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Sam Barry in action at last year's men's Irish Open. ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
Ireland's call

Ireland's Davis Cup team to face Hungary named

Nineteen-year-old Sam Barry has been handed his Davis Cup debut by captain Garry Cahill.

LIMERICK TEENAGER Sam Barry will make his Davis Cup debut when Ireland begin their 2012 campaign against Hungary next month.

The 19-year-old, who has been tipped as one of the rising stars of Irish tennis, was named today on captain Garry Cahill’s four-man team for the match in Szeged on 10-12 February.

Fresh from his disappointment at last week’s Australian Open qualifiers, Conor Niland has been chosen to lead the Irish team, with Louk Sorensen and James McGee also selected by Cahill.

Barry, who was invited to practice with Rafa Nadal and Nicolas Almagro during the ATP World Finals in London last November, said that it was “an absolute honour” to represent his country.

“We have a strong team heading out to Hungary and we’re really looking forward to the tie,” captain Garry Cahill said.

This is a team with the experience, ability and passion to win this tie. Hard work and a good team spirit will also be key to a successful start to our 2012 Davis Cup campaign.

Sorensen, 27, will make his first appearance at the Davis Cup since 2009. Injuries ruled him out of both of Ireland’s matches in 2010 and even prompted a temporary retirement last season, before he bounced back to make the main draw at the US Open in Flushing Meadows.

“I am delighted that Louk will be part of the team once again,” Cahill added. “His record in Davis Cup speaks for itself and he has showed during past ties what it means to him to represent his country.”

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