Connacht Select Team v. German Select Team Results
A visiting German table tennis team took on a Connacht table tennis team 10/5/03 in the Commercial Boat Club. The German Table Tennis team are known as ESV Treuchtlingen, they are the champions of the Mittelfranken league and now will contest the national championship. The atmostphere was great despite the language barrier of lack of German and English. The table tennis was excellent and exciting with the German spectators doing a Mexican wave after each German victory.

The German team defeated the Connacht team after endless rallies 8/7. The Honorary Referee was Mr. Les Hunt. Th. Brendel, Germany beat Pat Keegan, Athlone 11/9; 11/4 and 11/8. Robbie Gavin Galway beat M. Moshammer Germany 11/9; 7/11; 12/11 and 11/6. J. Hubner Germany beat Kevin Devaney Mayo 11/8; 11/8 and 11/9. Kieran Burke Athlone beat S. Winter Germany 11/4; 9/11; 11/3; 9/11 and 11/6. J. Leibig Germany beat Kareim Sabir Athlone 11/4; 11/2 and 12/10. Terry Dolan Galway beat W. Gangl Germany 11/5; 11/5 and 14/12. Pat Keegan and Kevin Devaney Connacht beat W. Gangl and M. Moshammer Germany 11/7; 11/5 and 13/11. J. Hubner and S. Winter Germany beat Kieran Burke and Kareim Sabir Athlone 11/3; 6/11; 13/11; 9/11 and 11/3. Th. Brendel and J. Leibig Germany beat Terry Dolan and Robbie Gavin Galway 9/11; 10/12; 11/5; 11/7 and 11/4. M. Moshammer Germany beat Pat Keegan, Athlone 9/11; 11/5; 11/9 and 11/5. Th. Brendel, Germany beat Robbie Gavin Galway 11/9; 11/9; 8/11 and 11/4. Kevin Devaney Mayo beat S. Winter Germany 11/7; 11/9 and 11/7. Kieran Burke Athlone beat J. Hubner Germany 12/10; 5/11; 11/9; 4/11 and 11/9. W. Gangl Germany beat Kareim Sabir Athlone 11/9; 11/6; 6/11; 9/11 and 11/5. Terry Dolan Galway beat J. Leibig Germany 6/11; 11/3; 8/11; 11/9 and 11/5.

Afterwards the visiting team were presented with Crystal from Galway and were entertained with music by DJ Paul Cheevers and had refreshments. Though the team was all male they had their partners/spouses with them and displayed some Bravarian dance. We hope the team enjoy the rest of their visit and have a safe trip home.

Celtic Table Tennis Sponsorship for Connacht players
Celtic Table Tennis one of Ireland's leading distributers of table tennis equipment has shown their committment once again to supporting table tennis at local "Grassroots" level. Connacht table tennis is improving rapidly all over the province and much of this has to do with the Connacht Development Strategy and the new ITTA Coaching Courses stimulating the development of clubs and schools throughout the region.

Table Tennis Ireland would like to congratulate Aodan and Rebecca on their new deals. Aodan O Cuimin, St Marys College and Rebecca Casserly Calasanctus College

Connacht Close Table Tennis Championships 2003 Results
The Connacht Close Championships was held in Custume Barracks, Athlone. It is twenty one years ago that they were last held in Athlone. The venue was great and players had loads of room to manoeuvre. It was very well organised and ran by Kariem Sabir and Pat Keegan, Athlone. It was very successful thanks to the players who travelled from Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and Athlone.

Men's Singles Final:- Kariem Sabir, Athlone beat Kieran Burke, Athlone 3/2.

Ladies Singles Final:- Teresa Egan, Commercial Boat Club, Galway beat Helen Dolan also from Commercial Boat Club, Galway 3/0.

Veterans Singles Final:- Kieran Burke, Athlone beat Kariem Sabir, Athlone 3/2.

Open Doubles Final:- Terry Dolan and Robbie Gavin, Commercial Boat Club, Galway beat Kariem Sabir and Kieran Burke, Athlone 3/2.

Class 2 Singles Final:- Martin Folan, Commercial Boat Club, Galway beat John Armitage, Athlone 3/0.

Plate Final:- Pa Lowry, Crown, Galway beat Rena Mc Carron Commercial Boat Club, Galway 3/2.

The Connacht Table Tennis AGM was postponed until further notice.

Galway & District Table Tennis League Result:
Evergreens Cliff Rowe and Rena Mc Carron beat Crown Defenders Martin Folan and Richard Fahy 3/2.

Connacht Premier Division Result:-
Terry Dolan and Robert Gavin, Commercial Boat Club, Galway beat Mayo's Kevin Devaney and Paraic Egan 4/1.

National Irish Table Tennis Championships
Ronan Rooney and Rena Mc Carron, Commercial Boat Club Galway competed in the National Irish Championships in Dublin at the weekend.

Ronan Rooney partnered Sergei Poddubnyi from Serbia in the mens class 2 team event. In the first round they beat France 3-0. Quarterfinal they beat Iceland 3-2. Semifinal they defeated Italy 3-2 and in the final they lost 3-1 to Germany. So Ronan Rooney and Sergei Poddubnyi ended up with a Silver medal in the Team Event.

In the singles in the first round Ronan Rooney beat Oye Jemiyo of GB 3-1. In the next round he defeated Bernard Clot of Switzerland 3-0 and in the Quarterfinal Ronan Rooney lost to Thorsten Grunkenmeyer of Germany.

Rena Mc Carron partnered Kathleen Reynolds of Dublin. They defeated Holland 3-1, beat GB 3-1 and lost 3-0 to Japan. They received a Bronze Medal in the Team Event. In the singles, Rena Mc Carron defeated Sarah Head GB 3-0 and lost in the next round to Michella Brunelli of Italy.

Ronan Rooney and Rena Mc Carron, Commercial Boat Club Galway will be travelling to Italy next month and then to European Championships in June in Croatia.

Connacht Table Tennis Draw Results
First Prize Winner Ronan Somers, c/o Barr na Challadh, Woodquay, Galway. Second Prize Winner J. Dempsey, c/o Ronan Rooney, HP, Galway and Third Prize Winner Noel Faye c/o Barr na Challadh, Woodquay, Galway. The Connacht Branch congratulate the winners and thank all for their support as it is much appreciated.

The Connacht Close Table Tennis Championships
The Connacht Close Competition will be held in The Custume Barracks Athlone on Saturday 26 April 2003. This competition is open to affiliated Connacht players and comprises of Men's Singles, Ladies Singles, Veteran Singles, Mixed Doubles, Open Doubles and Class 2 Singles. All entries to be returned to Mr. Kareim Sabir, Twyford, Baylin, Athlone Co. Westmeath on or before 23 April 2003.

The Connacht Table Tennis Annual General Meeting 2003
The AGM will be held at 1pm in the Custume Barracks, Athlone on 26 April also. This was an exciting year for Connacht Table Tennis.

Primary International Schools Table Tennis Report [from Stefanie Carr in Moyne College, Co. Mayo]
It was a nine year wait but it was worth it, the Irish girls took Gold in fine style at the ESTTA British Primary Schools International Table Tennis Championships in Blackburn, England.

It was also a heroic achievement for the Moyne Table Tennis Club, Ballina, Co. Mayo having both Susan Nealon and Jenny O’Donnell team up with Claire Nelson of Ulster and Sarah Kenny of Leinster to represent Ireland. It was the first time that Mayo/Connaught had two players representing their Province in the Championships and. It was also Eamonn Nealon’s first time to be selected to coach the National Primary team. Yet another great achievement for Mayo/Connaught.

Friday night Ireland faced Guernsey of the British Isles in the first of the team events. Sets were the best of eight singles and two doubles. All four girls got of to a fine start all winning their first round matches 3-0 and were to continue on in the same fashion throughout the evening winning 10-0. Now with their first win behind them Ireland looked forward to playing the English on Saturday morning. The English were also impressive in their first round matches defeating Scotland10-0 as always the match against England was the crunch match. The girls, superbly prepared by Eamonn Nealon, rose to the occasion. From the start the English team were under the ‘cosh’ and with wins from Claire, Jenny and Sarah the Irish girls were 3-1 up after the first round of singles. The crunch moments came when Claire and Sarah dropped their next singles to leave things in the balance. But the Connaught duo of Jenny and Susan secured their singles to give a 5-3 lead going into the doubles. That slender lead was enough to shift the balance with Claire and Sarah winning their doubles 3-0 and Jenny and Susan adding another one for a comprehensive 7-3 victory.

Confidence within the Irish camp was high, and not since 1994 had the Irish team won the event. As the Scots and the Welsh slogged it out team coach Eamonn Nealon had time to study and analyse their next opposition. The Welsh side were next to fall victims of the Irish, loosing 10-0. With the Scots to play a 6-0 victory would be sufficient to win the tournament. But with the Irish girls confidence sky high and with their tantalizing strokes superb all round play defeated the Scots 10-0 as the English watched on with mouths open wide, hoping and praying that the Scots would win, rather than facing the mighty Irish.

The singles event was held on Sunday and spirits were high in the Irish camp. It was fitting to see the Irish girls all qualify out of the group stage and into the quarter finals. The quarterfinals line up was an all Ireland versus England affair with the number ones and twos from both countries triumphant. The final was set for an all Irish affair with Jenny O’Donnell beating the English number.1 Jessica Macken and Claire Nelson beating the English number 2 Charlotte Callcut

Eamonn Nealon, coaching both girls to their first finals, had to relent and bow out from coaching as both were Irish and one player, Jenny O’Donnell, was a club player of his own. In the final it was tough for the team mates to meet but the girls played a very hard but sporting match with Claire winning 3-1. A weekend to remember for Irish Table Tennis, clinching both the team events and singles titles and all 4 girls finished in the top 5 of the event. Gold and Silver for Jenny and Gold for Susan.

Galway & District Table Tennis League Results
Equalisers Ronan Rooney and Shane Folan beat Evergreens Cliff Rowe and Rena Mc Carron 3/2. Rollercoasters Enda Dooley and Gerry Kelly beat Commercial 'B' Mickey Folan and Niall O'Flaherty 3/2.

Evergreens Cliff Rowe and Rena Mc Carron beat Commercial 'B' Mickey Folan and Niall O'Flaherty 3/2.

MOYNE COLLEGE WIN GOLD AND HEAD TO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
by Stefanie Carr P.E.teacher Moyne College Under 15 boys captured the Under 15 All Ireland Boys table tennis title for the first time in the schools history on Wednesday. The team, led by captain Kevin Landon defeated Thurles C.B.S. in the final by 5-4 in a thrilling encounter. In doing so, Moyne College created history by being the first Connacht team ever to win a gold medal at the All Ireland Schools event and now go onto represent Ireland taking on the might of China, Belgium, Sweden etc..

Moyne College have been participating in the schools competition since 1998 and won silver medals in 1999 and 2000. However, despite close matches in the past the gold medal has eluded them. 2003 was to be their year however. The team have been training hard for the past few months under the watchful eyes of coach Eamon Nealan, Assistant Coaches Padraic Egan / Martin Tuffy and P.E. teacher Stefanie Carr. The Parochial Hall in Cork was the venue for this years tournament with each province sending a representative. In the Provincial competition, Moyne College, Ballina defeated St. Marys of Galway 7-2 . An open draw took place on the day of the tournament with Moyne College, Ballina facing the Leinster representative St. Tiernans of Dublin. In the other semi-final, Thurles C.B.S. were facing Fivemilestown from Ulster.

The home team, who have won the title on numerous occasions, were the favourites in the Under 15 event. Despite losing the first game, captain Kevin Landon won his match to put Moyne College level at 1-1. Next up for Moyne College was top Irish Junior Micheal McDonnell who won his match comfortably in straight sets. His brother David added to the victories by winning a thrilling encounter in the final set. Moyne Colleges Stephen Howley won the next match but again, St. Tiernans never gave up and won the last singles. This left the score at 4-2 with Moyne College needing only one of the doubles matches to qualify for the final. Moyne College chose to finish in style however winning all 3 doubles convincingly and knocking out the pre tournament favourites, St. Tiernans, Dublin.

Following an emotional preparation talk from coach Eamon Nealon, Ballina were ready to take on Thurles C.B.S. in the final. Moyne College got off to a poor start going down in the first 2 singles. The McDonnell brothers (David and Micheal) rose to the challenge taking their respective games once again. After the final round of singles, the score was still level at 3-3. Tensions were high at this stage as both teams realised how crucial the doubles games were.

The Mc Donnell brothers continued their unbeaten run of the day by defeating their opponents in 3 sets. Captain Kevin Landon and Stephen Cawley played a very tight game and were very unlucky to lose 3-2. At 4-4, it was going down to the final match. This challenge fell on the shoulders of Stephen Howley and Fergal Mc Hale, the youngest member of the team. After down in the first set, the balance seemed to sway in favour of Thurles C.B.S. but Moyne College were not ready to give up on the gold yet! With superb teamwork by S. Howley and F. McHale, they found themselves in a very strong position leading 10-5 and by 2 sets to 1. Only one point was between Moyne College and their first ever All Ireland Title. The drama was set to continue as Thurles C.B.S. came back to 10-7. Moyne College were feeling the pressure and finding it hard to close out the match. At this point, the play was very tight with both teams just fighting to keep the ball on the table. Step forward the youngest member of the team- Fergal McHale took a chance and attacked a top spin shot in a high pressure situation. What a winner it proved to be, giving Moyne College and Connacht its first ever All Ireland Gold medal! The team were greeted enthusiastically on their arrival home. Parents, teachers, family and friends gathered to provide a rousing and much deserved welcome. Led by an open top vintage car, they were escorted through the town on a lap of honour. Horns blared loudly from the procession of cars as onlookers joined in the celebrations.

The team will now go on to represent Ireland in the World Schools Championships in Germany next year so its straight back to intensive training for the Moyne College heroes!

Team Names:- Kevin Landon, Stephen Cawley, Micheal McDonnell, David McDonnell, Stephen Howley, Fergal McHale. Subs :- Paul McCole, Seamus Mulhearne, Fergal Ginty, Stephen Gillan.

Coach:- Eamon Nealon
P.E. teacher:- Stefanie Carr
Assistants:- Padraic Egan Martin Tuffy

Mayo who won the Gold at The All Ireland Schools
Well done and congratulations to the Connacht Boys Under 15s Team from Moyne College, Ballina, Co. Mayo who won the Gold at The All Ireland Schools Table Tennis Championships in Gurranabraher Parochial Hall, Cork. Captain Kevin Langdon, Steven Curley, Michael McDonnell, David Mc Donnell, Steven Howley, Fergal McHale and Subs. [who did not travel were Paul McHale, Seamus Mulhern, Fergal Ginty, Steven Gillan]. School Coach Stefanie Carr and Eamon Nealon. Stefanie praised Fergal McHale and all the boys who played exceptionally well. There was great excitement last night when the boys arrived home to an enthusiastic welcome from the school, parents and supporters after their wonderful achievements. As Tina Turner says "They are simply the Best, Better than all the Rest"!! The Connacht Boys Under 15s Team from Moyne College, Ballina, Co. Mayo will represent Ireland at the ISF World Championships in 2004.

Congratulations also to the Under 19 Boys Connacht Team from St. Mary's College, Galway who won Silver. They beat Ulster 7/2 in the first round. They were very unlucky to lose to the Gold Medallists winners from Colaiste Choilm, Ballincollig, Co. Cork. The St. Mary's team of Conor Mc Donough, Kevin Walsh, Eamon O'Mairtin, Daire Curley, Brian Coffey, Aodan O'Cuimin and Sub. Gerard Curran [Assistant Coach]. Coach Seamus O'Mairtin was very pleased with all the boys performances as the Under 19 matches were very close and the Colaiste Choilm boys won some of their matches 13/11 in the third set. The Under 13 Boys Connacht Team from St. Mary's College, Galway were Darren Jordan, Andrew Carroll, Kevin Mc Carthy, Eoin Mc Grath, Gerard O'Reilly and Martin Madden had a great learning experience and know what skills they will need to improve on and are looking forward to next year's school championships.

The Under 15 Connacht Girls Team from Calasanctius College, Oranmore, Co. Galway were Rebecca Casserly, Rachel Clarke, Marion Grealish, Edwina Cormican, Stephanie Casserly, Elaine Jennings and Rachel Nevin. Coach is Louie Casserly. This was a great experience for the girls as it was their first major Irish Tournament. Well done, congratulations and thank you to all the Connacht Girls and Boys who took part and played so well. Isn't it marvellous to see some Gold and Silver coming to Connacht!!

All Ireland Interprovincial Table Tennis Championships 2003
The All Ireland Interprovincial Table Tennis Championships 2003 were held in Dublin last weekend. These Championships are the highlight of the Irish domestic calendar. All the players had trained hard and needed to be very fit to stay on top form and in peak condition mentally and physically as the game of table tennis is very fast. The players were honoured to represent their respective provinces. The players needed to be warmed up and revving to go as some of the sets were very fast, furious and won or lost in a very short space of time if a player was not properly focussed. The Championship format was Friday evening Ulster v Munster and Connacht v Leinster; Saturday morning Ulster v Connacht and Leinster v Munster and Saturday afternoon Connacht v Munster and Ulster v Leinster.

Some teams were not allowed to complete their matches on the Friday evening which was most unfortunate as the teams had to travel long distances and pay to play in the event. There were also controversy over some of the rules which will need to be clarified before the next Interprovincial Championships in Munster next year. Such a negative start did not augur well for the weekend which was such a pity as the players wanted to be totally focussed and did not need inadequacies. The hall itself was very nice but the table tennis tables were not properly laid out and access space was not left for players, spectators or officials to go to the various tables. Officials, other players and spectators had to go through sections of the playing areas which was most distracting and not at all helpful to the competing players.

The Connacht Table Tennis teams were very unlucky over the controversial table tennis weekend. The Connacht Senior Team of Kevin Devaney Mayo, Robbie Gavin Galway, Pat Keegan Athlone, [Captain], Orla Folan Galway and Darragh Keegan Athlone. Stefanie Carr did not travel due to injury. Ulster won the Seniors Title with Leinster second, Munster third and Connacht fourth. Munster were very lucky to beat Connacht 6/5 as Connacht were a lady short due to injury. All the Connacht players played very well.

Seniors:- Winner: Ulster; Runners-Up: Leinster; 3rd: Munster and 4th: Connacht.
Under 21s:- Winner: Leinster; Runners-Up: Munster and 3rd: Ulster. Unfortunately the Connacht Under 21 team which comprised of last year's Silver medallists mainly from Mayo could not travel due to exams and work commitments.

The Connacht Veteran Team of Kieran Burke Athlone, Keriam Sabir Athlone, Terry Dolan Galway, Ollie Adamson Captain and Teresa Egan Galway came third in the Championships.
Veterans:- Winner: Leinster; Runner-Up: Ulster; 3rd: Connacht and 4th: Munster

The standard of table tennis play was excellent with unreal rallies, intensely exciting comebacks, wonderful wins and disappointing defeats. This was the brilliant table tennis play which should have been recorded and then viewed over and over again. The type of table tennis where magnificent attacks were defended and counter attacked, tremendous table tennis shots were returned and the type of table tennis that is thrilling to watch.

Wheelchair Table Tennis Tournament
Galway’s Ronan Rooney and Rena McCarron traveled to Portlaoise at the weekend to compete in the Portlaoise annual regional table tennis tournament.

This was a competitive tournament and both Rooney and McCarron exited from the singles tournament at the quarter final stages. Rooney was beaten in the fifth set in what was a tight match by Portlaoise’s John Finn. McCarron was beaten by the eventual gold medallist Dublin's Michael Cunningham.

In the Team event McCarron partnered Dublin’s Kathleen Reynolds. This duo lost only one match and this was to the winners of the event, Cunningham and McEvoy. McCarron and Reynolds earned a silver medal, while Rooney and partner finished 3rd in this event.

The Tom Walsh memorial trophy was presented to a delighted John Finn who was a worthy recipient.

I go to Sligo by Owen Kelly
Under this season's Connacht Development Strategy a second Connacht Level 1 Course of the season was held in Sligo with a good attendance of 13. The course was "crammed" into 2 days and squeezed into the Sligo Tennis Club. The course proved very intensive and a good deal of promise was shown by these potential coaches from various youth clubs and centres around the area. Later on in the year Sligo entered two teams into the Intercounties and there is a thriving club scene being initiated in this area. Sligo also had their first junior enter the Leinster Junior Open and it is hoped that this course will also benefit the strong Community Games clubs in the Sligo area.


"The Moyne Centre in Mayo" by Owen Kelly
I paid a visit to Connacht recently in order to do a Level 1 Coaching Course for 13 coaches at the Sligo Table Tennis Club. I travelled up early in order to visit Moyne College in Ballina Co. Mayo. The club has recently been making great strides on the Irish Junior Ranking circuit with Jenny O'Donnell winning the Ulster Junior Open U12 title and Michael McDonnell finishing second at the Munster Open U14s. As well as Fiona Boyle showing good form this season. The club has around 40 players and I had the chance to assist their coach Eamon Nealon during one of their Thursday night sessions.

The club uses 8 tables and a robot and a number of more senior players help out. The session I helped out with included 8 U12 girls all of different standard. They worked extremely hard and showed a high level of commitment as well as enjoying the challenges set for them. I also had a chance to visit the new sports hall next door, which is an excellent facility and could be considered for Connacht's first ever hosting of the All Ireland Schools Finals in the next couple of years.

I would just like to say thanks for making me feel so welcome and next time I'll bring a couple of players from Munster. I'd also like to say a big hello to all the girls and hope we see them soon. Look out everyone Connacht is on the move!

Connacht to Sicily
Galways’ Rena McCarron and Ronan Rooney recently travelled to Sicily to compete in the Trofeo Del Mediteraneo. This Table Tennis event attracted a very high-class field but despite this the weekend proved very successful.

Rooney won silver in his Singles event following a number of superb wins. He beat his first round opponent Jim Munkley (Wales) 3-0 and was then pitted against Park Chung-Kum from Korea. In a thrilling match which sea-sawed throughout, Rooney won 11-8 in the fifth set to give him a semi-final place. Here he played Thorsten Grunkemeyer(Germany) who had beaten him the previous day in the Team Event. This time the result was different, with Rooney winning out 11-5 in the fifth set. The final proved to be an another exciting match, with Rooney going down 11-9 in the fifth to Austria’s Hans Ruep, who until very recently had been the World Number 1.

In the team event he has partnered with Serguei Poddoubnyi from Russia and following a number of good wins over Britain, Italy and Belgium they finished with Silver behind and Austrian/German combination.

In the Womens Team Event McCarron and Reynolds won bronze following wins over Britain’s A-Team and B-Team. The Irish womens duo narrowly missed out on a silver medal, loosing out on count back. Holland won Gold followed by Germany.

In her singles McCarron came out of her round-robin group but was defeated by Clara Podda of Italy in the Quarter Finals. The event was won by Truus Laemars from Holland.

All in all this was an excellent tournement where the Galway table tennis players gained vital ranking points which they need to secure qualification for Athens in 2004.

Congrats and well done to Oliver Adamson
Just to let you know that Ollie Adamson Commercial Boat Club, Galway and on the Connacht Veteran Table Tennis Team wins the Drogheda Independent Sports Star of the Month award for November 2002.

It's not often that a sportsman achieves a lifetimes best at the age of 57, but that's the claim to fame of veteran Drogheda table tennis player Oliver Adamson, who deservedly wins the Drogheda Independent Sports Star of the Month award for November." is the start of the article by the Drogheda Independent Sports Editor Marcus Cavaroli on Friday, January 3, 2003. The dinner is on 31st January 2003.

Kieran Burke in Final conflict
Congrats also to another Connacht Veteran player Kieran Burke, Athlone who reached the Veterans Men Final in the Newtownabbey Open Table Tennis Championships 3, 4 January 2003 in the Valley Leisure Centre. Clive Carthy, Essex beat Kieran Burke in the exciting 5 setter final 11/7, 9/11, 8/11, 11/3 and 11/8.

Western People Sports Star Award
Congratulations to Jenny O'Donnell from Moyne Table Tennis Club, Ballina, Co. Mayo was awarded the Mayo Sports Star Award.

The Connacht Table Tennis Committee wish all their members, sponsors, supporters and the Connacht media a Very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful 2003.

"Enthusiasm is contagious, be a carrier!"
Sometimes it is hard vying for attention amidst the glamour of soccer, other televised sports, computers and playstation games so Thank you very much especially to the Connacht media as you have given us consistent support. Thank you to the photographers in Connacht who covered the table tennis events especialIy Mr. Stan Shields of the Connacht Tribune who is a man who says what he'll do AND most importantly DOES what he says.

Table tennis is a great door opener especially when players move around the country or abroad.

Table tennis is played at the Olympic Games, the Paralympics and the Special Olympics and like other sports it is a physical, popular Non-contact Sport which is Non-Sexist, Non-Ageist, Non-Sectarian and Non-Racist. When young people move away from home and go on to Third Level education they can make friends or renew friendships with other players in their new area. Likewise when players change jobs/find work/move abroad they can meet people through table tennis contacts. It is important for our players and the sport that you continue to support table tennis especially now as we are encouraging our schoolchildren to play table tennis. It would be great if other players/parents or supporters promote the game by helping at Committee level in each of the counties.

Table Tennis flourished in Connacht in the 1960s and 1970s [when I started playing]. It continued to flourish in areas throughout Connacht largely due to individuals like Mr. Billy Walsh RIP who had kept a table tennis section going in the Commercial Boat Club, Galway practically single handed; Mr. Seamus O'Mairtin in St. Mary's College, Galway; Mr. Pat Griffith [now retired] in St. Jarlath's College, Tuam; Mr. Eamon Nealon in Moyne College, Ballina; Mr. Kieran Burke in St. Aloysius College, Athlone and Mr. Des Morrow in Sligo.

Connacht table tennis was somewhat in the doldrums and towards the end of the 1990s a little light appeared at the end of the tunnel in the form of the ITTA draft strategic plan and it had Connacht included in the map. So the Connacht Committee agreed the Connacht development plan. So thus far through the National Development Plan we have 7 Candidates who took part in the first ITTA Level 1 Coaching Course to be held in Connacht which took place in Galway, as the first stage of the Connacht Development Strategy to encourage and develop the sport within the region. Of these Terry Dolan was appointed Table Tennis Development Officer for the Galway Area; Teresa Egan and Martin Folan are coaching children of members of the Commercial Boat Club, Galway; Louie Casserley coaches in Calasanctius College, Oranmore and Kariem Sabir coaches in Mayo and is in the Athlone/Roscommon area. Currently Eamon Nealon continues to coach in Mayo. Adrian Flynn and Alan Cunningham are currently organising and playing table tennis in Sligo. Later this month the ITTA Level 1 Coaching Course will be held in Sligo. There are only 3 Table Tennis Tutors in Ireland at present and they also have other jobs and fixtures/tasks to fulfil. Connacht does not have any Qualified Tutor yet. It might seem slow progress but I think we are doing brilliantly as most of the people involved [like other sports] also work and are involved on other committees.

Thanks to the Connacht Table Tennis Committee for all their hard work and thanks to their spouses/other halves and families for the constant support. Thanks to Owen Kelly in Cork for doing a brilliant job with the Table Tennis Website and Newsletters. It is one of the best sport sites on line and I hope that he continues the great work. Thanks to the Connacht County Committees, players, sponsors especially Hewlett Packard Company, Galway; Galway VEC; Mr. Les Hunt and the Commercial Boat Club Galway and the Connacht media for the support throughout the year. Thanks to the Bank of Ireland, Sligo and Irish Permanent TSB Sligo for their sponsorship and thanks to the AIB, Sligo who sponsored the County Sligo leagues.

Thank you for your help in 2002 and I hope that with your support again in 2003 table tennis will continue to flourish in Connacht.

Remember Susan Rabin's quote "Enthusiasm is contagious, be a carrier!"

December Newsletter:
Here are pictures of the happy children who were awarded their ITTA 1 Star Award Table Tennis Badges on Friday 6 Dec. 2002 in the Commercial Boat Club, Galway. The children range in age from approx. 8 years upwards. and are multitalented as not only have they great potential in table tennis but some of them also play basketball, hockey, hurling and go swimming.

Front Row Left to Right - Anna Carroll, Laura Daniels and Laura Carroll. 2nd Row Left to Right - Kane Daniels, Brian Mc Keogh, Liam Keane, Amy Egan, Ciara Keane, Colin Barbour, David Egan, Martin Folan Club Coach. 3rd Row Gerry Daniels Parent, Patrick Keane, Louie Casserly the Assessing Coach, Teresa Egan Club Coach, Orla Barbour and Mr. Les Hunt President, Commercial Boat Club, Galway who presented the awards.

The coaching is finished until the new year. The children will resume training on Friday 10 January 2003 and start their Junior League.

Welcome back to Stefanie Carr who is returning to play table tennis after a few years absence. Stef will represent Mayo in the Connacht Leagues.

Here is a result from the Galway First Division league, Crown Freshmen Mike Finnerty and Pa Lowry beat Crown Defenders Peter Fealy and Martin Folan 3/2.

November Newsletter:
On behalf of the Connacht Table Tennis Committee I am delighted to recommend Jenny O'Donnell from Moyne Table Tennis Club, Ballina, Co. Mayo for the Mayo Sports Star Award. Jenny O'Donnell is 11 years old and is the Irish No. 1 in the Girls Under 12. So far this season she has won the Fermanagh Open, Clogher Open (invitational tournament) and the Irish Junior ranking in Belfast last weekend. Jennie is the first Connacht player in 15 years (since Sean Spelman, Galway) to win an Irish Junior event and be ranked at No. 1.

Galway & District Table Tennis Leagues
In Division 1 Evergreens Cliff Rowe and Rena Mc Carron beat Crown Freshmen Pa Lowry and Mike Finnerty 3/2 in the Commercial Boat Club. Cliff and Rena won the doubles and Cliff won both his singles matches.

Commercial Junior Table Tennis
The children in the Commercial Boat Club Junior squad will be playing for their One Star Badge Awards on Friday 6 December 2002. The Coaching sessions will then stop until Friday 10 January 2003.

JENNIE'S REVENGE
Congratulations and well done to Jennie O'Donnell, Ballina, Co. Mayo who won the Irish U-12 Table Tennis Junior Ranking Tournament in Belfast 16 Nov. 2002, beating Julianne Forbes 3 - 0 in the Final (Julianne beat her last year). Jennie is now ranked as Ireland's No.1 U-12.

Galway & District Table Tennis Leagues
The Galway and District Table Tennis Leagues are starting and the Fixtures Secretary, is Martin Folan, 1 Claddagh Place, Galway, (Ph. 091 583286) E-mail mafolan@eircom.net or mafolan@crown.ie There are Premier Division, First Division and also a Second Division in the League for those who wish to play mainly for the fun and social aspect of the game. The teams consist of two people [from a panel of up to five players] who are prepared to play once a week against opponents in a league match which would only take about one hour. The matches are played on a home and away basis during the winter months. It is appreciated that not every team will have a home venue but it can be arranged for such teams to play all their matches at away venues.

Some Division 1 Fixtures for week-ending 23/11/02.
Crown Defenders v CBC 'A'
CBC 'B' v Evergreens
Equalizers v Crown Freshmen
Actionmen v Rollercoasters

Terry Dolan is the Table Tennis Development Officer for the Galway Area and he can be contacted at Mobile 087 956 9632.

HP Connacht Commercial Table Tennis Open 2002
Sponsored by Hewlett Packard Company
The HP Connacht Commercial Table Tennis Open was held in the Commercial Boat Club, Galway last Friday and Saturday. Thanks to all the players who travelled from Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connacht. Special thanks to our sponsor Hewlett Packard Company who were represented by Mr. Jim Maher. Thanks to the Commercial Boat Club, Galway for the hospitality and to the Connacht Committee for the work involved to ensure the tournament's success. The President of the Irish Table Tennis Association Mr. Alex Thackaberry attended with his wife Kitty as did Mr. Richard Butler, Dublin, ITTA PRO. Unfortunately Mr. Ken Stong, Belfast, Chairman of the Irish Table Tennis Association was unable to attend as he is recovering from major surgery. Connacht and all the players wish Ken a speedy recovery.

The tournament was very well run by our Master of Ceremonies the Connacht Honorary Referee:- Mr. Les Hunt who was ably assisted by Mr. Ollie Adamson. It was wonderful to see first class table tennis action from some of the top players in Ireland. There were some spectacular rallies and sometimes never ending sets! A legend in his own time is Mr. Tommy Caffrey, Dublin who won the Veterans Title and also reached the Semi-Final stages of the Mens Singles where he was eventually defeated by young Damien Lynch, Dublin after an intense battle. Connacht congratultions to Orla Folan, Galway who won the Ladies Plate and Ladies Doubles with Teresa Devaney Dublin and the best of luck to Orla as she returns to Waterford to do exams next week. Congratulations and best wishes to Rosie and Norman Nabney, Belfast on celebrating their Silver Wedding Anniversary.

HP Connacht Commercial Table Tennis Open 2002 Results:-
Mixed Doubles
Semi-Finals:- Conor Fahy IR No 22, Dublin and Grainne McKenna IR JNo 20 beat John Warners, Holland and Louise Long IR No 12, Cork 11/7,6/11, 11/8 and 11/9.

John Bowe IR No 4 and Tara Fusco IR No 2, Dublin beat Conor Nolan IR No 9 and Teresa Devaney IR No 8, Dublin 11/9, 14/12 and 11/5.

Final:-John Bowe/Tara Fusco beat Conor Fahy/Grainne McKenna 11/3, 11/3 and 11/6

Mixed Doubles Winners:- John Bowe and Tara Fusco

Mens Doubles
Semi-Finals:- Norman Nabney IR No 27, Belfast and John Warners, Holland beat Terry Dolan IR No. 17 and Robbie Gavin IR No. 61, Commercial Boat Club, Galway 11/8, 7/11, 11/9, and 11/0. The Galway Duo were very unlucky in the last set as nothing worked for them despite some great rallies but Norman and John played very well together and won every point.

John Bowe IR No 4 and Conor Nolan IR No 9, Dublin beat Chris Calder and John Grey IR No 97, Belfast 11/7, 11/6 and 11/8.

Final:- John Bowe/Conor Nolan beat Norman Nabney/John Warners 11/6, 11/4, and 11/7

Mens Doubles Winners:- John Bowe and Conor Nolan

Ladies Doubles
Semi-Finals:- Linda O'Sullivan IR No 11 and Louise Long IR No 12, Cork beat Tara Fusco IR No 2 and Rhonda Fox IR No 10, Dublin 7/11, 11/9 2/11, 11/7 and 11/8.

Teresa Devaney IR No 8, Dublin, and Orla Folan IR JNo. 20 Galway beat Teresa Egan IR JNo 29, Galway and Pauline Fitzsimons IR JNo 29, Dublin 11/6, 11/5 and 11/7.

Final:- Orla Folan/Teresa Devaney beat Louise Long/Linda O'Sullivan 11/3, 11/13, 11/9, 6/11 and 11/9

Ladies Doubles Winners:- Orla Folan and Teresa Devaney

Mens Singles
Semi-Finals:- Damien Lynch, Dublin beat Tommy Caffrey, Dublin 13/11, 12/14, 13/11 and 11/4.

John Bowe, Dublin beat Anthony Redmond, Dublin 11/4, 11/5 and 11/4

Final:- Damien Lynch beat John Bowe in an intensly exciting battle 11/5, 13/15, 13/11, 11/9 and 11/9.

Mens Singles Winner: Damien Lynch

Ladies Singles:-
Semi-Finals:- Tara Fusco, Dublin beat Linda O'Sullivan, Cork 11/7, 11/3 and 11/7.

Teresa Devaney, Dublin beat Ross Carpenter 13/11, 4/11, 12/10, 5/11 and 11/9.

Final:- Tara Fusco, Dublin beat Teresa Devaney, Dublin 13/11, 15/13 and 11/4.

Ladies Singles Winner:- Tara Fusco

Ladies Plate:-
Semi-Finals:- Anna D'Arcy, Cork beat Grainne Mc Kenna, Dublin and Orla Folan, Galway beat Margaret Cleary, Dublin.

Final:- Orla Folan,Galway beat Anne D'Arcy, Cork 9/11, 11/7, 11/5 and 13/11.

Ladies Plate Winner:- Orla Folan

Veteran Singles
Semi-Finals:- Tommy Caffrey, Dublin beat Kieran Burke, Athlone 11/8, 11/5 and 11/3.

Kariem Sabir, Athlone beat Terry Dolan, Galway 11/7, 15/17, 11/6, 9/11 and 11/7.

Final:- Tommy Caffrey, Dublin beat Kariem Sabir, Athlone 11/3, 11/5 and 11/6.

Veteran Singles Winner:- Tommy Caffrey

Leinster Table Tennis Open
The Irish Veterans Table Tennis Open took place in the Irish Wheelchair premises on Sat 12th October 2002. A large entry ensured a very compeditive competition. In the mens 40+ there has been no back to back wins in the 3 Tournaments to date. Last year's No. 1 in the 40+ catagory Karim Sabir, Athlone went out in the group stages. Terry Dolan, Galway winner of the 1st Tournanent of the Season went out in the Semi-Final while David Pemberton, Leinster winner of the South County was beaten in the Final. Kieran Burke from Athlone emerged winner with a consistant display of attacking Table Tennis defeating Terry Dolan in the Semi-final and after a titanic struggle defeated David Pemberton in the Final.

The Ladies 40+was won by Teresa Devaney her first win of the Season - with Terri Mc Keown runner up in a 6 group Round Robin.

The mens 50+ was won by Ulsters Norman Nabney beating his Provincial team mate Roy Copes in the Final. Semi-final losers were Tommy Caffrey and Danny O Sullivan. In the Ladies 50+ there was a second win on the day for Teresa Devaney with Pauline Fitzsimons runner up.

The mens 60+ again provided a first win of the season for Roy Copes who defeated a very gallant Jim Shanahan from Waterford who for the first time reached a Final in the 60+ catagory.

The mens doubles again provided some excellant Table Tennis. The No. 1 seeds for the competition prevailed in the Final against the No. 4 seeds Tommy Caffrey and Oliver Adamson who had defeatedthe No. 2 seeds Terry Dolan and Keld Jaksland in the Semi Final. A new addition to the Tournament was a grade B event. The inaugural Winner was Max Mc Neill who defeated Jack O Meara in the Final.

THE GALWAY & DISTRICT LEAGUES The Galway & District Table Tennis Leagues will commence on 11th November 2002 and sports clubs and table tennis clubs wishing to participate should contact the fixtures secretary, Martin Folan, 1 Claddagh Place, Galway, (Ph. 091 583286) before 6th November 2002. There are Premier, First Division and also a Second Division in the League for those who wish to play mainly for the fun and social aspect of the game. The teams consist of two people [from a panel of up to five players] who are prepared to play once a week against opponents in a league match which would only take about one hour. The matches are played on a home and away basis during the winter months. It is appreciated that not every team will have a home venue but it can be arranged for such teams to play all their matches at away venues. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 6th November 2001. It is hoped that the winning Galway teams will compete against teams from Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon & Leitrim at the end of the Leagues.

Leinster Open Vets
Congrats to Kieran Burke, Athlone who beat Dave Pemberton, Leinster in the Final of the Over 40s 13/11; 8/11; 11/7 and 11/5 in the recent Leinster Veteran Table Tennis Open.

Well done also to Jennie O'Donnell, Mayo who was very unlucky to be beaten in the Under 12s Girls Final by Julie Anne Forbes, Leinster 10/12; 11/8; 11/8; 11/13 and 8/11 at the Irish Junior Ranking which was held in Belfast on 5 October 2002.

Connacht wish Kieran Burke and Kariem Sabir the best of luck this coming weekend when they travell to the Ulster Table Tennis Open in Belfast.

New Table Tennis Age Category
At a meeting of the Irish Table Tennis Management Committee it was agreed to adopt the New Age Category (1st Jan) for under age players. The following should be on all entry forms for 2002/2003 season.
Competitors in Junior events must be born on or after 1st January 1985.
Competitors in Cadet events must be born on or after 1st January 1988.
Competitors in U12 events must be born on or after 1st January 1990.

The Management Committee recommends that the table tennis season be a January to December season and that the calendar of events and ranking lists be a January to December list. As this is only a recommendation, the Management Committee would like to hear your comments.

Connacht Players, Schools and County Committees are asked to send their comments to the Connacht Secretary. Emer O'Connell,3 Beechgrove, Oranmore, Co. Galway 091 794343 emeroc@eircom.net

Dun Laoghaire Open October 5th, 2002
Galway’s Rena McCarron [Commercial Boat Club] was in action at the weekend competing at the Dun Laoghaire Open. Fresh from the World Championships in Taipei, Rena’s good form continued. In the singles event, she won her way to a place in the semi-final where Dublin and Ireland’s No 1 lady Kathleen Reynolds defeated her.

In the doubles event she partnered Dublin’s’ Mark Connolly. They reached the final where they were narrowly beaten by a strong Dublin Team.

The Service Rule Change
Reminder to all table tennis players that the new service rule change is in effect since 1st September 2002. The change in the service rule is that there should be nothing between the ball and the entire net from the moment when the ball is presented in service until the server hits the ball. The rule change is implemented from 1 September 2002 and is made to make the ball visible to the receiver during the service. [Many players were "hiding" the ball with their body or their arm when they hit the ball. This made it impossible for the receiver to judge the spin of the ball.]

Level 1 Table Tennis Coaching Courses:
Candidates who wish to become Level 1 Coaches should be over 18 years, have a good interest in Table Tennis, have played in, at least, local league and have desire to contribute regularly to coaching within provincial structure. A Level 1 course takes 20 contact hours and could be done over a weekend (Fri. 4 hrs+Sat. 8 hrs+Sun 8 hrs). The venue should have a meeting room and TT tables available for assesment. The ITTA will provide the accredited Tutor and pay his expences. In some cases a Tutor in training is sent to assist the Tutor. Players who wish to have a course run in any of the Connacht counties [Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon] should please contact the Connacht Branch Secretary Mrs. Emer O'Connell, 3 Beechgrove, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Tel. 091-794343, e-mail: emeroc@eircom.net.

The Connacht Branch of the Irish Table Tennis Association welcomes Teresa Egan back on board again as Public Relations Officer for Connacht Table Tennis. Teresa can be contacted at Mobile 087 950 7545 or e-mail gtdae@eircom.net.

GALWAY APPOINT DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Mr. Terry Dolan, Irish International, Connacht Senior & Veteran Table Tennis player, has been appointed Table Tennis Development Officer for the Galway Area. He will be visiting schools in the Galway City & County area over the next few weeks to advise on coaching and facilities necessary for table tennis in schools. If you would like Terry to call to your school please contact the Connacht Branch Secretary Emer O'Connell, 3 Beechgrove, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Tel. 091-794343, e-mail: emeroc@eircom.net.


Galway & District Table Tennis beginners course
Four new Connacht Level 1 Coaches organised an introductory course at the Commercial Boat Club, Woodquay 12-13th August. 4x2 hrs sessions were organised and 21 players attended. It is hoped that this initiative will encourage a greater participation within the Galway area and will help co-ordinate and develop the region as a whole.

THE CONNACHT TABLE TENNIS AGM 2002
The 2002 Connacht Table Tennis AGM was held in the Commercial Boat Club, Galway. It's been a great season for Connacht table tennis thanks mainly to COMPAQ European Software, Galway who were the Major Sponsor for the COMPAQ 2002 Interprovincial Table Tennis Championships; thanks also to Sally Longs of Galway for sponsoring the Connacht Teams shorts for the COMPAQ 2002 Interpros; more schools playing table tennis; a new Connacht First Division League with teams from Mayo, Sligo, Ballymote and Galway, the players for playing the great game of table tennis; all the Connacht newspapers and radio stations who publish and broadcast the table tennis news and the hard working Connacht Committee.

The first ITTA Level 1 Coaching Course to be held in Connacht took place in Galway as the first stage of the Connacht Development Strategy to encourage and develop the sport within the region.


Student Coaches: Keriem Sabir, Terry Dolan, Louie Casserly, Teresa Egan, Padraig McDonagh, Conor McDonagh, Martin Folan.

A second course in Co.Sligo is being considered if you are interested in taking the course contact the Connacht Branch.

A good year for Connacht Table Tennis
THE Connacht Table Tennis Premier League final was played at Commercial Boat Club, Galway last Friday. The host team of Terry Dolan and Robbie Gavin beat the Athlone team of Kieran Burke and Kariem Sabir 3/2. Terry won both his singles and Terry and Robbie beat Kieran and Kariem in the doubles. The is the first time in the last seven years that Galway won the Premier League. Athlone held the title for the past six years.

Galway & District Table Tennis First Division final, also at the Commercial Boat Club on Friday, between Crown’s Martin Folan and Michael Brennan and the last year’s winners Commercial A team of Teresa Egan and Helen Dolan: Crown beat the Commercial Ladies 3/2. Martin, Michael, Teresa and Helen each won a singles match and lost a singles match. Martin and Michael beat Teresa and Helen in a tense doubles match 13/11 in the fifth set.

The Connacht Closed Table Tennis Tournament will be held in the Commercial Boat Club, Galway next Saturday (20th). It is the last senior tournament of the season and the final opportunity to see the best Connacht players in action.

On the same day, the Connacht Table Tennis A.G.M. will be held in the Commercial Boat Club, at 1 p.m. Anyone who is interested in table tennis should attend as this is an exciting time for Connacht table tennis and it would be great if people from each of the Connacht clubs, schools and counties could attend.

The Coffey Cup competition is a novelty doubles competition and will be played on this Friday night (19th), also in the Commercial Boat Club, for club members.

The table tennis season is coming to an end for most of players, but the wheelchair players’ season will continue in earnest with major competitions at home and abroad. Most of the leagues are nearly over with semi-finals and finals to be played; the handicap competition being played; the Connacht Closed in Galway on Saturday, and the Junior interprovincial table tennis championships (in Ballina, Co. Mayo) and schools championships to be played.

It’s been a great season for Connacht table tennis, thanks mainly to COMPAQ European Software, Galway who were the major sponsor of the COMPAQ 2002 Interprovincial Table Tennis Championships; thanks also to Sally Long’s of Galway for sponsoring the Connacht teams’ shorts for the inter-pros; more schools playing table tennis; a new Connacht First Division League with teams from Mayo, Sligo, Ballymote and Galway, and also the hard working Connacht Committee who are arranging for a Level 1 coaching course to be held in Galway in May.

This course is for people who will be coaching beginners, adults and children and will comply with the Irish Sports Council and will be for four hours on a Friday, eight hours on a Saturday and eight hours on a Sunday. — Teresa Egan (P.R.O., Connacht Table Tennis).

COMPAQ IRISH TABLE TENNIS INTERPROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AT N.U.I. GALWAY.

RESULTS:
SENIOR:
LEINSTER 10 - CONNACHT 0
ULSTER 7 - MUNSTER 3
ULSTER 7 - CONNACHT 3
LEINSTER 7 - MUNSTER 3
CONNACHT 4 - MUNSTER 6
ULSTER 2 - LEINSTER 6
OVERALL PLACINGS: 1 LEINSTER; 2 ULSTER; 3 MUNSTER; 4 CONNACHT.

VETS:
LEINSTER 5 - CONNACHT 4
ULSTER 6 - MUNSTER 3
ULSTER 7 - CONNACHT 2
LEINSTER 7 - MUNSTER 2
CONNACHT 7 - MUNSTER 2
ULSTER 1 - LEINSTER 5
OVERALL PLACINGS: 1 LEINSTER; 2 ULSTER; 3 CONNACHT; 4 MUNSTER

U-21:
MUNSTER 9 - ULSTER 1
CONNACHT 8 - ULSTER 2
MUNSTER 8 - CONNACHT 2
OVERALL PLACINGS: 1 MUNSTER; 2 CONNACHT; 3 ULSTER.


Compaq Senior Interprovincial Report Leinster won the Compaq Senior Interprovincial Title in Galway on the 9th March defeating Ulster 6-2. Leinster's Eoin Byrne, John Bowe. Damien Lynch, Tara Bollard and Brioni Lane proved too strong for Ulster's Daryl Strong, Willie Cherry, Andrew Dennison, Jing Yi and Janna Cairns. Munster finished third with Connacht fourth.

Munster won their third U21 Title in a row with David O'Rourke, Gary Noonan, Paul Twomey, Louise Long and Jemma Mills.

Full results will be posted as soon as they are available.

Daryl Strong and Ging Yi Gao remained undefeated to ensure an Ulster senior victory over Munster at the Compaq inter-provincial series, with the Veterans also defeating Munster but the U21 side losing out. Willie Cherry was undoubtedly the hero of the hour in the senior side's 7-3 victory when he defeated Irish No 1 Brian Fitzgerald in five sets and the dogged Ulster performance was typified by another five set success by new cap Yana Cairns over youngster Rachel O'Connor.
Senior: Leinster 10, Connaught 0; Ulster 7, Munster 3.
Veterans: Leinster 5, Connaught 4; Ulster 6, Munster 3.
U21: Ulster 1, Munster 9.

Connacht STIGA Commercial Table Tennis Open 2001 Results:-
They came from North, South, East and West to the best Table Tennis Open Competition on the Irish circuit which was held in the Commercial Boat Club, Woodquay, Galway. We had a great entry overall - 54 in the Mens Singles; 17 in the Ladies Singles; 24 in the Veteran Singles; 20 in the Mixed Doubles; 36 in the Mens Doubles and 10 in the Ladies Doubles. The quality of table tennis played was excellent.




As usual it was very well run by our Master of Ceremonies the Connacht Honorary Referee:- Mr. Les Hunt who was ably assisted by Mr. Ollie Adamson.
The new format game makes the matches very fast - not for the faint hearted. In the Singles matches players nearly need to have their game planned in advance. Once the matches start players must be on their toes and totally focussed as there is no time for error. There seems to be better balance in the Doubles matches with each player getting two services. Amongst the spectators were the ITTA President Mr. Alex Thackaberry and his wife Kitty from Dublin and the ITTA Chairman Mr. Ken Strong from Ulster.

Mixed Doubles
Semi-Finals:-
Brian Fitzgerald/Linda Mountjoy beat Conor Nolan/Teresa Devaney 11/6, 17/15 and 11/6
Colin Byrne/Linda O'Sullivan beat John Bowe/Louise Long 17/15, 7/11, 11/6, and 11/7
Final:-B. Fitzgerald/Linda Mountjoy beat Colin Byrne/Linda O'Sullivan 11/6, 12/10 and 11/7

Mixed Doubles Winners:- Brian Fitzgerald and Linda Mountjoy

Mens Doubles
Semi-Finals:-
Conor Nolan/John Murphy beat Brian Fitzgerald/Tom Conroy 7/11, 11/9, 11/1, 6/11 and 11/4
Daryl Strong/John Bowe beat Anthony Redmond/Kevin Mackey 11/8, 8/11, 11/9 and 11/7
Final:- Conor Nolan/John Murphy beat Daryl Strong/John Bowe 5/11, 8/11, 11/7, 11/7 and 11/7

Mens Doubles Winners:- Conor Nolan and John Murphy

Ladies Doubles
Semi-Finals:-
Linda Mountjoy/Teresa Devaney beat Pauline Fitzsimons/Teresa Egan 11/5, 11/4 and 11/9
Louise Long/Linda O'Sullivan beat Yvonne Hurley/Carol Quinlan 11/8, 11/7 and 11/3.
Final:- Linda Mountjoy/Teresa Devaney beat Louise Long/Linda O'Sullivan 12/14, 11/3, 12/10, 11/6

Ladies Doubles Winners:- Linda Mountjoy and Teresa Devaney

Mens Singles
Semi-Finals:- Brian Fitzgerald beat Dave Pemberton 11/3, 11/6 and 12/10
Daryl Strong beat Damien Lynch 11/8, 14/12 and 11/8
Final:- Brian Fitzgerald beat Daryl Strong 11/6, 11/7 and 11/7

Mens Singles Winner: Brian Fitzgerald

Ladies Singles:-
Semi-Finals:- Linda Mountjoy beat Teresa Devaney 11/8, 6/11, 11/9 and 12/10
Ross Carpenter beat Rhonda Fox 7/11, 6/11, 12/10, 11/5 and 11/3
Final:- Linda Mountjoy beat Ross Carpenter 12/10, 11/7 and 11/7

Ladies Singles Winner:-Linda Mountjoy-

Veteran Singles
Semi-Finals:- Jimmy Robinson beat Sid Beasant 11/6, 12/10, 8/11 and 11/8
Dave Pemberton beat Kariem Sabir 11/6, 11/8 and 11/6
Final:- Dave Pemberton beat Jimmy Robinson 11/8, 4/11, 11/7 and 14/12

Veteran Singles Winner:- Dave Pemberton-



CONNACHT CLOSED TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2001
The Connacht Closed Table Tennis Championships were held in the Commercial Boat Club, Galway on 21 April 2001. There was a large entry in the Under 17s Boys Singles and Mens Singles. This was as a result of the coaching skills of Ms. Louie Casserly, Calasanctius College, Oranmore, Galway; Seamus O'Mairtin, St. Mary's College, Galway and Eamon Nealon, Moyne College, Ballina, Co. Mayo. The Championships were very well run by Mr. Les Hunt who was ably assisted by Mr. Ollie Adamson. Here are the results:-

Under 17 Girls Winner - Fiona Boyle, Mayo and Runner-up was Rebecca Clarke, Oranmore, Galway.

Under 17 Boys
Semi-Finals:- K. Lackey[Mayo] beat S. Lynch[St. Mary's, Galway] 21/12 and 21/16 and M. Tuffy[Mayo] beat S. Howley[Mayo] 21/15 and 21/14.
Final:- K. Lackey[Mayo] beat M. Tuffy[Mayo] 21/18 and 21/18

Grade B Singles
Semi-Finals:- P. Egan[Mayo] beat D. Nolan[Galway] 21/12 and 21/18 and D. McDonagh[Mayo] beat D. Walsh[Mayo] 13/21, 21/12 and 21/12.
Final:- P. Egan[Mayo] beat D. McDonagh[Mayo] 18/21, 21/14 and 22/20

Ladies Singles
Final:- Helen Dolan[Galway] beat Fiona Boyle[Mayo] 21/18 and 21/12.

Veteran Singles
Semi-Finals:- T. Dolan[Galway] beat M. Folan[Galway] 21/10 and 21/11 and K. Sabir[Athlone] beat O. Adamson 14/21, 22/20 and 21/19.
Final:- K. Sabir[Athlone] beat T. Dolan[Galway] 15/21, 21/9 and 22/20.

Mens Singles
Semi-Finals:- T. Dolan[Galway] beat O. Adamson 22/20 and 21/15 and K. Sabir[Athlone] beat R. Gavin[Galway] 21/17, 19/21 and 21/14.
Final:- K. Sabir[Athlone] beat T. Dolan[Galway] 21/16 and 21/19.

THE CONNACHT BRANCH AGM
The Connacht Table Tennis Committee also held their AGM on 21 April 2001. The Chairman Mr. Cliff Rowe thanked all who attended and the out-going committee for all their hard work throughout the season. He informed the meeting of the Code of Ethics and Good Practices for Children in Sport which was issued by the Irish Sports Council and should be read by all who are involved in sport. He also launched the Connacht Table Tennis Draft Development Plan which should be read by all who are involved in table tennis in Connacht.

The New Connacht Table Tennis Committee:-
Chairman:- Cliff Rowe [33 Seacrest, Barna Road, Galway];
Secretary:- Emer O'Connell [3 Beech Grove, Oranmore, Co. Galway];
Treasurer:- Keriem Sabie [Twyford, Baylin, Athlone, Co. Westmeath];
P.R.O.:- Teresa Egan [48 Ardilaun Road, Newcastle, Galway];
Committee Members:-Junior Representative- Eamon Nealon [Mayo]; Senior Representative - Ollie Adamson; Rena McCarron [Galway]; Martin Folan [Galway]; Kevin Devaney [Mayo]; Seamus O'Mairtin [Galway] and Dave Nolan [Galway].

Commercial Boat Club, Connaght Open Results, 4-11-00
The entry was down from last year but the quality of table tennis was excellent. As usual it was very well run by our Master of Ceremonies the Connacht Honorary Referee:- Mr. Les Hunt and the Connacht Branch and Commercial Boat Club Table Tennis Committees. Unfortunately for Connacht Sean Spelman was unable to play due to unavoidable commitments. Ronan Rooney just back from the Paralympics in Australia also took part. It is his first time using the new table tennis ball as the 38mm one was use in the Paralympics. The results are as follows:-

Mixed Doubles
Semi-Finals:- Alan Monks and Noelle Lennon beat Eoin Byrne and Tara Bollard 20/22; 21/13 and 21/18.
Mark White and Linda O'Sullivan beat Brian Fitzgerald and Linda Mountjoy 21/19 and 23/21.
Final:- Alan Monks and Noelle Lennon beat Mark White and Linda Mountjoy 21/16 and 21/17
Winners:- Alan Monks and Noelle Lennon

Mens Doubles
Semi-Finals:- Brian Fitzgerald and Mark White beat John McEleron and C. Byrne 21/13 and 21/12
Alan Monks and John Bowe beat Eoin Byrne and Brian McNeill 21/11 and 21/10
Final:- Brian Fitzgerald and Mark White beat Alan Monks and John Bowe 21/13 and 21/10
Winners:- Brian Fitzgerald and Mark White

Ladies Doubles
Semi-Finals:- Linda Mountjoy and Noelle Lennon beat Pat O'Sullivan and Susan Murphy 21/16 and 21/12
Brioni Lane and Tara Bollard Beat Linda O'Sullivan and Linda Long 18/21; 21/11 and 21/10
Final:- Brioni Lane and Tara Bollard beat Linda Mountjoy and Noelle Lennon 21/19 and 21/11
Winners:- Brioni Lane and Tara Bollard

Mens Singles
Quarter-Finals:- Brian Fitzgerald beat Tommy Caffrey 21/11 and 21/18
Eoin Byrne beat Kieran Burke 21/10 and 21/12
Mark White beat John Bowe 7/21; 21/18 and 21/10
Colin Byrne beat Alan Monks 15/21; 21/9 and 21/16
Semi-Finals:- Brian Fitzgerald beat Eoin Byrne 21/18 and 25/23
Mark White beat Colin Byrne 15/21; 23/21 and 21/10
Final:- Brian Fitzgerald beat Mark White 21/13 and 21/15
Winner:- Brian Fitzgerald

Ladies Singles:-
Quarter-Finals:- Louise Long beat Linda Mountjoy 22/20 and 22/20
Brioni Lane beat Linda O'Sullivan 21/11 and 21/12
Noelle Lennon beat Rhonda Fox 21/11 and 21/9
Tara Bollard beat Ros Carpenter 20/22: 21/17 and 21/12
Semi-Finals:- Brioni Lane beat Louise Long 21/10 and 21/16
Noelle Lennon beat Tara Bollard 21/18 and 21/16
Final:- Brioni Lane beat Noelle Lennon 21/8 and 21/17
Winner:- Brioni Lane

Veteran Singles
Quarter-Finals:- Terry Dolan beat Ted Mahaffy 21/9 and 21/14
Sid Beasant beat Dan Foley 21/10 and 21/19
Kieran Burke beat Ollie Adamson 21/18 and 21/17
Tommy Caffrey beat Eddie Keely 21/10 and 21/12
Semi-Finals:- Terry Dolan beat Sid Beasant 21/6 and 21/12
Kieran Burke beat Tommy Caffrey 21/18: 12/21 and 21/17
Final:- Terry Dolan beat Kieran Burke 21/8 and 21/15
Winner:- Terry Dolan

PARALYMPICS 2000 in SYDNEY
Ronan Rooney, Commercial Boat Club Galway is taking part in his fifth Paralympics. He was selected for the Irish Table Tennis team earlier in the year following the publication of the December 1999 World Ranking List. "Selection for me was automatic because of my world-ranking of 14th" said Rooney. "Last year, I played about 10 international ranking tournaments, including South Africa, Slovakia and Brussels. It was a particularly tough year, but was worth it considering that the Top 20 world ranked players in my class were automatically selected". Some of Ronan's achievements can be seen under June in the Connacht Millennium ["Just a Warm Up"] Calendar.

The Irish Team consists of just four table tennis players [Ronan Rooney, Galway, Robert Kenny, Michael Cunningham and Esther Stynes Dublin]. Rooney is partnered in the Class 2 Team Event by Dublin's Robert Kenny, who did not qualify to play in the Singles Event in his own right.

"Playing Team Event prior to the Singles is really beneficial. It helps to ease the tension and to get a feel of the environment. It will be a real help for my Singles, which is obviously my prime event" Rooney said prior to leaving Ireland. Michael Cunningham and Esther Stynes, Dublin have also qualified for Singles only.

Rena Mc Carron spoke to Ronan Rooney 9a.m. Irish time Friday [20 Oct.2000] and he was very disappointed. They had just lost to Korea and to Finland. Things are going according to plan as they had not expected to do well in the team event. It is no surprise, and they did play well but its always disappointing at such an important event. It was their first outing in this daunting event.

Ronan lost to Matti Launenen, Robert Kenny lost to Jari Kourkinan (Finland Team) Robbie lost to Kim Yong Shu and Ronan lost to Kim Dong Mook.(Korean Team) They were not expecting to win so Ronan was using this team event to settle his nerves and get used to flight of ball and tables etc. He starts the singles on Tuesday as will Esther Stynes and Michael Cunningham play in the singles for Ireland.

Rooney's hottest competition will come from France, Austria and Korea. When asked, prior to leaving Ireland, about his chances against these countries Ronan said "the competition is tough, I've made the Quarter-Finals of a number of Major Events such as the World Championships and Paralympics but I have not gone beyond that. I am just aiming at being at my peak and playing my best. If I do that, I've always a chance."

Anyways we [all Connacht table tennis players] think that they are great to have got so far and we know that they want to come home with a medal so we are hoping, praying and wishing them success. I am glad that I won't be watching them live as I would be roaring and pulling my hair out and jumping up and down. COME ON, RONAN, [MICHAEL, ESTHER,] YES, YOU CAN DO IT, COME OONN IRELAND.

It would be great for the Irish Table Tennis team in Australia to know that we are all shouting for them and wishing them success. Wellwishers can do so by sending e-mails to Ronan Rooney in Australia at: ronanrooney@hotmail.com It would be a great morale boost for the Irish team to know that we are all willing and wishing them success. Please send some before Monday p.m. [to allow for time difference] as they will be playing on Tuesday.

New Connaght Officers
Chairperson;Cliff Rowe
Secretary;Rena McCarron
Treasurer;Keriem Sabir
Acting Treasurer & Fixtures Secretary for the Leagues; Martin Folan
P.R.O.Teresa Egan; Phone 091 527049 e-mails to gtdae@eircom.net

The Galway & District Leagues will be commencing shortly and sports clubs and table tennis clubs are asked to submit their teams to Martin Folan, Fixtures Secretary, Galway & District Table Tennis Leagues [091 755121 office hours c/o Crown Equipment, Mervue Galway] This year there will be a division in the League for those who wish to play mainly for the fun and social aspect of the game. The team would consist of two people who are prepared to play once a week against opponents in a league match which would only take about one hour. The matches are played on a home and away basis during the winter months. It is appreciated that not every team will have a home venue but it can be arranged for such teams to play all their matches at away venues. Closing date for entries is Friday 13th October 2000. It is hoped that the Galway teams could compete with teams from Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon & Leitrim at the end of the Leagues.

Schools Table Tennis
At the Schools' Table Tennis meeting on Wednesday 6th September 2000 Sr. Gabriel of the Presentation Convent Secondary School, Galway & Ms. Bernie Murphy of Scoil Croi Iosa National School, Galway have undertaken to get table tennis started in their schools. Seamus O'Mairtin will continue to coach table tennis in St. Mary's College, Galway as also will Pat Griffith in St. Jarlath's College, Tuam, Co. Galway; Kieran Burke in St. Aloysius College, Athlone, Co. Westmeath and Eamon Nealon in Moyne College, Ballina, Co. Mayo. The next Schools Table Tennis meeting will be held in the Presentation Convent, Galway at 8p.m. on 9th October 2000. All Connacht schools and Clubs are welcome to send their representatives.

The Sydney Paralympics 2000
Meanwhile Ronan Rooney, Commercial Boat Club, Galway continues to train in preparation for the Sydney Paralympics. Rena McCarron sent this report
- ***When the Olympic Torch is extinguished in Sydney, the work begins to prepare the Olympic facilities for another event. Two weeks later, the world's second largest sporting event in 2000 opens it's doors.......the Paralympics.
Galway's Ronan Rooney will take his place for his fifth Paralympics. He was selected for Table Tennis early in the year following the publication of the December 1999 World Ranking List. "Selection for me was automatic because of my world-ranking of 14th" said Rooney. --Last year, I played about 10 international ranking tournaments, including South Africa, Slovakia and Brussels. It was a particularly tough year, but was worth it considering that the Top 20 world ranked players in my class were automatically selected--
The Irish Team travelling consists of just four table tennis players. Rooney is lucky to be partnered in the Class 2 Team Event by Dublin's Robert Kenny, who has not qualified to play in the Singles Event in his own right.
--Playing Team Event prior to the Singles is really beneficial. It helps to ease the tension and to get a feel of the environment. It will be a real help for my Singles, which is obviously my prime event-- Rooney said.
The others travelling are Michael Cunningham and Esther Stynes, Dublin who have qualified for Singles only.The team travells on the 9th October 2000 and will have over a week settling-in time before they start. The draw for the Tournament will only take place after the Opening Ceremony. Rooney's hottest competitionwill come from France, Austria and Korea. Asked about his chances against these countries he said "the competition is tough, I've made the Quarter-Finals of a number of Major Events such as the World Championships and Paralympics but I have not gone beyond that. I am just aiming at being at my peak and playing my best. If I do that, I've always a chance.-- Galway wishes him well.*** And so does Connacht - Go n-eiri an bother leat, Ronan.

The Connacht Commercial Open 2000
The first Connacht Commercial Open of the new Millennium will be held in the Commercial Boat Club on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th November 2000. It is the highlight of the Connacht table tennis calendar. As a ranking tournament the top seeded players in the country participate. Players travel from Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connacht to play in the Tournament. The Commercial Boat Club venue is renowned throughout table tennis circles nationwide for the hospitality & sociability of the occasion. Last year it had the second highest entry in the country. entry information can be found HERE