Jon Burrows congratulates Ballymena tennis star Emma Mezei after All-Ireland success

Young Ballymena tennis star, 10-year-old Emma Maria Mezei who finished runner-up in the William Fry All Ireland U10 Junior Championship

Ten-year-old Ballymena tennis player Emma Maria Mezei has been congratulated by North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows after finishing runner-up in the William Fry All Ireland U10 Junior Championships.

Emma’s achievement saw her progress from a competition involving around 1,700 young players in regional match plays across Ireland over the past 12 months to become one of the final two competing for the U10 title.

The Ballymena Lawn Tennis Club player ultimately finished runner-up to Siofra Breathnach of Bishopstown Lawn Tennis Club in Cork, who won the final 6-3, 6-3.

‘Something she and her family should be incredibly proud of’

Ulster Unionist Party leader and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows

Ulster Unionist Party leader and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows said Emma’s achievement reflected the considerable commitment required to compete at this level at just 10 years old.

“What a fantastic achievement by Emma. To reach an All-Ireland final at just 10 years of age, having started out in a competition involving around 1,700 young players, is something she and her family should be incredibly proud of.

“Behind an achievement like this are many hours of training, travelling and competing. Emma has clearly shown tremendous commitment, determination and talent throughout the past year.

“It is also a very proud moment for everyone at Ballymena Lawn Tennis Club. To have one of their young players reach this stage for the first time in more than 40 years is a wonderful achievement for the whole club and a real credit to the coaches and everyone who has supported Emma along the way.”

Emma’s run carries added significance for Ballymena LTC, which says it has been more than 40 years since one of its players reached this stage of the tournament.

Hopes Emma will inspire other young players

On the court: Young Ballymena tennis star, 10-year-old Emma Maria Mezei

Mr Burrows said the excitement generated by Emma’s success could also encourage more young people in Ballymena to try the sport.

“I know there has been a real buzz around the club following Emma’s success, and rightly so. I hope her achievement will encourage other young people locally to pick up a racket, get involved in tennis and see just what can be achieved.

“Emma has represented Ballymena with distinction and I have no doubt we will be hearing much more about her in the years ahead. Congratulations, Emma — everyone back home in Ballymena is very proud of you.”

Ballymena LTC Director of Coaching and Emma’s coach Barry Clarke previously described the atmosphere around the club during the young player’s remarkable run as “electric”.

“The buzz around the club has been electric all weekend. Everyone is just so happy for Emma and her family.

“It just shows that you don’t have to belong to an elite academy with massive facilities.

“With the correct passion, work ethic and team behind you anything can be possible.”

Emma’s development has been supported by her parents, Csaba and Ella, alongside the coaching team at Ballymena LTC and opportunities to train with Tennis Ulster and Tennis Ireland squads and at Windsor Lawn Tennis Club.

Praise for champion Siofra Breathnach

10-year-old Ballymena tennis star Emma Maria Mezei with match opponent Siofra Breathnach

Mr Burrows also congratulated Emma’s opponent, Siofra Breathnach, on securing the U10 championship.

“I also want to congratulate Siofra on winning the championship and to wish both young players every success as they continue to develop their game.

“Local sporting clubs play such an important role in our communities, particularly in giving young people opportunities to develop their skills, confidence and friendships. Emma’s success is a brilliant example of that, and Ballymena Lawn Tennis Club deserves enormous credit for the work it continues to do.”

For Emma, the result adds another significant milestone to a young tennis career already attracting attention well beyond Ballymena.

At just 10 years old, reaching an All-Ireland final from a starting field of around 1,700 competitors gives both her and those supporting her plenty to celebrate — while offering other young players at home a glimpse of what sustained commitment to the sport can achieve.