| Table Tennis Ireland is proud to announce the naming of its inaugural national doubles championship in honour of a true legend of the sport. On the evening of Wednesday 27 May 2026, Table Tennis Ireland gathered family, friends, dignitaries, and the wider table tennis community to celebrate the extraordinary life of Josef Veselský — and made a historic announcement that will bear his name for generations to come. |
| INAUGURAL NAMED CHAMPIONSHIP – Veselský Irish National Doubles Championships Table Tennis Ireland’s Board was proud to announce that the Irish National Doubles Championships will henceforth be known as the Veselský Irish National Doubles Championships — a permanent tribute to the man who dedicated 107 years of life to sport, community, and Ireland. INAUGURAL EVENT Sunday 31 May 2026 VENUE South Lakes Leisure Centre, Craigavon IN HONOUR OF Josef Veselský (1918–2026) |
A Life Well Played
The evening brought together a remarkable gathering of family, government, international sporting bodies, and the wider table tennis community — a testament to the reach and warmth of Josef’s influence. Hosted at the Crowne Plaza, Blanchardstown, the event was a fitting tribute to a man of such exceptional standing. A further more detail report and press release of the evening will follow in due course.
| “The naming of this championship is our way of ensuring that Josef Veselský’s name will be called out at every national doubles competition for as long as table tennis is played in Ireland. It is a small gesture compared to everything he gave this sport.” — Alan Strong President Table Tennis Ireland |
The Inaugural Event
The very first running of the Veselský Irish National Doubles Championships takes place this Sunday — just days after the man it honours was celebrated. It is a fitting and poignant beginning to what will be an enduring legacy.
Players will compete at the South Lakes Leisure Centre in Craigavon, carrying with them the knowledge that they are part of something historic — the inauguration of a championship that carries a great name.
| Veselský Irish National Doubles Championships South Lakes Leisure Centre, Craigavon | 31 MAY SUNDAY 2026 |