The Veterans were in action last weekend at Colaiste Padraig, Lucan for the Veterans Leinster Tournament. Full report to follow. Click here for results.
Irish Lady Veterans bring home medals from Turkey
Irish Lady Veterans bring home medals from Turkey
3 Irish Ladies travelled to the 17th International Veterans Tournament, and all claimed medals.
In the Singles Teresa Devaney won Bronze in the over 50’s and Audrey Robinson also won a Bronze, in the over 70’s. Both were beaten by the eventual winners in close matches.
In the Doubles, Audrey won Gold, partnering an Australian player in the over 60’s.
Teresa, paired with a Russian player, claimed Silver while Vivienne Barry won the consolation doubles with a Swedish player.
A good time was had by all.
Veterans Six Nations
GOLDEN GLAMOUR!
The Ladies team of Teresa Devaney, Jenny Harrison and Helena Dennett produced an outstanding performance under trying circumstances to win Gold in the Over 50s at the Veterans Six Nations Tournament in Guernsey recently. While Teresa was fog-bound in Exeter, Jenny and Helena accounted for Guernsey and Isle of Man. Arriving shortly before the match, Teresa combined with Helena to beat Wales. Against England, the holders and favourites, Teresa struck a rich vein of form. Playing with confident authority, she produced some outstanding winners to win both of her singles against Jan Johns and Helen Shields. However, the crunch encounter was in the doubles. Despite a painful back, Jenny Harrison made a vital contribution supporting Teresa to clinch the breakthrough doubles win and the title, which the ladies had worked so hard for. “Jenny was brilliant at keeping me focussed throughout the doubles” commented Teresa.
The Over 60s team of Tommy Caffrey, Martin Pickles, Barry Dickson and Audrey Robinson won a very commendable Silver Medal. The Scottish challenge was definitely weakened by Geoff Salter’s absence, and our best wishes go to him during his illness.
Though the other teams did not enjoy medal success, all agreed that the experience gained was beneficial. We would like to thank STIGA for their support.
A convivial time was enjoyed by all, despite some hiccups caused by travel delays. The Guernsey Table Tennis Veterans are to be commended for the manner in which they coped with such unforeseen circumstances in running the tournament.
Veterans Six Nations
The Irish Veterans international season gets underway this weekend with the Six Nations in Guernsey. 17 of Irelands top veterans will travel to Guernsey on Friday to take part in the three day event. The ITTA would like to take this opportunity to wish the team the very best of luck. Check back next week for a full report.
Veterans Team Selection for Six Nations:
40s: K. Devaney, R. Davis, D. Gibbons; Sharon Brien, Gillian Richardson.
50s: K. Sabir, B. Finn; Teresa Devaney, Jenny Harrison, Helena Dennett.
60s: M. Pickles, T. Caffrey, B. Dickson; Audrey Robinson.
70s: T. Mahaffy, K. Ridsdale, M. Keogh .
Irish Veterans Qualification Tournament Report
IVTTS Qualification Tournament Report.
Some lively proceedings emanated from the Qualification Tournament held in Lucan. Kariem Sabir won the Over 40s event, accounting for Kevin Mackey and Kevin Devaney enroute. Worthy performances were registered here by Paul Norgrove, Tommy Fitzgerald and Brian Finn. Martin Pickles gave an outstanding display to beat Kariem in the final of the Over 50s. This followed a marvellous semi-final between Kariem and Kieran Burke.
Recently retired Tommy Caffrey continued with business as usual, winning the Over 60s. Ted Mahaffy beat Ronnie Drain in the 70s decider. Sharon Brien won the Ladies round robin. Catherine Harnedy is to be commended, travelling all the way from Cork just for this event! Kryzstof Karczewski accounted for Alan Taylor and John Finn in the Men’s Consolation.
Once again, our thanks go to STIGA for their generous support. An enjoyable day’s play saw Jim Storey, Mark McAlister, John Harrison and Neil Shanahan, among others, committing to the Veterans programme for the rest of the year. Now, it’s onwards to the Six Nations in Guernsey!
Irish Veteran’s Qualification Tournament Results
The Veteran’s Qualification Tournament took place in Lucan last weekend. Click here for results and check back shortly for a full tournament report.
Irish Veterans Table Tennis Society National Championships
Kevin Mackey and Teresa Devaney retained their Singles Titles at the National Championships of the Irish Veterans Table Tennis Society in Lucan on Saturday. Teresa beat Jenny Harrison over four sets in the Ladies final, while Kevin triumphed over legendary Tommy Caffrey in the final of the Harry O’Prey Trophy. Earlier, Tommy had recovered from two sets down to beat Dave Pemberton in an enthralling semi-final. Kariem Sabir won the Over 50s title, beating Brian Finn in the fifth set decider. Tommy Caffrey won the Over 60s event, while Ted Mahaffy maintained his unblemished record in the Over 70s for the season. Several players from England were in attendance, helping to provide a large entry for the Ladies Singles. Good performances were registered by Sharon Brien and Audrey Robinson. In the Men’s events, Michael Cunningham and Ken Ridsdale acquitted themselves well. In a throwback to earlier times, a match in the early rounds saw Robby Davis overcome clubmate Paul Norgrove 21-19 in a titanic fifth set!! In conclusion, the Society is most grateful for the support of the National Umpires Association and Stiga throughout the season. Click here for full results.
At the AGM held at the weekend the following members were elected onto the Veterans Committee: Brian Finn (Chair/Secretary), Kariem Sabir (Treasurer), Ted Mahaffy and Philip Shaw.
Vets Claim Medals in Turkey
Report by Vivienne Barry
3 members of Irish Vets played in the Turkey Veterans Invitation Tournament last week and all returned with medals. There was a strong entry, with players from England, Germany, Bulgaria, Russia, Greece and Turkey. Teresa Devaney was outstanding, winning gold in the over 50’s singles and, playing with Helen Shields (England) won the open Ladies Doubles. Audrey Robinson won gold in the over 60’s singles, and Vivienne Barry took bronze in this event. Veteran tournaments are very social and a great way of making new friends.
World Veterans Championships 2010
5 Irish players travelled to Hohhot in Inner Mongolia for the World Veterans Championships. It was a wonderful trip. Colum Slevin and Teresa Devaney were our most successful players, reaching 3rd round in singles and doubles.
Photo on front page shows Teresa Devaney and Vivienne Barry meeting Table Tennis legend Liang, and above Vivienne meeting Dot deLow, who is still playing at 99 years of age.
Congratulations to all players who made the long journey to Inner Mongolia to represent their country.