What began as one person’s simple love for table tennis has grown into a vibrant, welcoming community hub in Monasterevin — thanks to the quiet determination and open-hearted spirit of Pauline Marterer.
Originally from France, Pauline’s earliest memories of table tennis are filled with laughter and sunshine — games played with friends during summer camps and family holidays. After settling in Ireland, she rediscovered her passion for the sport at Newbridge Table Tennis Club. When the club closed for the summer, Pauline found herself missing the rhythm of play and the sense of connection it brought. Instead of waiting for the next season to begin, she decided to create something new.
When a local community hall became available, Pauline and a friend saw an opportunity to bring table tennis to Monasterevin. With a few donated tables, some second-hand finds, and plenty of enthusiasm, Monasterevin Ping Pong Club was born.
A single phone call to Leinster CCDO Ivanna Yates marked a turning point. Pauline had noticed growing interest from local teenagers and wanted to create a space for them to play and connect. With support from Table Tennis Ireland (TTI), she completed the steps to affiliate the club — including Garda vetting and safeguarding training — and launched a youth club that quickly became a popular fixture in the community.
But Pauline’s vision didn’t stop there.
After a conversation with Ivanna, the idea of a summer camp emerged. Pauline embraced it wholeheartedly, reaching out to families and organising what became a hugely successful event. The enthusiasm and smiles of the young participants led naturally to the creation of a kids’ club, expanding the club’s reach to even more age groups and families.
At Table Tennis Ireland, we are proud to stand alongside Pauline and the Monasterevin Ping Pong Club on this journey. From practical support and guidance to the encouragement provided by our CCDO network, this story reflects the power of collaboration — and how sport can bring people together in lasting and meaningful ways.
Looking ahead, Pauline’s energy and commitment continue to inspire. With support from Kildare Sports Partnership, she and Ivanna will soon be introducing table tennis to local schools through taster sessions — helping more children discover the joy of the game and the sense of belonging that comes with it. Over the summer, friendly challenge matches with nearby social clubs added another layer of fun and connection, reinforcing the club’s growing community spirit.
Today, Monasterevin Ping Pong Club stands as much more than a place to play — it’s a reflection of what happens when passion meets purpose, and when people come together around a shared dream.
“No dream is too big, and nothing is out of reach. Reading about my achievements made me realise how far I’ve come — step by step, things just fell into place. I followed my instincts, welcomed ideas from others, and never hesitated to ask for help. Some plans took time to grow, others, like Ivanna’s summer camp idea, came to life overnight! I’m deeply grateful to Table Tennis Ireland for helping me move forward so smoothly and efficiently.”
— Pauline Marterer
