How old you were when you started playing?
Probably 6 or 7 years old.
In which countries (if any other) have you played?
I have played everywhere except Australia and I am going there this year. I can’t think of a country in Europe that I haven’t played in.
What major obstacles have you had to overcome to play continuously?
Without doubt, the death of my father. He was the founder of the club and he was and still is the driving force behind my table-tennis. He took me everywhere to play and his loss was devastating to me. My mother, brothers and sister made serious sacrifices after he passed away to make sure that I could still go to the various tournaments. Whenever I play I am playing for him and my family. Still today.
What is your greatest disappointment in or about the game?
I regret not deciding to play for Ireland earlier. I should have decided when I was about 20. I am playing my best table-tennis now due largely in part to the people I have around me. The knowledge, the family and the care is amazing and they all have my best interests at heart. When I played for England I didn’t feel that anyone particularly cared. But this has affected me positively. It is because of that time that I am what I am today. I now know how much better it could have been.
On what occasion did you first realised that you had Table Tennis talent?
I suppose it was when my father said “If you win against this next match I’ll get you a tracksuit this weekend”. Since that time I’ve never looked back. I got the tracksuit that weekend. Before that I was really only a hobby player.
How has table tennis influenced your outlook if at all?
Table-tennis has saved my life. In fact, table tennis is my life and my life is table tennis. I enjoy table tennis, I earn my money from table tennis and many pleasures come from table tennis. Table tennis and I are one and the same.
Is the way you play table tennis a reflection of your character?
Definitely! Every thing about table tennis is reflected in normal everyday life. For example to win you have to be determined. If you lose and you want to win you have to put the loss behind you, pick yourself up and go again. There is no point in doing anything else. You sometimes have to stand back, consider the options, consider how best to act, remembering not to panic. You must make the right decisions without panicking. Table tennis has made me more determined than I was before. I sometimes don’t like that competitive nature of myself. Other people find it scary.
Who is/was or has been your greatest opponent?
The system! Not a person. The people in charge at the top. In other circumstances, with a different group of people with a different mindset I’d still be playing professionally.
Can you recall the times you were "in the zone" and everything went perfectly without effort in a game?
No not really. I can’t say that I have. Other players have referred to it. I expect to though because I’m still improving.
Have you noticed that many players seem to lose games after being 2-0 up?
Many times! It’s incredibly easy for it to happen. 11 points go by in no time!
Have you ever been in that situation and lost?
Many times, internationally and domestically. 2-0 is no lead whatsoever. It’s not even halfway of best out of five!
End of Part 1
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