Portlaw's Vinny Keane lands World Blind Tennis medal for Ireland

Waterford’s Vincent (Vinny) Keane has brought home a Bronze medal from the World Blind Tennis Championships which were held in Lithuania last week.

Around 120 athletes from over 20 countries and six continents gathered at the SEB Arena in Vilnius for the world’s largest blind/visually impaired tennis event.

Among the participating nations were Japan, Argentina, Great Britain, Italy, Germany and Poland, alongside athletes from the USA, Australia, Lithuania, Ireland and more.

Three players represented Ireland during the event, including Portlaw native Keane, who won Bronze in the B2 category doubles event, along with placing sixth overall in the singles event.

Since developing glaucoma at just 24, Vinny has lived with significant vision deterioration.

Amidst this, tennis has become his outlet, and in just a few years, he has become one of the most celebrated figures in the sport nationally.

He has amassed three national titles, two UK national titles, bronze at the 2025 European Championships in Poland, and the prestigious Currie Cup in two consecutive years – awarded to the player who wins the most tournaments across the UK circuit.

Compared to sighted tennis, visually impaired tennis is played on a smaller court and with a larger ball containing bearings in the centre that make a noise when bounced or struck.

The sport's profile continues to grow nationally and internationally.

Recently, Vinny received a coveted Mayoral Reception in recognition of his sporting success. 

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