1930's George McVeagh

George McVeagh, one of the greatest Irish tennis players of the early twentieth century, possessed an almost superhuman ability to master any sport to which he turned his hand. He held the unprecedented, and to this day unsurpassed, honour of representing Ireland internationally in tennis, squash, cricket and hockey. Despite an allegedly poor serve and having taken up tennis in his mid-twenties, McVeagh’s unorthodox style of play was obviously supplemented by his excellent ball skills and limitless energy and stamina in the game. He went on to represent Ireland in Davis Cup over twelve ties and once beat American golden boy Bill Tilden in two out of three practice matches in London, stunning and infuriating the professional.

McVeagh’s prowess on the court continued far beyond his 20s – in 1950, at the age of 43, he beat a young Gerry Fitzpatrick at the Fitzwilliam Championships to take the title for the second time, fifteen years after his first victory. In later years, McVeagh remained involved and active in tennis and held the Presidency of Fitzwilliam LTC in the late 1950s. Sport For