Tennis president Tim Powell gave an emotional speech while over 40 members gathered around wearing black arm bands in respect of a talented tennis player and dear friend to many at the Northam tennis club and throughout the East Avon Tennis Association.

Michael began playing tennis along with family members from Berring Farm at the nearby black bitumen courts at Jennapullin in which he displayed some raw natural talent.

Michael joined the Northam Lawn Tennis Club at the age of 21 and was encouraged to go onto the Pennant List in which he was ranked 13th at the time.

Michael worked hard on his tennis initially playing in the B grade side and then be coming a permanent member of the talented A grade team for many years.

Michael O’Neill won the Northam Lawn Tennis Club men’s championship event on two occasions, in 1992 and ten years later in 2002 after which knee injury haltered his tennis playing in 2003.

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