Table Tennis Ireland is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Josef Veselsky, Honorary Life President of Table Tennis Ireland and a towering figure in our sport.
Josef Veselsky, known to everyone as Joe, was a remarkable Dublin resident. Born in Bratislava in 1918, he made Dublin his home from 1948. He is best known for his outstanding achievements in table tennis, including serving as national team captain for both Czechoslovakia and Ireland.
When Joe retired from active administration, he was appointed Honorary Life President of the Irish Association. He was also a co-founder and President of the Swaythling Club International, the worldwide association for former international table tennis players.
Joe Veselsky lived a life marked by profound challenge and resilience. During World War II, he lost his parents and a brother in Auschwitz and later joined the Czech underground resistance movement. After the war, he moved to Ireland, where he built a successful jewellery business and continued to make a lasting contribution to the table tennis community.
Joe Veselsky received numerous accolades, including:
- Commander of the Slovak Order of the White Double Cross for his contributions to sport and diplomacy
- Special Merit Award from the Soccer Writers Association of Ireland
- Honorary Master of Arts degree from Trinity College Dublin
- Ambassador of the Century Award from the Irish Table Tennis Association
More recently, he was awarded the European Table Tennis Union Badge of Honour for his outstanding contribution to the work and objectives of the ETTU and to the development of table tennis in Europe.
A true legend of the Dublin sporting scene, Joe was officially recognised last year, at the age of 107, as Ireland’s oldest man.
Joe Veselsky’s resilience, integrity, and lifelong dedication to table tennis leave an enduring legacy. On behalf of Table Tennis Ireland, we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. He will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.
Funeral Service to celebrate Josef’s life will be held on Wednesday 7th January at 10am in the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold’s Cross, DUBLIN D6WHY98.
For those who cannot attend, the service can be viewed online using this link .
Table Tennis Ireland will be organising a memorial event to celebrate the life of Joe Veselsky in due course.
Alan Strong
President
Arnold Morgan
Chair
https://rip.ie/death-notice/josef-veselsky-dublin-booterstown-616744
