Nostalgia: Sunday’s Well tennis club is celebrating 125 years

A “SPORTING haven” in the heart of the city is celebrating 125 years in operation, with the milestone anniversary providing an opportunity to look back on the club’s fascinating history.

Sunday’s Well Boating and Tennis Club, located on Mardyke Walk, was established in 1899 following a successful Sunday’s Well regatta and water carnival held that July.

The club, which today has more than 1,000 members of all ages, was formed by several members of the regatta — many of whom were residents of Sunday’s Well.

In the early years of its formation, many regattas were held which became major social events in the city.

These regattas were complemented by the provision of musical programmes and promenades performed by British army bands in the adjacent Fitzgerald’s Park.

During the First World War, and reflecting the club’s largely protestant and unionist membership, many events were held in the club to assist those members who fought in the Great War.

A roll of honour of these members can be seen today in the clubhouse.

Throughout its long history, the club has undergone many changes.

In the early years, tennis, boating, crown bowls, billiards, fishing, and cricket formed the mainstay of the club’s activities.

Today, the main sporting activities include tennis, squash, and snooker with social opportunities involving golf, cycling, and cricket also available to members.

Card playing has been an ongoing activity at Sunday’s Well through the years.

The club states that the cardroom “often became heated as reported in club minutes, with members and steward frequently being verbally abused and, on occasion, accompanied by the outbreak of fisticuffs”.

In 1996, Sunday’s Well Boating and Tennis Club merged with the historic Cork and County, whose initials are represented in the club’s crest.

The current bar in Sunday’s Well clubhouse was relocated from the CCC premises on the South Mall.

In more recent years, what was described as “one of the most damaging episodes in the club’s history” occurred when a major flood on the Mardyke covered the entire club grounds.

The devastating floods of 2009 saw water levels rise to the top of the tennis nets on the grounds.

The destruction could have marked the end of Sunday’s Well Boating and Tennis Club had it not been for the dedication of club members who rose to the challenge of refurbishing the club ensuring its survival.

Commenting on 125 years in operation, club chairman Donal Johnson said the anniversary is “a truly historic milestone for the club”.

“Over the years, Sunday’s Well has been a sporting haven for generations of Cork families from the time of the Great Cork Exhibition, the great war in 1914, through the Civil War years and into the modern era when the flood on the Mardyke in 2009 dealt an almost fatal blow to the club.

“We survived those years, and we continue to prosper.

“I believe the 125th anniversary is an opportunity for the club members and Cork to celebrate and honour our heritage as well as the club’s place in the history of Cork city,” he said.

In celebration of the club’s 125th anniversary, Sunday’s Well Boating and Tennis Club is organising a number of special initiatives and events.

Such initiatives include a commemorative calendar for 2024 showcasing some iconic scenes and events relating to the club and Mardyke area from the turn of the 19th century.

A raffle, culture evenings, sporting activities, and a gala dinner are also some of the activities planned for 2024.

To keep up to date visit sundayswell.ie.