The Leinster Branch Executive Committee held 4 senior meetings during the year.
First senior tournament of the season (August) was the Irish Senior Classification
tournament, followed in October by the South County Dublin Open. The round robin format of the first was very successful and the second seems to be hugely popular tournament with players from all provinces.
Following the success of A.L.S.A.A. as a venue for the 1999 Irish National Championships (despite dusty work in progress), the committee decided to hold the Leinster Open there in December. Some radical changes were put in place - closing date for entries well in advance of the tournament, fees only with entry, no payments on the day, all to be strictly enforced. Timing of the event was also introduced. The venue again was really popular but the mandatory problem this time was not work in progress but lack of early catering. The strict rules regarding entries and fees worked but for our first attempt at timing an event came a bit of a cropper because of cross-overs, same personnel in multiple finals. It was felt, however, that the players appreciated what we were trying to do.
The same venue was chosen for the Irish National Championships in March. This time the caterers were asked to start operations early, but let us down. the same format of payment and entry was used successfully. In an effort to streamline the timing of the event, some finals were staged during the day but still the tournament ran later than expected. The real problems identified were players not being available to play when required, not being there to umpire or being inflexible if the opportunity to play arose earlier. All tournaments were very efficiently organised and run.
Ulster hosted the Senior Interpros this year. Leinster retained their senior crown and in a very competitive veteran event, the Leinster team also came out on top. Our under 21 side finished with silver.
Leinster players were selected to play at the following events: Womens British League, World Championships, Senior Home Countries, European Mens League, Olympic Qualification, Welsh Open, Vets British League and the European Championships. The players involved were Damien Lynch, Alan Monks, Colum Slevin, Tommy Caffrey, Ted Bollard, Brioni Lane, Tara Bollard, Teresa Devaney, Marjorie McNeill, Cynthia Wann, Vivienne Barry, Dorothy Taylor. Congratulations to all these for having gained the honour of representing their country.
Some discussion took place during the year with the administrators of St.Anthony's Hall. It appears that planning permission has been obtained and plans have been drawn up for new toilets at the venue. No catering facilities are envisaged. Starting date of work unspecified. All high level lights in the hall require servicing and at the moment there is a problem with daylight through the windows. The incoming committee would need to examine the viability of this facility on its present annual rental system.
Anna Kelly resigned her position as President of the Branch during the season. Despite being asked to reconsider, Anna stood by her decision. The officers and committee of the Leinster Branch wish to express their appreciation of all the work done over the years by Anna for Leinster Table Tennis.
Thanks are due to all who helped at tournaments and to those who acted as NPCs during the season. In closing, I would like to wish the Branch a successful season 2000/2001.
Junior Tournaments
Five tournaments were successfully run during the season, with entries maintained at a good level. Thanks are due to Pat Conneely as tournament secretary for the amount and quality of his preparatory work on entries, draws and scheduling, which enabled the smooth running of competitions. Mention must also be made of the contribution of Anna Kelly whose help “on the day” was much appreciated by the committee. Our thanks also go to the club secretaries and coaches who facilitated the entries.
On a less happy note, tensions caused by players, coaches and others marred the
enjoyment of some of the tournaments. As the tournaments are run for the benefit of the players and of the game, the outgoing committee feels that this cannot be permitted to continue and to this end a set of local tournament rules will be put in place to which every entrant in a Leinster tournament will be subject. These rules will involve sanctions to be placed on any person who disrupts a tournament or misbehaves in any way. It is regretted that this has become necessary but the purpose of the competitions ultimately is the enjoyment of the game for everybody involved.
Junior Interpros
Leinster regained the Victor Barna Shield when we won three gold and three silver at the Junior Interpros held this season in UCC Sports centre Cork. Following our defeat last year, there was good spirit of determination among the Leinster players and NPCs and this resulted in a narrow victory over Munster, last year’s winners. Our U12 boys and girls and our Cadet girls all won gold while the Cadet boys and the Junior boys and girls won silver. Our thanks are due to the players and NPCs, and particularly to Arthur Brett for his efforts in running sessions for Leinster which were very beneficial to the teams eventually selected.
Junior British League
Leinster players Colin Byrne and Sabrina Conway were members of the Irish teams who played in the Premier Division of this competition.
British Primary Schools
Leinster players Stephen Keenan, Jonathan Ray, Shane Dolan, Fiona Mernagh and Amy Tobin
travelled with the Irish teams to Cardiff for this competition with NPCs Tommy Fitzgerald and Wally Ray.
Cadet.Junior Quadrangular
Leinster players Rebecca Lord, Colin Byrne, John Murphy, Conor Nolan and Sean Givernaud were members of the Irish teams who travelled to Scotland for this event with NPCs John O’Donoghue and Arthur Brett.
World ISF Championships
David McNeill and Colin Byrne were members of an Irish Junior Boys team at this event in France, gaining experience playing against teams from China, Brazil, France and Latvia.
Future Developments
After many years of sterling service, Pat Conneely and Marie Martin have decided not to go
forward for positions on the incoming committee. Pat’s work in running of tournaments and as treasurer to the committee was of the highest possible standard and he is, I know, held in high regard by people throughout the game, from all provinces. Marie’s contribution, in committee, in the running of the tournaments and as an excellent NPC for Leinster on so many occasions is similarly much appreciated. On a personal note, I wish to thank them both for their help and support from the time that I joined the committee.
The incoming committee requires new members! If you have an interest in the game at
junior level and wish to contribute, please don’t be shy. The work of the committee is not onerous and is satisfying (even fun!). We also need new ideas/thoughts on how to proceed in the game. Please help.