Posts in category: Coaching

The Leinster Junior Close took place last weekend at IWA Sports Hall, Clontarf, Dublin. With two days of competition, there was some top class table tennis played.

Boys Events

In the Under 10s and Under 12s, York Road players were dominant, taking 1^st and 2^nd in both. Conor Gallagher took the Under 10 title over team-mate Ross McGarry, with Kevin Hutchinson taking the Under 12 title over Barry O’Toole. In the Under 14s, Club Donic’s Shi Zhao Li took the title, defeating ALSAA’s Ciaran Kelly in the Final. Li also made the Under 17 Final, but Corey O’Rourke was in fine form and took gold.

Girls Events

Mountrath’s Katie Hayes was a winner on the double, claiming both the Under 10 and the Under 12 titles. In the Under 14’s, first year cadet Meadhbh Slattery defeated Amy-Lou Hayes in the Final – she went on to claim 3^rd place in the Under 17 girls as well to cap a fine weekend. In the Under 17 Final, ALSAA’s Niamh Tracey pushed all the way before eventually losing out to Balgriffin’s Lavinia Maties.

Click here for winners in each event.

As part of ongoing development initiatives delivered in partnership with IWA Sport, the ITTA provided over the past month coaching support to IWA Sport Multi-Sport Summer Camps. Coaches Gavin Maguire and John Bowe were on site in IWA Clontarf to introduce a new sport to almost 100 children between the age of 5 and 12. Coach John Bowe provided some further insight into the Camps:

 “I was asked to coach at a Summer camp in the IWA and I was delighted at the opportunity. Having spent many years playing table tennis as a player its great to be able to pass on some tips and expertise to youngsters. I took part in my first Summer camp in 1984 and that’s where I began my interest in the sport. The children in the IWA were aged between 5-12 and I was very impressed with their attitude and how they all wanted to learn more. I believe strongly in excellent coaching at this level because if we can find some talented individuals and teach them the correct techniques and basics etc then Ireland can become a strong force in the future of International Table Tennis. The ITTA are making great progress and we all should get behind them and support them in any way we can.”

 Monday 18^th August sees the start of the ITTA Table Tennis Summer  Camp again in IWA Clontarf, under the supervision of some top coaches and ITTA Technical Director John O’Donoghue. There are still a small number of places available. For further information, contact John on (085) 278 2211.