A different flavour of nineteenth-century life at Ballyconra is reflected in the biography of Mabel Cahill who grew up at Ballyconra House, 550m southeast of Ballyconra 5. Born in 1863, Mabel developed a passion for outdoor activities and sports. Introduced to tennis by her family, she began playing on a small court on the grounds, displaying natural talent and a competitive spirit (Davis, G. 1988). In 1884, at the age of 21, Mabel Cahill made a significant impact on the tennis world by winning both the singles and doubles titles at the U.S. National Championships (now known as the US Open). This achievement made her the first foreign-born woman to claim a major tennis tournament in the United States and the only Irish person to enter the Tennis Hall of Fame (Collins, B. 2010).

Mabel Cahill was known for her powerful serve and aggressive net play, which set her apart from her competitors. She travelled extensively, participating in tournaments and exhibitions, facing some of the top players of her time. Her success on the court helped elevate the profile of women’s tennis and challenged gender stereotypes prevalent in the late nineteenth century. As one of 22 women in history to win back-to-back U.S. singles championships, her contributions to the game helped pave the way for future generations of female tennis players, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and fight for gender equality in sports.