The All Ireland Schools Championships took place in Baldoyle Badminton Centre on Thursday 27th April.
See the full results from a successful days play.
To download the results of the Primary Schools events click here
To download the results of the Secondary Schools events click here
Congraulations to all the winners in what was a fantastic advertisement for schools Table Tennis in Ireland!
Ulster emerged victorious at this years junior inter-pro championships, taking home the prestigious shield once again.
In all 6 categories were contested over the course of the day, with the overall winners taking 3 gold medals in all. Leinster were their closest challengers in 2nd place as they won 2 golds, while Munster were victorious in the U13 Girls.
Wallace Mahaffy accepted the overall winners shield for the Ulster team, and was presented by fellow Ulsterman and TTI President, Ken Strong. He even decided to take a selfie for the occasion!
Wallace Mahaffy (Ulster Team Manager, with TTI President, Ken Strong)
The Winner of the prestigious Colum Slevin Award was Munsters John Gould. His highlight of the day came against Connacht in the U15 Boys. As the underdog he raised his game above all expectations in the 9th rubber of his match with Kristijonas Dapkus to win in a marathon match 21/19 in the 5th set, and with it clinching the all important victory. This in turn sealed the Gold medal in that event to Ulster on a close countback!
John Gould (Munster) – Winner of the 2017 Colum Slevin Award
To download the full results from the day, please click here
Table Tennis Ireland’s Performance team have announced the selections for upcoming International events. With a busy period in the season approaching, events are coming thick and fast, providing plenty of excitement for the months ahead.
The players & teams selected to represent Ireland are:
ITTF Spanish Open World Junior Circuit (17 – 21 May)
Boys: Owen Cathcart, Art McLaughlin, Thomas Joyce, Alexander Gillen
Girls: Mia O’Rahilly Egan, Nicole Scott, Sophie Earley, Katie McGlone
Prague Grand Prix (25 -28 May)
Junior Boys: Zak Earley, James Kelly, Joey Nelson, Alan Pattison
Cadet Boys: Ciaran O Donoghue, Kristijanos Dapkus, Alexander Ahl, Julian Kelly
BTTF Training Camp – Cardiff (30 May – 2 June)
Junior Girls: Zofia Wawzyniak, Rebecca Finn, Emma Kee, Thuy Linh Cashman
Cadet Girls: Lucy Craig, Pravesha Ragi
Senior Schools International – Jersey (23 – 25 June)
U18 Boys: Charlie Fitzgerald & Dylan Grace; U18 Girls: Nga Nguyen & Rebecca Finn
U16 Boys: Alan Pattison & Ciaran O’Donoghue; U16 Girls: Zofia Wawrzyniak & Thuy Linh Cashman
U14 Boys: James Skelton & Dillon Byrne; U14 Girls: Pravesha Ragi & Silke Heinen
ITTF Slovak Open World Junior Circuit (1 – 4 June)
Junior Boys: Dylan Grace, Conor Gallagher, Thomas Earley, Alexander Gillen
European Youth Championships – Portugal (14 – 23 July)
Cadet Boys Team: Owen Cathcart, Thomas Joyce, Art McLaughlin
Cadet Girls Team: Mia O’ Rahilly Egan, Sophie Earley, Nicole Scott
Singles: Alexander Gillen (JB), Katie McGlone (JG), Owen Cathcart (CB), Mia O’Rahilly Egan (CG)
Euro Mini Championships – Strasbourg (25 – 27 August)
Boys: Gellert Moravcsik, Jonathan Mooney, Max Skelton
Girls: Sophie Earley
Some superb table tennis was on display at the recent Championships at Wayside TTC. In the Over 40s, Tibor Pofok overcame Philip Wallace in the group stage. This upset heralded a quarter final meeting between Philip and Ormeau clubmate Daryl Strong. An engaging five setter saw Daryl emerge on a scoreline of 5,-8,-7,6,7. Subsequently, Dave Pemberton ousted Tibor in five sets also. Leading 2-1, but 5-9 down in the fourth in his semi-final against Daryl, Rory Scott displayed great defensive skills and a really aggressive forehand to set up match point at 10-9. With a long, wily rally from the back stanchion, Daryl weathered the storm, and ultimately went on to win the match 8,-8,-9,10,3. Rory was very disappointed with his strangely subdued form in the final set. Daryl emerged as champion beating Dave Pemberton 3-0 in the final to retain the Harry O’Prey Trophy.
Former champion Jean Wyse made a welcome return to compete for the Luke Murray Perpetual Trophy along with seven other contestants. The round robin format produce unexpected results, with all contestants losing at least one match each. Paula O’Neill scored a great win over Ger, -7,-5,10,15,9. Paula also lost narrowly to Gillian in the fifth. Jean beat Ger 4,9,11. Annemarie lost to Ger 0-3. However, her 3-1 win over Jean was the critical result, which meant Annemarie won the title. This was a very good competition enjoyed by all of the contestants. “The trip from Ennis was well worth it! Happy that I came” was Jean’s verdict.
Match of the day was the final of the 50s with Pat McCloughan and Dave Pemberton vying for the David Addy Trophy. An absorbing topspin duel, with both players covering the court, left nothing to choose between them, and a fifth set was always on the cards. Trailing 1-4, Dave levelled at 5 all,…”Time out”. On Dave’s serve, Pat won tight exchanges at the net to lead 7-5. Dave levelled again at 9-9. Pat hit a superb backhand return winner off Dave’s serve. Dave saved the match point, and emerged victorious on a scoreline -9,11,-9,13,11. Another colossal match between these rivals!
Maestro Tommy Caffrey prevailed in both the 60s and 70s events. However, he had to withstand a tremendous challenge from Philip Shaw in the 60s final. Reading the spin well, Philip killed some fabulous winners on both wings to win the first 11-7. Tommy made some subtle tactical changes and some tremendous returns to frustrate Philip subsequently. The fifth set opened in a concentrated, cautious fashion, both players reluctant to force matters. At 5-5, Philip became a little impatient or perhaps determined to force the issue. However, he failed to breach the “wall” which Tommy constructed, lost his focus somewhat, and played some loose shots. Tommy won on a scoreline of -7,7,-6,5,7. “I’ve learned a lot from that particular match! First time in a final against Tommy” was Philip’s assessment. In the 70s, Tommy beat old rival Martin Pickles in four sets at the end of a long day.
Congratulations to all of the victors. Our thanks to members of Wayside TTC, treasurer Sharon, referee Dave, and all who helped set up the hall and umpire matches during the event.
Best wishes to all of our members who are coping with illness at this time.
Please see for full results from the event here
The Irish Squad has been named ahead of this years World Table Tennis Championships.
This year, it is the turn of the bi-annual World Singles Championships following the Team Championships which took place in Kuala Lumpar, 2016. The showpiece event will be held in the German city of Dusseldorf, with play commencing on Monday the 29th May.
Ireland will be represented by a total of 6 players in Germany, with a blend of youth and experience making up a strong group.
Commenting following the selections, National Performance Coach John Murphy said;
”This is obviously a really exciting event for all involved within the National team. We will travel to Dusseldorf with a very experienced team, 4 of the 6 players having already competed at a WTTC.
In addition, we are delighted to blood two of our top young players at this level, as Katie and Mia will both make their first appearances at a WTTC.
For Katie, she goes into the event on the back of some excellent results, having recently been crowned National Champion in Senior, Junior and U21 categories.
For Mia at just 14 years old, the WTTC represents an opportunity to gain some invaluable experience, which I am sure will help her as she continues to progress on the junior international circuit over the next few years.
On the aspirations of the Irish Squad in Dusseldorf, coach Murphy is optimistic of the chances of taking some scalps;
”Of course we are under no illusions just how difficult this event is, but we will approach it with full belief in what we can do. There has certainly been momentum on our side in terms of International results in recent times so we will be aiming to take some big wins when the qualification kicks off. I have every confidence in the players”.
The Irish Squad selected for the event is as follows:
Men: Paul McCreery, Ashley Robinson & Gavin Maguire
Women: Katie McGlone, Ashley Givan & Mia O’Rahilly Egan
NPC’s: John Murphy & Mark O’Flynn
Delegate: Patricia Hunter
The domestic Junior Ranking tournament season concluded at the weekend with the staging of the Butterfly National Junior Championships at the National Indoor Arena, Blanchardstown. The venue was a massive hit for all involved as players, coaches and parents took in the fantastic new surroundings for the first time.
In the Under 18 Girls event Katie McGlone was attempting to do the treble having won the Senior Ladies & Under 21 National titles earlier in the month.
The semi finals were a treat for the spectators as defending champion Mia O’Rahilly Egan took on Rebecca Finn in the top half and Katie played the in form Nga Nguyen in the bottom half.
At two sets all in a pulsating display of table tennis it was anybody’s match between Mia and Rebecca. When Rebecca took a 10/7 lead in the final set it seemed game over. However Mia had other ideas and won the last five points to take the set 12/10 and seal her place in the final. Similarly Katie and Ngas match went the distance. Nga looking for her 1st win against Katie led 4-0 in the decider. A timeout proved crucial at this point & turned the match in Katie’s favour and she went on to take the set 11/9 and with it her place in the final.
In the final match, Katie and Mia shared the first two sets before Katie won the third set 11/5. In the 4th set Katie raced out to a 10/5 lead. Mia clawed her way back to 9/10 but Katie took the next point and with it the U18 National Title, her 3rd National Singles Title of the season, a superb achievement!
In the Boys event Owen Cathcart went into the event as overwhelming favourite. Owen lived up to expectations in the early rounds and apart from one very tight set against Art McLaughlin, never looked in trouble.
In the semi finals Owen ended the domestic Junior career of Conor Gallagher with a straight sets victory. In the opposite half Thomas Earley was the surprise package. Thomas fought off Dylan Grace’s efforts to take his place in the semis against Charlie Fitzgerald. Again Thomas used his defensive skills
to thwart Charlie’s challenge and make it an all Ormeau final. Here Owens attacking repertoire proved to be decisive and he won his first Junior Boys National title in straight sets to add to his impressive previous haul at Under 10, Under 13 and Under 15 level.
In the Under 13 Girls the top four seeds made the semi finals. Sophie Earley, the top seed played Pravesha Ragi, the 3rd seed. In another top quality match, Sophie came out on top in four sets. In the bottom half the number two seed Silke Heinen saw off the challenge of Amna Mandal. Silke raced into a 5/0 lead in the first set of the final against Sophie. From there Sophie dug deep and went on to win the final in three sets and with it the National Under 13 Girls Singles Title.
In the boys event Thomas Joyce was seeking his 3rd successive Under 13 National Title and he duly delivered. Thomas won his semi against James Skelton 3/1 and met Dillon Byrne in the final. Dillon had won his semi final against Jonathan Mooney 3/0. Thomas won the final 3/0 in impressive fashion.
The day concluded with the inaugural Junior Doubles events. The Girls event was won by Mia and Zofia with Conor Nugent and Zak Earley taking the Boys.
On the second day it was the turn of the Under 15s and Hopes and Para Standing Singles. In the Girls Under 15s Mia, who won the title in 2016 played the Under 13 winner from the previous day, Sophie in the top half semi final. Mia came out on top 3 nil, winning the 3rd set 15/13. Nicole Scott, the 2nd seed played 4th seeded Pravesha in the other semi and in a close and high quality encounter Nicole prevailed 3/1.
Mia and Nicole produced a fitting National final with a high standard of open attacking table tennis. Mia led by a set and 10/8. Then Nicole showed her mettle by winning 4 points on the trot and levelling the match at one set all. Mia took the title by winning the next two sets 11/6 11/8.
In the boys Thomas saw off Ciaran O’Donoghue in one semi while James Skelton, who had beaten the 2nd seed, Art, defeated Kristijonas Dapkus in the other half. The final produced a high quality display and when James took a 2/1 lead it seemed an upset was on the cards. However Thomas showed his years of experience at this level to win the next two sets for the loss of only seven points winning the final set, 11/2 and become Cadet Champion to add to his Mini Cadet title on Saturday.
The Para Standing Singles was won by the ever present Paddy Vaughan, who overcame international team mate and rival Conor O’Callaghan in straight sets to add another National title to his collection.
In the hopes event, the impressive younster Gellert Moravcsik came out on top, as all players involved got lots of matches in the usual fun styled event.
To see the full results from the Junior Nationals please click here
The domestic Junior Ranking tournament season concluded at the weekend with the staging of the Butterfly National Junior Championships at the National Indoor Arena, Blanchardstown. The venue was a massive hit for all involved as players, coaches and parents took in the fantastic new surroundings for the first time.
In the Under 18 Girls event Katie McGlone was attempting to do the treble having won the Senior Ladies & Under 21 National titles earlier in the month.
The semi finals were a treat for the spectators as defending champion Mia O’Rahilly Egan took on Rebecca Finn in the top half and Katie played the in form Nga Nguyen in the bottom half.
At two sets all in a pulsating display of table tennis it was anybody’s match between Mia and Rebecca. When Rebecca took a 10/7 lead in the final set it seemed game over. However Mia had other ideas and won the last five points to take the set 12/10 and seal her place in the final. Similarly Katie and Ngas match went the distance. Nga looking for her 1st win against Katie led 4-0 in the decider. A timeout proved crucial at this point & turned the match in Katie’s favour and she went on to take the set 11/9 and with it her place in the final.
In the final match, Katie and Mia shared the first two sets before Katie won the third set 11/5. In the 4th set Katie raced out to a 10/5 lead. Mia clawed her way back to 9/10 but Katie took the next point and with it the U18 National Title, her 3rd National Singles Title of the season, a superb achievement!
In the Boys event Owen Cathcart went into the event as overwhelming favourite. Owen lived up to expectations in the early rounds and apart from one very tight set against Art McLaughlin, never looked in trouble.
In the semi finals Owen ended the domestic Junior career of Conor Gallagher with a straight sets victory. In the opposite half Thomas Earley was the surprise package. Thomas fought off Dylan Grace’s efforts to take his place in the semis against Charlie Fitzgerald. Again Thomas used his defensive skills
to thwart Charlie’s challenge and make it an all Ormeau final. Here Owens attacking repertoire proved to be decisive and he won his first Junior Boys National title in straight sets to add to his impressive previous haul at Under 10, Under 13 and Under 15 level.
In the Under 13 Girls the top four seeds made the semi finals. Sophie Earley, the top seed played Pravesha Ragi, the 3rd seed. In another top quality match, Sophie came out on top in four sets. In the bottom half the number two seed Silke Heinen saw off the challenge of Amna Mandal. Silke raced into a 5/0 lead in the first set of the final against Sophie. From there Sophie dug deep and went on to win the final in three sets and with it the National Under 13 Girls Singles Title.
In the boys event Thomas Joyce was seeking his 3rd successive Under 13 National Title and he duly delivered. Thomas won his semi against James Skelton 3/1 and met Dillon Byrne in the final. Dillon had won his semi final against Jonathan Mooney 3/0. Thomas won the final 3/0 in impressive fashion.
The day concluded with the inaugural Junior Doubles events. The Girls event was won by Mia and Zofia with Conor Nugent and Zak Earley taking the Boys.
On the second day it was the turn of the Under 15s and Hopes and Para Standing Singles. In the Girls Under 15s Mia, who won the title in 2016 played the Under 13 winner from the previous day, Sophie in the top half semi final. Mia came out on top 3 nil, winning the 3rd set 15/13. Nicole Scott, the 2nd seed played 4th seeded Pravesha in the other semi and in a close and high quality encounter Nicole prevailed 3/1.
Mia and Nicole produced a fitting National final with a high standard of open attacking table tennis. Mia led by a set and 10/8. Then Nicole showed her mettle by winning 4 points on the trot and levelling the match at one set all. Mia took the title by winning the next two sets 11/6 11/8.
In the boys Thomas saw off Ciaran O’Donoghue in one semi while James Skelton, who had beaten the 2nd seed, Art, defeated Kristijonas Dapkus in the other half. The final produced a high quality display and when James took a 2/1 lead it seemed an upset was on the cards. However Thomas showed his years of experience at this level to win the next two sets for the loss of only seven points winning the final set, 11/2 and become Cadet Champion to add to his Mini Cadet title on Saturday.
The Para Standing Singles was won by the ever present Paddy Vaughan, who overcame international team mate and rival Conor O’Callaghan in straight sets to add another National title to his collection.
In the hopes event, the impressive youngster Gellert Moravcsik came out on top, as all players involved got lots of matches in the usual fun styled event.
Paul McCreery and Katie McGlone took the top honours over the weekend as both players were crowned Senior National Champions in DCU.
For McCreery, it was a familiar feeling to be back in the winners enclosure, having claimed the prestigious Eddie Limberg Men’s Singles title on three previous occasions in 2013, 2014 and 2015. This years win was perhaps the most sweet of all however, as the Belfast man entered the event somewhat under the radar due to the fine form shown by many of his closest rivals in recent times.
For 16 year old McGlone, it was her maiden National title and you could see how much it meant to the young UCD player when she eventually overcame the dogged 5 time champion, Ashley Givan, in a truly entertaining final match.
Men’s Singles
The showpiece Men’s and Ladies Singles events kicked off on Saturday morning with all players primed and ready for the challenges that lay ahead amongst the very best that Irish Table Tennis has to offer. On the men’s side, the Last 16 was the round that caused most of a stir. With all eight matches on show, there were comfortable wins for some of the big name seeds as Ashley Robinson, Paul McCreery, Gavin Maguire, Owen Cathcart and Zak Wilson all advanced with relative ease. However the first shock was soon to follow, as an inspired performance from Ballincollig TTC’s Dylan Grace saw him recover from a 0-2 deficit to overcome the recent Connacht Open Champion and 5th seed Ryan Farrell in a titanic 5 set encounter. On the adjacent table, another 5 setter had ensued, as 8th seed Alan Walsh was taken out by the in form Na Ning. Like Grace, Ning did it the hard way as he clawed back from 2 nil behind to take the win. This left the last of the quarter finals to finish up as experienced International Peter Graham and rising star Alex Gillen (S7) were embroiled in an epic, with the Ulsterman eventually overcoming his younger opponent to upset the seedings further as he won 11-9 in the 5th set.
The quarters saw some more compelling matches take place, with the pick of these involving the top seed Ashley Robinson as he was pushed all the way by a fantastic performance by Na Ning, who really rolled back the years as he threw everything at the pre tournament favourite. It was the Clogher native who prevailed in the end however, as he found enough to recover from a 2-3 deficit to claw his way back and take the match after 7 entertaining sets.
The other 3 quarters were more one sided, but compelling nonetheless! Zak Wilson produced a flawless performance to upset the seedings and take out Owen Cathcart in straight sets, as he signalled his intent right from the off, playing a high level of Table Tennis throughout. Paul McCreery was also in the mood as he beat Peter Graham in impressive fashion, 4-0. Defending champion Maguire didn’t have it all his own way though, as the buoyant Dylan Grace fought hard before going down 4-1.
The semi-final line up was a real treat for all in attendance as we witnessed a repeat of last years final with defending champ Maguire facing off against top seed Robinson. In the end, Maguire flourished as the apparent under-dog in this clash of the titans as he produced a flawless display to overcome his close friend over 6 sets to seal his place in a 5th National Final! Meeting him there was a determined McCreery, who kept his foot firmly on the peddle as he disposed of the battling Wilson by a 4-1 scoreline.
The stage was set for the final and despite a big fight, the dream of back to back titles wasn’t to be for Maguire. Paul was quick out of the blocks and using all of his speed and power, the Ulstermans resistance was too much for his Dublin counterpart. Gav fought valiantly, winning the 5th set to reduce his deficit to 3-2, but Paul was ready to step it up once more, as he reeled off a succession of points to pull away on route to claiming a fourth National Men’s Singles title!
Ladies Singles
As much as the men’s event was up in the air, the Ladies Singles was certainly wide open as a winner was very difficult to pick amongst the array of talent topping the seedings going into the event. As expected, the top four of McGlone, O’Rahilly Egan, Finn and Givan all advanced to the knockout stages unscathed. The first upset came from Group E, as 10 year old Sophie Earley continued her meteoric rise as she overcame the experienced Susan Hanlon (S5) on her way to topping the group.
When the knockout stage commenced another youngster made waves, as Glenburns defensive starlet Lucy Craig defeated Leinsters Claire Heller to advance to the quarter finals. With the rest of the matches going to seeding, we were all set for the fireworks to take off in the latter end of the draw.
Unfortunately for young Sophie, her debut senior event was halted by the ever impressive and always reliable Rebecca Finn in the quarter final, but the youngster didn’t go down without a good fight, losing out 4-1. Katie was then back in to face the dangerous Zofia Wawrzyniak of Leeside TTC. However despite Zofias best efforts, she couln’t stop the top seed as she started to stamp her authority on the Ladies draw. Defending champion and 5 time winner Ashley Givan was also in fine form, as she accounted for Hanlon to book her place in the penultimate round. She was soon followed by 2nd seed Mia, who was too strong for her young International team-mate Lucy Craig in their quarter final contest.
Like in the men’s, the Women’s semi-final line up was a real treat for all spectators in attendance. Ashley Givan faced the stern challenge of the in form Mia while Katie faced off against the ever present Rebecca Finn. It was Ashley who really impressed here as the Queens student didn’t let up as she got the better of her younger opponent by a 4-1 scoreline to seal her place in the final. On the next table a real battle was developing. Katie looked in command as she opened up a 3-1 lead over Rebecca, but the never say die attitude of the Belfast girl was evident for all to see as she fought back to level matters at 3-3. Here it was anyones match but this time it was Katie who delivered when it was all on the line, producing some of her finest play to run out as the winner and set up a repeat of last years final.
In the final, Katie was on a mission on this occasion. Her measured calmness combined with deadly attacking play was the key as she opened up a 3-1 lead over the 5 time champion. Ashley quickly fought back in the 5th, opening up a 9-5 lead. But Katie kept going, managing to pull herself back into the set. At 9-9, she played aggressively, churning out a match point in the process. From there she sealed the victory and a first National title forllowing yet another well time forehand counterloop.
Congratulations to Paul and Katie, our 2017 Irish Senior Men’s and Ladies National Champions!
To download and see the full results from all event please click here
Two players Colin Judge Class 2 and Conor O’ Callaghan Class 6 travelled with Coach John Finn to compete in the first big international para table tennis championships since Rio Parolympics.
These championships had an entry of over 150 players from 35 countries played in a stadium on 16 tables over 4 days. Colin Judge played some fantastic and exciting TT getting off to a winning start in the singles event over Spains Miguel Toledo 3-1.
Colins second match was against 13th seeded French man Vincent Boury. He found him too strong showing his many years of experince resulting in a 3-1 defeat. The third match against Russian Evgenii Riazantcev saw Colin power into the quarter finals with a 3-0 win.
Colins quarter final game with Czech Jiri Suchanek, 5th seed had his homework done on how he would outplay our man using a game plan
that Colin could not answer.
Colin teamed up with Damir Vukovic Croatia and Evgenii Riazantcev Russia for the team event. Spain and Italy made up a group of three with one team going through to the semi final.
Colin played the doubles and the first leg single matches losing by a very small margin in the doubles and winning his two singles.
So in the two matches the scores were even at one all. The Croatian found the going too strong losing his games.
Connor O’Callaghan the young 16 year old from Cork played some great table tennis showing talent beyond his years.
Conor played high ranked players Bobi Simion of Romania, Danny Bobrov of Israel, and Georgios Mouchthis of Greece. Very unlucky not getting his first international win in a senior games over the Greek in a very close five setter.
In the team event Conor’s partner was Australian Trevor Hirth. The team worked well as the pair were of equal standard. Conor and Trevor played the top seeded British Martin Perry and Paul Karabardak losing 2-0.
There second match was against a Romanian and Switzerland pair running them to a close result 2-1.
Last up was the very exciting match with Italy. Conor played fantastic tt in a high scoring five setter, result 2-1.
I thank the two players for their great competitive spirit and making the trip a success.
The UCC Mardyke Arena was the venue for the annual Intervarsity Championships on 24/25 February 2017, and those fortunate enough to be in the hall late on Friday night saw one of the most exciting Mens Team finals that has graced this event for many years.
UCD entered the weekend as slight favourites, if only by their record in the competition, winning the last 17 instalments of the event; and with an array of internationals and interprovincials in their ranks, including representation from 3 provinces, with names such as Tom Davis, Kris Foster and Luke Dempsey, boasted a line up as strong as any that has graced the competition. However, hosts UCC also had a formidable squad of interprovincial and internationals from which to choose their team, with new addition Alan Walsh boosting the depth in a squad that also included Declan O’Brien and Colm Murphy.
In a see-saw match, the momentum swayed back and forth as the 12 singles were played out, with both teams feeling there were points that got away. With UCD 7-5 up after the singles rubbers, it was all to play for in the doubles, but three tight matches that could have gone either way all ultimately fell to UCD, who took their 18th consecutive Irish Universities Championship title in the 69th instalment of the Hubert Wine Cup.
Earlier, UCC had sewn up the Ladies team title, while Trinity took the Mens team Plate.
On Singles Saturday, it very quickly shaped up to be a Cork and Dublin affair at Mens Quarter Final stage, with four players from each city in the mix. Top seed and defending Champion Tom Davis took his place in the final four with a win against Brian Kelleher, while Declan O’Brien came past Luke Dempsey. The all UCD face off of Andrew Campbell against #4 seed Kris Foster saw a well earned upset by Campbell, continuing the good form that had seen him come past Shane O’Connor (CIT) in the group stages, while the all UCC match between Alan Walsh and Colm Murphy saw Irish #4 Walsh take his place in the semi-finals. No surprises in the semi-finals as the top seeds came through their derby matches, Davis putting a stop to the giant killing run of Campbell, while Walsh came past O’Brien. With the top two seeds through to the decider, Walsh was seeking to reverse the result between the players from the team event, but a tense opening exchange saw Davis get off to the better start of the two players, taking the first two ends. A fightback by Walsh in the 3rd end wasn’t enough to stop Davis taking the 4th end, and the match 3-1, earning his second consecutive Irish Universities Singles Champion title.
In the Ladies Singles, the dominant UCC squad continued where they left off on Friday, with UCC taking 3 of the semi-final places, Colleen Wong from RCSI making up the 4th slot. Emily Burns belied her seeding with a hard fought win against team mate Rachel Chen in the semi-final, while Katharine NG came through against Wong. In the final, it was a win for Ng against Burns, taking the Irish Universities Ladies Singles Champion title for the first time.
