The Conn & Fenton Solicitors sponsored Ulster Schools Cup saw 270 players in 45 teams competing for six places to represent Ulster at the All-Ireland table tennis finals in Dublin on 23rd April 2026.
There was some great table tennis played through the day with some extremely close finals. Such is the competitiveness of schools’ table tennis that only on team retained their title – well done Banbridge Academy U13s.
There was real anxiety among the tournament organisers that Storm Chandra which ravaged most of the Province on the day prior to the competition would impact on the running and or attendance of the finals. Lisburn Racquets club, the venue for the event, was forced to close on Tuesday 27th January with no certainty that it would open on Wednesday 28th!. The extensive flooding and fallen trees that caused havoc to the Province’s road infrastructure could also make school attendance at the event problematic. Indeed multiple schools had also closed on the 27th due to the amber weather warning and the possibility that they may remain closed on the 28th loomed large in the mind of the organisers. Ice warning for the 28th only aggravated the problems. Thankfully the storm eased through the night and all our fears were dispelled.
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped set up the event on the morning of the 28th – Adam, Alexs, Patrick, Gary, Daniel, Ala, Arnold, Thelma, Jennifer, to name but a few. Such volunteers are the lifeblood of organized table tennis in Ulster. There was a few schools that found roads blocked by trees or flooded but all 45 teams arrived at the event even if a tad late. A big thank you to the teachers and players for their commitment – it is truly appreciated.
Thanks to the top table of Stephen, Joe, Jimmy, Thelma, Robin, Adam, and David together with helpers Ala, Francis, Gary, Alexs, Patrick, Simon and Sandra who worked relentlessly throughout the day ensuring that all the matches were completed. Thanks to Trevor and the staff at Lisburn Racquets for setting up the bleachers and bringing additional tables and chairs in to the Hall as required. And finally a big thank you to Conn and Fenton Solicitors for funding the Post Primary School events and especially to Ashlee Willdridge for presenting the medals and trophies to the winning schools.
After 7 hours of table tennis the results were as follow:
Under 13 Boys
1st Banbridge Academy
2nd Enniskillen Royal
3rd St Catherines A
Consolation – Royal & Prior
Under 13 Girls
1st Dalriada
2nd Strathearn College
3rd Monaghan Collegiate
Consolation – St Catherines
Under 15 Boys
1st Grosvenor
2nd Monaghan Collegiate
3rd Royal and Prior
Consolation – R.B.A.I
Under 15 Girls
1st Sullivan Upper
2nd Monaghan Collegiate
3rd Strathearn
Consolation – St Catherines
Under 19 Boys
1st Friends A
2nd R.B.A.I
3rd Sullivan Upper
Consolation – Royal & Prior
U19 Girls
1st Strathearn
2nd Bloomfield Collegiate
3rd Grosvenor
Consolation – Monaghan Collegiate
