Anne Fitzpatrick selected as Hero of the Community
Anne Fitzpatrick has been selected as the Nenagh Guardian's Hero of the Community Award winner for 2019.
A member of Nenagh Lawn Tennis Club, the recently retired club coach was selected from a large number of quality entries from the public for the very popular award which she will be presented with at the annual Sports Awards at the Great National Abbey Court Hotel Nenagh on Friday, 31st January next.
Nominated by Nenagh Lawn Tennis club, Anne Fitzpatrick joined the club on moving to live in Nenagh 36 years ago. For over 30 years, Anne has been imparting her coaching expertise to members young and old both at the club and in many of the local schools.
She began coaching in the late 1980's and immediately her influence had a positive influence on the club.
Anne has always promoted the ideal of participation and encouraging people to play regardless of standard or ability, paying particular attention to beginners. Twice yearly, Anne organises a series of open nights at the club with the focus on encouraging people to give the game of tennis a try or indeed those wishing to return to the sport. These sessions are free of charge and Anne together with the coaching team at Nenagh LTC volunteer their time and expertise in ‘giving something back’.
Today, all members of the clubs coaching team, themselves all grade 1 tennis players, were, as junior members, put through their paces on the courts with Anne.
Notably, Anne just recently retired from coaching after 30 years continues to mentor some of those, now young adults as they themselves take over the reins as coaches. Not many clubs can boast the services of a coach for such a long number of years, testament to the role she has played in the club.
Her work in the local schools over the years has been particularly influential and many young children were introduced to the game of tennis which many still play, socially and/or competitively.
Anne’s role in the club was more than just coaching. A past president and former club captain in the early nineties, always popular and hard working, Anne has given freely of her time on many occasions during senior Open week when she took on the role of tournament director/ referee.
She has served on the committee in varying capacities over the years and still holds the non-executive title of Director of Tennis in the club. No matter what the occasion at the club, Anne will always be there to help whether on the courts or sleeves rolled up in the kitchen, always ensuring that everything is done to perfection.
Anne’s involvement with Nenagh Special Summer Camp over a long number of years meant that every summer both organisers and participants were guaranteed the use of the clubhouse as their base for the week. She herself volunteered her time to helping out for that week and introduced tennis to the camp participants.
Over the years, Anne Fitzpatrick still found time to play tennis to a high level and has represented Ireland and Munster at International veteran tennis and is likely to do so again, in addition to winning many club and inter-club tournament titles.