1960's - Alf Walsh

Alf Walsh, often fondly remembered as Mr. Irish Tennis, was possibly the greatest administrator and advocate of tennis in Ireland. Over the course of six decades of tireless dedication, Walsh essentially embodied the Irish Lawn Tennis Association, running the full operation from his kitchen on Leinster Road, Rathmines. He took a particularly keen interest in the support and development of small and Provincial clubs, and was renowned within the International Lawn Tennis Federation for being a respected spokesperson for the small tennis nations.

The advent of Open tennis was initially a cause for concern to Walsh, who greatly valued Ireland’s position of relative authority in the international administration of the game. However, once it became clear that professional tennis was the future of the game, Walsh graciously accepted and embraced the new system so as to achieve the maximum benefits for Irish clubs and players.

Sociable, charming and boundlessly energetic, Alf Walsh was a wonderful ambassador for Irish tennis and one of life’s true gentlemen.