Galgorm Collection backs Ballymena tennis ace Emma Mezei after historic All-Ireland run

Galgorm Collection has announced its support for local tennis ace, Emma Mezei. Pictured with Emma is Georgie Briota, Business Development Manager at Galgorm Collection.

Ten-year-old Ballymena tennis player Emma Mezei has secured a three-year partnership with Galgorm Collection after becoming the first member of Ballymena Lawn Tennis Club in more than 40 years to reach an All-Ireland junior final.

Emma recently finished runner-up in the William Fry All Ireland Under 10 Junior Championships at Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club in Dublin, competing against some of Ireland’s leading young players.

The Ballymena youngster has already achieved strong results at tournaments across Ireland and now has ambitions to step up to selected Tennis Europe competitions.

Three-year backing for Emma’s tennis ambitions

The new partnership will see Galgorm Collection support Emma with tournament entry fees and equipment over the next three years, helping her gain further competitive experience as she develops her game.

Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Collection, congratulated Emma on a result which has marked a significant milestone for both the young player and her Ballymena club.

“Huge congratulations to Emma on her recent All-Ireland result. Going up against some of the country’s top junior players and finishing in second place is certainly no mean feat. We’ve no doubt that Emma’s talent and success will continue and we’re so proud to support such a determined local athlete,” he said.

“Sport develops so many skills that are equally valuable in the workplace from teamwork and perseverance to dedication and problem-solving. As a Collection that employs over 1,400 people across Northern Ireland, we see those qualities every day in our teams.

“We’re really looking forward to supporting Emma in her ventures over the next three years and we wish her the very best of luck.”

Family proud of Emma’s progress

Galgorm Collection has announced its support for local tennis ace, Emma Mezei. Pictured with Emma is Georgie Briota, Business Development Manager at Galgorm Collection. 

Emma’s father, Csabi Mezei, said the support would help open up further opportunities for his daughter as she looks towards competing at a higher level.

“We’re so proud of Emma’s accomplishments so far and are very grateful for Galgorm Collection’s support which will help her continue to develop her skills and experience on the court.

“Emma is passionate about tennis and loves the challenge of competing. Her ambition is to experience more high level competition, including selected Tennis Europe tournaments, and the support from Galgorm Collection will help make those opportunities possible. We’re excited to see where her hard work will take her over the next few years.”

Building on a historic Ballymena achievement

Emma’s appearance in the All-Ireland final represents a particularly notable achievement for Ballymena Lawn Tennis Club, with the 10-year-old becoming its first member in more than four decades to reach an All-Ireland junior final.

The financial and equipment support could now help her take the next step into a wider level of competition, with selected Tennis Europe tournaments among the family’s ambitions for the coming years.

The partnership also adds Emma to a wider programme of sporting and community support from Galgorm Collection, which includes Ballymena Hockey Club, All Saints GAA, Netball NI and a range of sports clubs, schools, charities and societies.

For Emma, however, the immediate focus remains firmly on developing her game and building on a breakthrough result which has already put the young Ballymena player into her club’s history books.