John and Conor represented Ireland at the European Youth Championships held this year in Moscow. Both were member of the Junior Boys team and although they had very tough matches both players performed well.
They are pictured here on the free day in front of the Kremlin in Red Square. We had a very interesting day in which we visited Lenin Tomb and saw the Kremlin and Red Square.
In the tournament won by Germany in an exciting final against Russia the Irish team played against Latvia (lost 3-2), Finland (won 3-2), Netherlands(lost 3-1). They were competing in all these games and perhaps a little more competition of this sort and more attention to the detail of preparation would see them achieve their potential in next year's competition.
Both John and especially Conor made a big contribution to the Irish Team's performance. Conor won 4 singles and could have perhaps won a few more with a little luck. John won one of the four singles he played at this championships and with a little more experience he will win more in the coming years. The new format did not really suit our team as Doubles is one of their strengths. Now the number three plays only one singles place of the doubles. I am sure both boys are looking forward to another great season coming up.