Member Associations | 1 Mar 2012

National Championships: Irish title is something no one can take away

01/03/2012 – The 2012 BUTTERFLY Irish National Senior Championships takes place at ALSAA, Dublin on the 3-4 March, 2012. This is the most prestigious event in the Irish domestic Senior calendar, with players from all over the island competing for th

Commenting on the launch of this event, ITTA Technical Director John O’DONOGHUE stated “The BUTTERFLY National Championships are the most important tournament of the season. Every player aspires to be National champion in singles or doubles. Ranking lists are temporary but a national title is something no one can take away from you..”

The full programme of events includes not only the 2 flagship events of Men’s and Women’s Singles but also Veterans, Under 21, Wheelchair and a Restricted Singles events. This signals a drive from the ITTA to offer opportunities for all who play table tennis to participate in our National Championships. We can be sure of two great days of competition in ALSAA, not only for the many competitors but also for the supporters, coaches and spectators.

All eyes will be on who might be crowned 2012 Men’s and Women’s National Champions. In the Men’s event, it is difficult to pick a winner with some top class young players currently playing very well. Top seed is the experienced John MURPHY, reigning champion. He tops the Butterfly Senior Ranking List this year and with his experience he is the favourite in many fans’ minds. Strong challenges are expected from the likes of Ashley ROBINSON, National No.3 and recent Fermanagh Open Champion(beating Murphy in the Final), the excellent Paul MCCREERY who will be looking to avenge his 2011 Final defeat and Gavin Maguire, the 2009 Champion who has been producing consistent performances at home and abroad in the French League this season. A very difficult event to predict a winner – but so exciting for the spectators.

In the Women’s event, the expectation is for a two-way shoot-out between the dominant Senior Women players over the last 2 seasons, reigning champion Ashley GIVAN and many times former champion Amanda MOGEY. Provincial and National team-mates (both travel to Dortmund for the World Championships in March), an exciting match is expected if the two meet in the Final. It is unlikely that a winner will emerge from outside this powerful Ulster duo, although Irish team-mate Edel O’REILLY will have targeted this event and Women’s British League players Sarah TIMLIN and Sabina DEVEREUX will also look to make a big impact – not forgetting the experienced Jean Wyse who has shot up the rankings since her return to the sport.