Left to right: Alastair Rowan (Ballycastle Tennis Club), Ciarán McQuillan (Mayor Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council), Brian Tohill (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council), Greg O’Rawe (President Ulster Tennis), Stuart Burnside (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council). The extremely popular tournament is long-established in its position during the summer tennis season and is an integral part of the Ulster Tennis calendar. Its history stretches back more than a century, with the original grass courts built in the old Ballycastle harbour.
The harbour wall still encloses the courts and provides a natural viewing area for the tennis during the tournament. The championships have continued since then, and the five grass courts make the event unique as the only Senior and Masters grass-court tournament in Ulster. This year promises to be an exciting week of high-level competition, with players travelling from clubs across the whole of Ulster, Ireland and beyond to compete and stay in the beautiful coastal town.
For many players, this is the highlight of the Ulster tennis season, as they return each year to experience the unique holiday atmosphere in a seaside setting. Events are run for all abilities and all ages from 8 to 80. 2023 saw a record entry of almost 300 competitors, and the tournament’s goal is to match that this year.
Left to right: Alastair Rowan (Ballycastle Tennis Club), Sean Moloney (Ballycastle Tennis Club Coach), Noelle Baudant (Ballycastle Tennis C.
