is entering into discussions with the IRTA about restoring the court for an active real tennis venue. Future goals The IRTA is hopeful that the government will allow them to restore the Dublin court. This would transition the association from a preservation focus, to an active public sporting club. Its mission would be twofold: management of the tennis court; and functioning as the national governing body for real tennis. The association has already made some steps in this direction. Beginning in 2003 they have annually held both an Irish National tournament and an Irish Open tournament, at real tennis clubs in England. The IRTA is also working to demonstrate to the government that they have the financial and membership support to undertake the estimated €750,000 historic restoration project. Individual membership is €15 (€30 family) and open to all interested in promoting real tennis in Ireland. Tournaments 2003, handicapped matches held at the Bristol and Bath Tennis Club, May 31 - June 1: Irish national champion, Michael Bolton (IRTA) Irish open champion, Brian Rich (Royal Tennis Court) 2004, handicapped matches held at the Bristol and Bath Tennis Club, May 1 - May 2: Irish national champion, Alastair Mackeown (Queen's Club) Irish open champion, Nick Ponsford (Bristol & Bath) 2005, handicapped matches held at the Royal County of Berkshire Real Tennis Club (Holyport), May 28 - May 29: Irish national champion, Roland Budd (IRTA) Irish open champion, Tim Church (Queen's) 2006, handicapped matches held at the Royal County of Berkshire Real Tennis Club, May 27 - May 28: Irish national champion, Roland Budd (IRTA) Irish open champion, Jim Duncan (Holyport) 2007, held at the Bristol and Bath Tennis Club, May 26 - May 27: Irish national champion (singles matches, played level), Roland Budd (IRTA) Irish open champions (doubles matches, played handicapped), Roland Budd (IRTA) and Karlis Zauers (IRTA) 2008, handicapped matches held at the Cambridge University Real Tennis Club and Newmarket & Suffolk Real Tennis Club, May 31 - June 1 Irish national champion, Roland Budd (IRTA) Irish open champion, Mark Heffernan 2009, handicapped matches held at the Middlesex University Real Tennis Club, May 30 - May 31 Irish national champion, Stuart Baxter Irish open champion, Mark Heffernan References External links Irish Real Tennis Association Real tennis Real Tennis