As we approach the end of 2024, I want to take a moment to wish all our members, supporters, and the entire Table Tennis Ireland community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
It is hard to believe it has been 12 months since I stepped into the role of CEO. All I can say is that it is an absolute privilege to work for and on behalf of such a vibrant, enthusiastic, and dedicated community. Over the past year, I have learned so much about the sport of table tennis, and I know there is still more to understand and explore. Your enthusiasm and commitment inspire me every day.
Reflecting on 2024 This past year has been filled with a number of achievements:
· We have made significant strides in growing participation, particularly through our Women in Sport and Disability Inclusion initiatives, our new Club and Community Development Officers in Leinster and Connacht with strong support from Local Sports Partnerships across the country.
· Our coaching and volunteer development programs continue to grow, with the successful piloting of Level 2 coaching course and the roll out of the Activators entry-level coaching course to build a solid foundation for the future.
· The successful rollout of the TTI League app has brought leagues across Ireland together, modernising how we manage competition and player engagement.
· On the international Paralympic stage, the visibility of table tennis soared, thanks to the outstanding efforts of Colin Judge and the communication and media coverage during the Paralympics in Paris.
Our focus on governance, safeguarding, and digitisation ensures that we are building a strong and sustainable foundation for the organisation.
Looking Ahead to 2025 As we turn our sights to 2025, we know there are challenges ahead:
· Appointing a Club and Community Development Officer in Munster.
· Securing sustainable, long-term funding to support our growth ambitions.
· Addressing the need for affordable venues and to provide a “home” for table tennis in Ireland.
· Expanding our coaching pathways to meet the demands of our growing player base.
· The imminent release of the Club Development Handbook, which will serve as a valuable resource to strengthen grassroots infrastructure and empower clubs across Ireland.
The Board and our partners recognise the potential for growth in Table Tennis. We are committed to working tirelessly to build connections between communities and clubs, develop our talent pathways, and engage more young people in the sport.
A Special Thank You I want to express my deepest gratitude to the members of our subcommittees, the Board of Directors, and all the volunteers who contribute their time and energy. Your dedication is the backbone of Table Tennis Ireland, and none of this would be possible without you.
As we wrap up this year, I encourage everyone to take a well-deserved break, spend time with loved ones, and recharge for the exciting year ahead.
Holiday Office Hours Please note that the Table Tennis Ireland office will be closed from Friday, 20th December, and reopen on Monday, 6th January.
Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Let us make 2025 a year to remember for Table Tennis Ireland!
Warm regards, David McNally CEO, Table Tennis Ireland