Four tennis players claim an official world record

THE Guinness Book of Records has approved a new World Record set by four Irishmen for the longest ever doubles tennis match.

The four clocked up a record-breaking 62 hours of play at Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club in Dublin last July.

Now the Guinness Book of Records, having reviewed the detailed submission including 62 hours of video tape, announced that they had approved the submission for the longest marathon doubles tennis record.

The four – former Davis Cup players, David Mullins and James Cluskey and Daniel O’Neill and Luke McGuire, who are both members of Trinity Tennis Club – stopped playing with a scoreline of 77 sets to 72.

The record event was a major fundraiser for the Enjoy Tennis programme which has to date enabled almost 1,000 players with a disability to learn and play the game in 70 clubs around Ireland.

The attempt has raised almost €20,000 for Enjoy Tennis.

"We are absolutely delighted for the record to be ratified,” said James Cluskey, adding: “Looking back for me our mental toughness and resilience got us through. We had a plan and for the most part we stuck to that plan. I think the support of the other players, volunteers and our families really helped us and there is no way we could have done it alone.”

Dan O’Neill added: “Thinking back, during my toughest moments it was the unwavering belief of the other guys, my parents and friends, combined with the incredible knowledge of our trainer, Leo Daniel Ryan, that got me through it.

“It has been great to see how Enjoy Tennis has grown in the meantime and I am proud of everyone who was involved and played a part in this huge event.”

David Mullins said: “It is wonderful news to hear that Guinness have recognised the hard work of everyone involved in this big undertaking.

“It would not have been possible without a huge amount of organisation and dedication from all the stakeholders involved in the project.

“This acknowledgment makes our achievements that much sweeter.”

Two independent witnesses were present at all times to ensure that the strict rules for a world record attempt set down by the Guinness Book of World Records were adhered to.

“It was a huge undertaking,” said Liam O’Donohoe, President of Leinster Tennis, who co-ordinated the project.

“And we are thrilled that it has all proven worthwhile and the World Record has been approved.

“Huge praise must go to the four players who set the record.”

The Enjoy Tennis programme includes players with an intellectual disability, autism, blind/vision impairment, Cerebral Palsy, Acquired Brain Injury and wheelchair users.

The funds raised from the World Record attempt have also allowed organisers to bring Enjoy Tennis to the providers of services to those experiencing mental health issues across the community.