Kilkenny Masters serves up a sporting weekend to remember on the court
The tournament took place over the October Bank Holiday weekend
Kilkenny Lawn Tennis Club was buzzing over the October Bank Holiday Weekend as the Masters Tournament brought together 231 players for three days of top-class tennis, fantastic entertainment and a brilliant atmosphere both on and off the court.
The tournament, which was sponsored by DNG Ella Dunphy, welcomed players from clubs right across Ireland, further cementing its reputation as one of the standout events on the national Masters tennis calendar.
Competitors travelled from Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Tipperary, among many other locations. Clubs represented included Fitzwilliam, Sunday’s Well, Mount Pleasant, St Anne’s Waterford, Rushbrooke, Belfast Boat Club, Naas and Carlow Lawn Tennis Club, alongside a strong contingent of Kilkenny players.
With all eight courts in action, the club was a hive of activity throughout the weekend. The tennis was fiercely competitive, with thrilling rallies, closely fought matches and some outstanding performances across the age categories. But just as impressive as the action on court was the atmosphere around the club, with players, supporters and visitors enjoying everything the weekend had to offer.
The Masters has quickly become about much more than the results on court. Its mix of competitive tennis, great hospitality and a lively social scene is proving a winning formula.
Food and refreshments kept players and supporters going throughout the three days, while Saturday evening’s live music from the ever-popular Tony Coy ensured the entertainment continued long after the tennis finished.
The feedback from visiting players was overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the quality of the facilities, the organisation and, above all, the warm Kilkenny welcome. For many, it was this combination of great tennis and genuine hospitality that made the weekend so memorable.
Behind the scenes, the club’s Tournament Committee and a fantastic team of volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly. From scheduling matches and preparing courts to catering, welcoming visitors and managing the countless details involved in hosting an event of this scale, it was a tremendous team effort.
Tournament Committee Chair Eoin Dunphy was delighted with how the weekend unfolded.
"The Masters is fast becoming one of my favourite weekends on the tennis calendar,” he said. “The standard of tennis was fantastic, the atmosphere around the club was brilliant and there was a real buzz from start to finish.
“To welcome 231 players from clubs all over Ireland is something we’re incredibly proud of,” he added. “The feedback from visitors was phenomenal, particularly around the welcome they received and how well the event was run.
“But weekends like this don’t happen by accident – they’re down to a brilliant group of people who give their time, bring ideas to the table and aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves. Whether it’s a big job or a small one, every contribution matters. The Tournament Committee and all our volunteers deserve huge credit for making it such a success.”
As the final balls were struck on Sunday, there was a real sense of achievement around the club. The 2026 Masters had delivered on every front: excellent tennis, a great buzz, fantastic entertainment and a welcome that left a lasting impression on visitors.
Thanks went to title sponsor DNG Ella Dunphy and local businesses who helped the club deliver a high calibre event, the players who competed, supporters who created such a fantastic atmosphere and the many volunteers who helped make the tournament run so successfully.