Campaigners trying to save a unique 19th-century real tennis court in Dublin are hopeful that a visit by Britain's Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, may force the Government to reverse its plans to transform the court into a recital hall.
The real tennis court is in a building at the rear of the National Concert Hall at Earlsfort Terrace and is being used as an engineering laboratory by UCD. However, the OPW is planning to transform it into a 320-seat recital hall for use by the NCH.
Built in 1886, the tennis court was bequeathed to the State in 1939 by the second Earl of Iveagh, Rupert Guinness, along with Iveagh House and Iveagh gardens. Although it was not a condition of the bequest, he requested that the court be maintained as a real tennis court.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex, keen fans of real tennis, are so concerned at the OPW plans that they requested that a visit to the old court be included in the itinerary for their one-day visit to Dublin on August 27th, in a move which could be embarrassing to the Government.
The royal visit to the world's only marble real tennis court is the best hope the Irish Real Tennis Association has left of saving the building.
They have already failed in their planning objections, with Dublin Corporation granting permission for the Office of Public Works proposal, and An Bord Pleanala rejecting their attempt to appeal the decision.
The IRTA is seeking a judicial review of An Bord Pleanala's decision, which is scheduled to be heard in October. It has also appealed the OPW proposals to the Office of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland, on the basis that the move conflicts with the Earl of Iveagh's wishes. The appeal has been received and is currently with the Attorney General's office.
The IRTA chairman, Mr Mike Bolton, said real tennis was the oldest regulated game in the western world, with the Hampton Court venue in London dating back to 1530. The game is played within an enclosed court, with players allowed to play the ball off the walls. The Earlsfort Terrace court was used to host the world championships in 1890.
"It is ironic that the proposals to destroy this unique court come at a time when there is a world resurgence in the sport," he said. New courts are being built around the world to meet a sharp increase in interest among players.
Although heavy laboratory equipment was bolted into the marble walls and floor of the court, Mr Bolton believes it could be restored to playing condition for £500,000 and could be returned to its original condition for a total of £1 million.
Real tennis players worldwide have rallied behind efforts to save the venue, with financial donations being posted to campaigners.
"A senior member of Prince Edward's staff contacted me last week expressing the prince's wish to visit the Irish court during his visit to Dublin," Mr Bolton said.