On 21st March 2024 Belfast based Ormeau Table Tennis Club reclaimed their Guinness World Record for the ‘Most consecutive opponents in a table tennis rally.’

120 volunteers successfully participated by playing against Commonwealth Games athlete Paul McCreery enabling the Club to smash the previous record of 117 which had been held by Brighton Table Tennis Club for a two-year period.

Paul and many other Ormeau club members, including young star Peadar Sheridan and club coaches Keith and Gervis Knox, have been supported by the Mary Peters Trust and in addition to creating a new Guiness World Record the thrilling event was also a special fundraiser for the Trust.

Back in 2017 Ormeau Table Tennis Club had set a record of 113 consecutive opponents, which was subsequently snatched away by the Brighton club in 2022, and Ormeau players were determined to win back the accolade.

“It was an extraordinary evening, fast paced and huge fun for all, said Gervis Knox, “We were over the moon to have broken the record and are so grateful to everyone who turned up, practised, and helped us clinch our goal. “We were particularly honoured to have Lady Mary Peters as our special guest and delighted that she picked up her paddle to take the first shot as part of the fantastic crowd of people who took part.

“Ormeau is a big club with over 150 members with all abilities and all ages welcomed. The youngest is about seven with our oldest members being in their 80s. We believe this Guinness World Record challenge will encourage more young people to take an interest in table tennis.”