Dear Members
The days are noticeably lengthening, the sun is making sporadic appearances and sadly our club remains totally closed to members. I am quite sure many of you are feeling just as frustrated as I am as these seemingly interminable restrictions remain imposed.

Meanwhile, as I explained at our recent virtual AGM, work is continuing at the club on a number of fronts. We’ve had to enhance security to deter late night gatherings on the property, there has been quite a lot of painting and tidying, an application for upgrading the rest of our court lighting to LED has just been submitted, a motorised and lit sliding canopy to shelter our balcony will be fitted in the next couple of weeks and Ter has continued to maintain the courts so that they are pristine and ready to go when that becomes possible.
Speaking with Dan Casey of Casey Courts recently he told us of clubs that are facing bills of up to €3k per court for moss removal and deep clean chemical treatment directly resulting from lack of use over the past two, damp months. It makes our decision to invest in our own deep cleaning motorised court brush last year look quite sharp.

For those of you who were not at the AGM we finished 2020 with a modest financial surplus despite all the difficulties last year. That was primarily due to Government Covid supports, efficient management of the junior program when it did run, the loyalty of our sponsors and of course your subscriptions. Membership numbers increased to the point that new members are currently not being accepted, rather put on a waiting list – this was done as it was felt pressure on courts was becoming unacceptable.

I had hoped not to have to send out our subscription renewals while the club was not in use but given that we have no other source of income at this time I now feel that we must ask you to continue to support your club by paying your subscriptions when invoices are issued next week. The issue of a discount in lieu of non-playing time was raised and discussed at AGM, albeit briefly, as most members realise that now, more than ever, our club needs its members support. A reduction in subscription income will lead to staff cuts or a reduction in the quality of the facility and services, or both.

As was the case last year any member that is not able to make payment because of the Covid19 situation and wishes to renew their 2021 CLTC membership, should email membership@clontarfltc.com and the Executive Committee will review emails and circumstances on an individual basis.

I wish to thank all members for the stunning support in 2020. It made a difficult year easier for your Executive Committee to manage. We will get back to playing and enjoying our facilities soon and I hope you will notice the improvements made during the downtime.

Thank you all again.

Garrett Connolly
President