Annual presentation night for Lecale League stalwarts

9 May 2018

IT was an occasion for one of those ‘thanks for the memory songs’ made famous by the late American comedian Bob Hope, and what memories the people who left the Lecale Table Tennis League’s 60th season awards dinner will take with them.

Photographs and newspaper cutting since the League’s formation in 1957 to the present day were on display.

Former players and officials from the pimple bat days mingled with the current generation of players who told their stories of the six-player teams, long nights and cold halls, of the characters that made the Lecale League so enjoyable, and the large numbers that attended competitions.

In his opening address, league secretary Jim Ritchie gave a resumé of the history of the league since its formation.

From humble beginnings it expanded into one of the largest table tennis leagues in Ulster when virtually every town, village and hamlet had a team, including an exclusive ladies’ division.

He paid tribute to the late Pat Morgan, who had been league secretary from the league’s

conception until his death and the other early pioneers whose endeavours created one of Down’s best loved sporting institutions.

In his closing address league chairman Peter Deeny thanked the clubs who continued to support the league, his fellow committee members, who ensure the league runs smoothly and everyone who attended the dinner and made the evening such a success.

To mark the occasion everyone who attended the dinner was given a specially commissioned engraved mug to mark the occasion. For those who were unable to attend the dinner and would like an engraved mug, contact Jim Ritchie.

The Lecale League committee would like to thank the management and staff of French’s Café and Bistro for their excellent facilities, superb food and outstanding customer service.

The Lecale League committee would also like to thank the East Down Churches Table Tennis League for presenting the Lecale League with an inscribed salver to commemorate its 60th season.

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