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Mahony'smost famous victory came in 1896 when he becameWimbledonChampion, defeating
theprevious year'swinner,WilfredBaddeley, in an exciting five set final (6-2, 6-8, 5-7, 8-6, 6-3). It
was the longest titlematchuntilDrobnybeatRosewall in1954.
On the way towinning the title, Mahony had defeatedReggieDoherty, the soon to be four-time
WimbledonChampion.Mahony reached the final again the following year andhad to faceLaurie
Doherty,Reggie’s youngerbrother.Hecameveryclose todefendinghis title, reachingmatchpoint
three times in the fifth set but was finally defeated byDoherty. He was renowned for his strong
backhand, overhead shots andbeing almost unbeatable at thenet.He represented theBritish Isles
during the first yearsof theDavisCupandearnedawinner’sgoldmedal forbeingamemberof the
firstwinning team in1903.
Mahonywas described as themost generous heated, casual, irresponsible 75 inches of Irish bone
andmuscle that everwalkedon court.Hediedwhenonly38, falling fromhis bicycle at the foot of
ahill near his home inCountyKerry.
358A HAROLDSEGERSONMAHONY (1867-1905)
His 18ctGoldTrinityCollegeDublinPhilosophymedal 1889.
The obverse inscribed: COLL.SS.ET.INDIVID.TRIN.REG.ELIZABETHAE.IVXTA.
DVBL.1591
Reverse inscribed: ETHNICS ET LOGICIS FELICITER EXCULTIS/HAROLDUS SMA-
HONY1889
€1000-2000
