UCD alumni and friends with an interest in tennis attended the recent UCD Foundation information evening to discuss UCD’s new Sports and Amenities Precinct and the impact it will have on tennis at UCD.

With the addition of five indoor tennis courts, the Sports and Amenities Precinct will be instrumental in the creation of a Centre of Excellence for Tennis at UCD. The Centre aims to transform tennis in Ireland and give players a real choice to stay in Ireland for university while continuing to play at an elite level – affording students the opportunity to develop their skills for college-level, national, and international competitions.

A panel discussion with guest speakers including Australian Open finalist (2021) Jennifer Brady, Irish former professional tennis player Conor Niland, and Director of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, Dave Miley, explored the current state of tennis in Ireland and how a Centre like this could develop Ireland’s players, nurturing their talent at home.

Dave Miley, Georgia Drummy, Adrian O’Farrell, Professor Pat Guiry, Mandy Wilson, Jennifer Brady, Conor Niland and Billy Dempsey standing side by side.
Dave Miley, Georgia Drummy, Adrian O’Farrell, Professor Pat Guiry, Mandy Wilson, Jennifer Brady, Conor Niland and Billy Dempsey at the UCD Foundation information evening to discuss the UCD Centre of Excellence for Tennis.

A feeder programme will widen the impact of the Centre and develop younger tennis players throughout Ireland.

The UCD Sport and Amenities Precinct has been developed in consultation with students and the students are the main funder to the project via the Student Centre Levy to the tune of €85m.

Dominic O'Keeffe, Mandy Wilson and Jennifer Brady look at two aerial photos of UCD's Belfield campus
Dominic O’Keeffe, Director of Student Services & Facilities at UCD discusses plans for the Tennis Centre of Excellence with tennis players Mandy Wilson and Jennifer Brady.

UCD Foundation is asking our alumni and friends to join the students by making philanthropic donations to this ambitious project, the impact of which will benefit current and future generations of UCD students and tennis in Ireland more broadly.

Aerial view of part of UCD Belfield campus, with the water tower and sports fields visible.