Michael, Cecily, Angela and Liz) who were members of Elm Park. Up to this period we had had friendly matches with local clubs but as we had branched out and were competing in the Belfast & district League, it was felt that the Club should start looking further afield.
Six gents and six ladies formed the Banbridge team who travelled to Dublin on a wet Saturday morning in May. AS the team journeyed south grey skies turned to blue and when they arrived at Elm park it was bathed in bright sunshine. ” What a setting for a tennis match” - as Elm Park had a clubhouse, eight immaculately kept grass courts and four hard courts set in a walled garden - who could ask for more! The opposition were warm and friendly and all the matches were played with great spirit and enthusiasm. The inaugral match ended in a draw and the day culminated in a magnificent dinner in the clubhouse when souvenirs of the event were exchanged by each Club captain with a sing song to round off what was a great day. And over the years who can forget ‘Margo the stripper’, ‘Herbie’s Old Violin’, Mr Joe ‘Piano’ Foster and Jack & Barry’s rendition of ‘Lily of Laguna’.
Since this first visit, Elm Park have been entertained by Banbridge Tennis Club on alternate years. In the early days food was provided by the Club’s ladies with dancing to the wee hours in the Hockey club to more recently food and entertainment in the cosy environs of the Pot Belly.