EOlN COLLINS, now 28, has been selected for Ireland's Davis Cup team to take on Belarus at Riverview from May 2nd to May 4th.
Collins, a Detroit banking official, now contributes more as a doubles player to the Irish situation, a role he is likely to get in next month's match. The reason, for Collins's selection and his possible displacement of his younger brother, Robert, is to shore up our doubles strength against a nation highly regarded in this area.
Tennis Ireland's chief administrator, Des Allen, has called it a "horses for courses" team.
When Collins was not available for Ireland's successful Europeans team championship bid last December, it was felt his international career could be at an end. However, 5.30 a.m. practice before going to the office is a clear sign of his dedication.
Scott Barron, the Ireland number one, and Owen Casey will provide the singles challenges, hotly pushed to retain their places by Tom Hamilton, who will be making his debut at this level. Hamilton is also an obvious contender for a doubles place. A first-year student at Arkansas University, he, is one of the ranked doubles players in the US collegiate competition.
Ireland were impressive when gaining promotion to the Euro African Zone group last year. Peter Wright, the non-playing captain, is confident of victory. "We have a very competitive blend of youth and experience."
