THE all male membership of Fitwilliam Lawn Tennis Club in Dublin yesterday voted to admit women as full members.
A motion to repeal a club rule prohibiting full membership to woman was carried by 429 votes to 159 after a one hour debate.
Yesterday evening's Extraordinary General Meeting of the club founded in 1877, was the fourth occasion in five years on which the 1,200 members have been invited to consider extending full membership to woman.
All previous votes recorded a majority in favour of the change but failed to reach the two thirds majority required to change the rule.
The proposer of the motion, Mr Kevin Feeney SC, said last night the very large turnout for the meeting had ensured that a more representative view had been expressed. The vote was by secret ballot.
The club is expected to invite applications for new members early in the new year.