Ireland Deaf Tennis play at the 12th European Deaf Tennis Championship

Deaf Sports Ireland has announced the Irish team for the forthcoming 12th European Deaf Tennis Championship, which is being held in Koblenz, Germany, on 14th - 21st July 2012. It will be the first time ever for Deaf Sports Irelandto participate at the European Deaf Tennis Championships.

Ireland will be represented by Anthony Sinclair (Belfast) and Darren O'Connell (Manchester, UK). They will play single and double events. Travelling with the team is Administrator/Sport Development Officer, Paul Ryder.

At the team announcement, officer, Paul said, Anthony and Darren used to play for Great Britain Deaf Tennis team at the European, World Championships and Deaflympics in the past. Because they have strong Irish connections, they desired to play for Ireland one day and they contacted DSI to request for a transfer from Great Britain last year. Under the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) rule, any player who has not played for their country for more than two years and wish to be transferred to a different country, it can be granted as long as he/she has him/her national passport.

They have a huge experience with the Deaf tennis level and they are very excited to represent Ireland at the forthcoming championships. They acknowledge that it will be a tough competition to play and anyone can win the championship.

DSI President, Kevin Lynch said "All of us on the Board of the DSI wish the lads every success in their participation at the
championship. Good luck everyone!"

DSI want to thank Tennis Ireland CEO, Des Allen and Technical Director, Gary Cahill for their support and for providing Tennis Ireland gears for our team. They have been very supportive and are keen to develop new Deaf tennis in near future.