On 8th May 2025, a talented group of 54 primary school table tennis players took part in six age-categorised tournaments, held in the picturesque surroundings of South Lakes Leisure Centre, Craigavon.
Congratulations to all the participants, whose smiles and enthusiasm suggested that a thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all. Special recognition goes to the medallists listed below, who delivered outstanding performances.
P7 Boys
Gold: Tobias Gal – Strandtown
Silver: Reece Maguire – St Joseph’s
Bronze: Jack Martin – St Joseph’s
Consolation: Tom Kelly – Irish Society
P7 Girls
Gold: Rosie Agnew – Irish Society
Silver: Caitlyn Warwick – Irish Society
Bronze: Darcy Drennan – Andrews Memorial
Consolation: Annie McDonald – Irish Society
P6 Boys
Gold: Charlie Francis – Strandtown
Silver: Gabrial Borucki – St Columban’s
Bronze: Tom Reid – Irish Society
Consolation: Daniel Shirley – Strandtown
P6 Girls
Gold: Yara El Husein – Stranmillis
Silver: Amelia Adams – Ballymoney Model
Bronze: Amy Donnan – St Mary’s
Consolation: Katie McCafferty – Ballymoney Model
P5 Boys
Gold: Will Agnew – Irish Society
Silver: Hugo Herron – Andrews Memorial
Bronze: AJ Carmichael – Killowen
Consolation: Noah Robinson – Irish Society
P5 Girls
Gold: Sophie Warwick – Irish Society
Silver: Maya Bingham – Irish Society
Bronze: Gracie Lou McBride – Irish Society
Consolation: N/A
Irish Society and Strandtown schools emerged as dominant forces in this year’s finals. Strandtown secured two titles—P7 Boys and P6 Boys—while Irish Society claimed an impressive three wins in the P5 Boys, P7 Girls, and P5 Girls categories. The only player to break their stronghold was Yara El Husein of Stranmillis Primary School, who won the P6 Girls title.
Many of the matches were closely contested, with several going to a deciding fifth game—testament to the high level of skill and determination on display from all competitors.
The event’s success was made possible through the efforts and support of many individuals and organisations. Special thanks to Kingfisher Financial for their continued sponsorship of Ulster Primary Schools’ Table Tennis. Gratitude also goes to the dedicated team who set up the hall on Thursday morning—Arnold, Alex, Gary, Ala, and Francis—without whom the tournament could not have taken place.
Thanks to James Sterling for his invaluable help managing the P5s, and to Robin Agnew for overseeing the P6 competitions. Appreciation is also due to Francis for entertaining the early finishers with a handicap team event.
A sincere thank you to Nicola from Table Tennis Ireland for her essential administrative support, and to all the teachers and parents who ensured players arrived ready and eager to compete. Finally, thanks to Table Tennis Ulster for providing the newly introduced shields for the P5 category and to the staff at South Lakes Leisure Centre for their assistance throughout the day.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
NMCB
