Posts in category: Awards

Table Tennis Ireland is proud to announce that our newest Life Honarary Member, Mr Alan Strong, has been awarded with an M.B.E for his services to Education and Sport.

In the recently announced birthday honours, the M.B.E was awarded to Alan for his outstanding contribution in both his academic and sporting fields. 

Alan is a Senior lecturer in the University of Ulster, and has recently been awarded with the honour of Life Honorary Membership to Table Tennis Ireland for his years of sustained service to the sport. 

This was followed by the announcement of the M.B.E, a fitting tribute to one of Table Tennis Ireland’s most hard working and longest serving volunteers.

Congratulations to Alan on this incredible achievement!

A total of 14 awards were announced including 4 Certificates of Merit/Special Awards. These recognised outstanding achievement and contributions to Irish Table Tennis over the 2015/6 season.

As 2016 is the 30th anniversary of the introduction of Joe Veselsky Award, the highest accolade in Irish table tennis, the President, Ken Strong had invited Mr. Veselsky to present this Award for Service to the Sport. Mr. Strong spoke about the 2016 recipient, Mr. Joe Hickey in advance of the announcement (Citation attached).  Mr. Veselsky then spoke in glowing terms about the work of Joe Hickey for the sport. Mr. Hickey then replied emphasising how honoured he felt in receiving the JV Award and his great respect for the donor of the Award, Mr. Veselsky.

For copy of citation, please click here

The Best Senior Player of the Year was awarded to Irish No. 1, Gavin Maguire for his performances over the season as was the Best Senior Female Player of the Year to 13 year old Mia O’Rahilly-Egan. The Best International Performance Award went to Ashley Robinson for his performances in the World, European and Commonwealth Championships. Owen Cathcart’s hugely successful season in winning several medals in international events including winning ITTF Pro Tour Cadet Singles event in the Belgian Junior Pro Tour won the Billy Marshall Best Junior Player award for him. 

Tara Fusco received the Anna Kelly Female Coach of the Year and Gervis & Keith Knox jointly the Ken Strong Male Coach of the Year Award.

The Stiga Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Tony Higgins in recognition of the large amount of time and service he gives to the Association. His role as a volunteer is so important to both the Munster Branch and Table Tennis Ireland.

The new award of School/Club of the Year went to Ormeau Club, Belfast with a Certificate of Merit to Ballincollig Club, Cork.

Special awards were made to National Coach, John Murphy, for his input to the work of the Ulster Branch and the Irish Association generally and to the N.I. bronze medal winning team at the 2015/6 Commonwealth Championships.

Stiga Volunteer of the Year: Tony Higgins

A full list of all the winners and Special Awards is below:

Anna Kelly Female Coach of the Year:      Tara Fusco

Ken Strong Male Coach of the Year:        Gervis & Keith Knox (Joint)

Billy Marshall Best Junior Player:            Owen Cathcart

School/Club of the Year:                         Ormeau Club

Certificate of Merit:                                 Ballincollig Club

Para Award of the Year:                          Rena McCarron-Rooney

Stiga Volunteer of the Year:                    Tony Higgins

 Certificate of Merit:                               Michael Joyce

Eleanor McKee Trophy: Best Senior Female Player: Mia O’Rahilly Egan

Rhanbuoy Trophy: Best Senior Male Player:     Gavin Maguire

Best International Performance:                 Ashley Robinson

SPECIAL AWARD:                                  John Murphy

SPECIAL AWARD: BRONZE MEDAL WINNING NI TEAM:

Certificates to A. Robinson, P. McCreery, Z. Wilson & O. Cathcart, Coach J. Murphy

A slideshow of photos from the day can be seen here.

Friends of Table Tennis Ireland,

It has long been an objective of the present Board (and in fact previous Boards) of Table Tennis Ireland to produce a Roll of Honour of all the past winners of all our events since our incorporation back in 1937. Not only will this Roll record all the winners (and runners-up) of all Awards and Events (National, Provincial, School , University etc) at all age categories (U-13, Cadet, Junior, Senior, Veteran, Para), it will act as a valuable archive for our Association in the years ahead, and in doing so will recognise the individual and team achievements of all those who have played our sport over the years whether at Individual, Club, School, University or Provincial level.

While some of the initial work has been completed, with thanks due to Richard Butler and others, we are now calling on all Table Tennis Ireland affiliates and the wider Table Tennis community in Ireland and abroad – some of whom may still be active players while others may be in ‘semi-retirement’ – to assist us and contribute to our efforts to complete this comprehensive record of Irish Table Tennis.

In this regard, we are releasing Phase 1 of our Roll of Honour today which contains our updated record of the National Senior Champions and Runners-up since 1937. As you will see, there are a number of gaps which we are hoping that you can assist us with,  so that we can complete this register. Please contact me on [email protected] or by phone on 086 804 7513.

To download the Roll of Honour please click here.

I would invite you to take the time to peruse the list, and revert with any additions, amendments, comments, or in fact any additional details in relation to particular years, venues, special circumstances etc. All the information will be collated and reproduced in a separate section of the website, which we hope will include photos and articles in respect of the various events.

In recognition of the assistance we receive, all contributors will be enrolled as Friends of Table Tennis Ireland and will be contacted and updated with our Roll of Honour when all categories are being updated and completed. Friends of Table Tennis Ireland will also be affiliated to Table Tennis Ireland as Associate Members and can avail of the support and updates which our current Affiliates receive, but will be unable to compete in National Ranking Event.  

We hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane and thank you for your assistance in recognising our winners throughout the years.

Tony Farrell

Marketing Director, TTI

Pictured:  Ted Mahaffy receiving the Honorary Life Membership scroll from President Ken Strong, with Ulster Branch Chairman Arnold Morgan looking on.

Ted Mahaffy was presented with Honorary Life Membership of Table Tennis Ireland at the recent Ulster Branch Awards evening by newly elected President Mr. Ken Strong.  This award is the highest distinction which can be given by Table Tennis Ireland and is in recognition of the outstanding service Ted has given to the Association down through the years. 

Mrs. Pat Hunter, Chairman, outlined Ted’s involvement in the sport as follows: “Ted Mahaffy has been involved in the sport for more than 40 years, both in an administrative capacity as well as a player, having held various offices in the Ulster Branch in addition to being an Ulster Underage coach for a long period. He has been a long-time member of the TTI Disciplinary panel. As well as being an active qualified TTI Umpire, he has represented Ireland at both Over 60 and Over 70 levels with a Veteran Six Nations medal to attest to his ability.  The ever popular Ted epitomizes a terrific example of selfless commitment to the sport of Table Tennis.”

The second recipient of the Honorary Life Membership award, Tommy Rowsome, will be presented with his certificate when he returns home from holiday.

The annual TTI awards were presented in Sport HQ over the weekend, as recipients were honoured in front of the audience gathered for this years AGM.

12 awards were presented in total, with some past winners as well as some fresh faces being recognised for outstanding achievement and contribution to Irish Table Tennis over the course of the 2014/2015 season.

Shay Logue (pictured) spoke eloquently upon receiving the highly distinguished Joe Veselsky Award for his overall contribution to Table Tennis over a sustained period, particularly in ALSAA TTC, where he has made a major contribution over the past 15 years. He has also acted as NPC for both Leinster and Ireland and continues to provide a self-less service to TTI.  

National Champion Paul McCreery once again retained the Rhanbuoy Trophy for the Best Senior Male Player of the Year following another season of domestic dominance. On the womens side, Hannah Lynch Dawson was awarded for her stellar season with the Eleanor McKee Trophy for Best Senior Female Player – just rewards for the Cavan girls efforts in reaching the summit of the womens rankings. Zak Wilson made it a hat-trick of accolades for Ulster as he was presented with the Billy Marshall Award for Top Underage Player. This came on the back of a flawless campaign, particularly on home soil, where the Belfast boy finished the season as the undisputed number 1 Junior boy having won every ranking event he entered over the year. Finally, Rio 2016 hopeful Colin Judge claimed the other playing award up for grabs, as he was recognised following his successful defence at this years National Championships as the Para Player of the Year.

On the coaching side, West Cork’s Alan Hurley was presented with the prestigious Ken Strong Male Coach of the Year award – namely for his outstanding contribution to Table Tennis at all levels throughout Munster, while Louise Long – who now works as a development coach with the Para Squads – was recognised for her contribution over the last 12 months with the Anna Kelly Female Coach of the Year Award. 

The Annual Table Tennis Ireland Awards were presented by President Joe Hickey to their recipients at its AGM held in Sport HQ, Dublin on Saturday 7th June 2014.

President of the ITTA, Joe Hickey paid tribute to all award recipients –

“The pursuit and achievement of excellence by players, officials and volunteers requires ability, hard work and determination. We are delighted to recognise and honour the success of the recipients who have all worked for many years to arrive at the high standards required to be chosen for an award. I have no doubt that their success will be widely applauded and will encourage others to continue with their personal goals“

Listed below is some of the key award winners as well as a list of all award winners. Congratulations to all.

Joe Veselsky Award: Jennifer Thompson

The Joe Veselsky Award is presented in recognition of endeavour and achievement in administration; it is only open to members of Table tennis Ireland over the age of 35 who have served a minimum of 5 years in administrative positions within table tennis. It is seen to many as a sort of Lifetime Achievement Award, recognition of the recipient’s work for Table Tennis over a long number of years.

This year the Awards Panel decided to award the “Joe Veselsky” to Jennifer Thompson. 

Jennifer Thompson has been involved with Irish and Ulster Table Tennis for many years. She enjoyed an illustrious playing career at Irish International level, winning many caps, and attaining numerous titles, including becoming Irish No 1. Jennifer followed her success as a player by then becoming involved in the administration side of the sport and served as Hon Sec with Ulster Branch for a few years, and more recentlyas a member of the Table Tennis Ireland High Performance Committee. Jennifer has been the Ulster Branch Technical Officer for a number of years, with responsibility for all Coaching and High Performance training, including the management of budgets, forward planning and the setting of Branch targets to achieve the goals agreed with Sport NI. Jennifer has also qualified as a L2 coach and coaches regularly at her club.

The knowledge and skills attained by Jennifer as a player is now proving to be invaluable as an administrator. Table Tennis Ireland and the Ulster Branch have benefited to a great extent from the work carried out by Jennifer in the many roles she has held. The sport is indeed fortunate to have volunteers of the ability and dedication of Jennifer Thompson.

Stiga Volunteer of the Year Shield:  Michael Barry

The STIGA Ireland Volunteer of the Year Shield is given to someone who gives up their time and skills to table tennis over the year. This year the recipient of the award was Michael Barry. Michael has been a committed volunteer for the sport in Connacht for several years. He has been Branch Secretary for a number of years, has been instrumental in developing Table Tennis to its current healthy state with players on Ireland teams. As Secretary, he tackled many jobs outside his remit, including keeping the accounts in check and has been the key player in the revival of Connacht Table Tennis.

Billy Marshall Award: Ryan Farrell

The Billy Marshall Award is awarded to the Best underage player of the season taking into account not only the player’s results in tournaments but also his or her playing programme. This year the award went to Ryan Farrell from Dublin. This was a very competitive awards category this year, byt Ryan triumphed following a season of very successful tournament results at both Junior & Senior levels.  Ranked No. 1 Junior & No. 1 Under 21 player, the highlight of his season was surely representing Ireland Seniors at the recent World Team Championships in Tokyo.

Para Table Tennis Award: Rena McCarron Rooney

This year was the 2^nd presentation of the Para TT Award. The Panel made the award to Rena McCarron Rooney. Rena has had a big year, claiming the national title in April, before recording very significant wins over top ranked opponents at the Slovenia Open, where she claimed bronze. Rena’s season is focussed on the World Championships in Beijing later this year.

Eleanor McKee Trophy: Teresa Devaney

Female Player of the Year was Teresa Devanney, for the 2^nd year in a row. Another very successful season for Teresa and she is becoming the benchmark for our talented youngsters to work towards in terms of international success. A consistent winner of Veterans events in England and here in Ireland, she won Over 60s Singles at 6 Nations Veterans in front of home crowd in Dublin earlier in the season but finished her season in fantastic fashion with a gold medal in the World Veterans Championships in New Zealand.

RECOGNITION AWARD: Sinead Keon

This year we had a player who was a Gold medallist at the World Dwarf Games, Sinead Keon. Sinead beat all before her internationally, with golds in the UK Dwarf Games and the World Dwarf Games in Michigan.

‘VIVIENNE BARRY’ FAIR PLAY AWARD: Hannah Lynch Dawson

Fair Play Award:Hannah Lynch-Dawson

Hannah, while a very committed player, has gone through the season with an exemplary conduct record. Her nomination for this award is in respect of two incidents in the Ulster Open in a match with her good friend and keen rival, Katie McGlone. Both incidents involved Hannah allowing edges to her opponent not seen by the Umpire at key stages of 5 set matches – fantastic example of sportsmanship and fair play and a deserved winner of this inaugural award.

The complete list of the recipients of the Table Tennis Awards 2014 is:

Joe Veselsky Award: Jennifer Thompson

Anna Kelly Female Coach of the Year Award: Sarah Timlin

Ken Strong Male Coach of the Year Award: Tommy Fitzgerald

Press Officer of the Year: Tony Higgins

STIGA Ireland Volunteer of the Year Shield: Michael Barry

Billy Marshall Award (Best Junior/Cadet Player of the Season): Ryan Farrell

Eleanor McKee Trophy (Female Player of the Year): Teresa Devaney

Rhanbouy Trophy (Male Player of the Year): Paul McCreery

Special Award: Sinead Keon

Para TT Award: Rena Rooney

Certificates of Merit were also awarded at the Awards to Stuart McConley, Emma Ludlow, Paddy Vaughan, Katie McGlone and Hannah Lynch Dawson

Certificates of Achievement for Connacht’s Top Juniors

Junior players from Connacht traveled to Breaffy Sports Arena, Breaffy, Castlebar, Co. Mayo on Sunday 9^th March for the final Junior Ranking event of the season. It proved to be a spectacular event with both Season Titles and prestigious Interprovincial places up for grabs.

Thomas Joyce (Mayo) and Natasya Barry (Roscommon) were crowned U11 Boys and U11 Girls Connacht Champions 2013 / 2014. David Taylor and Aoife O Dowd who both play from the same club in Sligo were declared U13 Boys & U13 Girls Season Champions respectively. Brian Dunleavy (Mayo), in fantastic form this season, done the double winning both the U15 and U18 Boys Titles.  Maria Williams (Mayo) added another U15 Girls Connacht Title to continue her remarkable success in this event. Orla Timlin (Mayo) proved to be almost unbeatable this season capturing U18 Girls Season Title. Martin Edward Ditchburn (Mayo) captured the First U19 Mixed Title which proved to be a popular and successful event this season. All 8 Players were presented with Framed Certificates of Achievement by the Connacht Branch at a special presentation during the weekend.

The Connacht Branch would also like to Congratulate Thomas Joyce, David Taylor and Natasya Barry on being selected for this year’s Primary Schools International taking place in Jersey early April. The best of luck to all THREE players and to Team Ireland!

Connacht Branch