The life and legacy of Josef “Joe” VESELSKY, one of the most respected figures in European table tennis, were celebrated during a special commemorative evening held in Dublin on 27 May 2026. Organised by Table Tennis Ireland, the event brought together family members, dignitaries and representatives of the international table tennis community to honour a man whose life was defined by courage, resilience and an extraordinary commitment to the sport.
ETTU President Pedro MOURA attended the celebration evening in Dublin and personally presented the ETTU Badge of Honour to Joe VESELSKY’s family. Awarded posthumously, the distinction recognised Joe’s outstanding contribution to European table tennis.
“It was a privilege to present the ETTU Badge of Honour in recognition of his exceptional service to our sport. The stories shared during the event reflected not only Joe’s achievements but also the respect and affection he earned throughout the table tennis community,” said President Pedro MOURA.
Josef “Joe” VESELSKY’s story was one of extraordinary courage and resilience.
Born Josef WEISS into a Jewish family in Trnava, Czechoslovakia, in 1918, he survived the Holocaust by joining the Resistance in the Carpathian Mountains during the Second World War, while his parents and elder brother were murdered in Auschwitz.
In 1949, together with his wife Katarina, Joe escaped Communist Czechoslovakia and settled in Ireland, where he started a new life. Despite arriving with little English and no business experience, he established a successful jewellery business while dedicating himself to table tennis.
As a player, coach and mentor, Joe made an exceptional contribution to table tennis. He served as national team captain for both Czechoslovakia and Ireland and became a familiar and respected figure in clubs across Dublin and Wicklow, inspiring generations through his knowledge, kindness and enthusiasm.
His dedication to the sport continued long after his playing career. Joe was appointed Honorary Life President of the Irish Table Tennis Association and became co-founder and President of the Swaythling Club International.
His remarkable contribution was recognised with numerous honours, including the Commander of the Slovak Order of the White Double Cross for his services to sport and diplomacy, the Special Merit Award from the Soccer Writers Association of Ireland, an Honorary Master of Arts degree from Trinity College Dublin and the Ambassador of the Century Award from the Irish Table Tennis Association.
Even in later life, Joe never stopped embracing new challenges. Officially recognised as Ireland’s oldest man at the age of 107, he remained deeply connected to the sporting community until the end of his life.
Josef “Joe” VESELSKY’s legacy is measured not only by the titles and honours he received, but by the courage with which he faced unimaginable adversity, his unwavering optimism and his lifelong dedication to table tennis. His story remains an inspiration to the entire European table tennis family.
