Graeme Ireland Inducted into the TTA Hall of Fame

The TTA Hall of Fame recognises outstanding contributions made to table tennis in the fields of playing, coaching, officiating and/or administering the sport. A person may only be inducted to the TTA Hall of Fame by meeting the criteria listed in the TTA Hall of Fame Regulations.

TTA is pleased to announce that Graeme Ireland has been inducted into the TTA Hall of Fame (Administrator) and (Referees & Umpires). Graeme is one of Australia’s longest serving and hardest working Administrators and Officials, enjoying a decorated career over more than 25 years.

Graeme said he credits fellow TTA Hall of Fame Members Neil Harwood (Administrators) and Fran Keyhoe (Referees & Umpires), who both mentored Graeme, for his long involvement in table tennis.

“I am honoured to be among such outstanding company in the TTA Hall of Fame and I almost feel like an impostor beside them,” Graeme said.

Despite a rich career that includes officiating at dozens of national and international tournaments and serving as an administrator at all levels, Graeme said it was still easy to pick out a few highlights.

“My proudest moments have been my involvement on the technical side with the Olympic Games, World Championships and with the ITTF,” he said.

Graeme has also trained and mentored officials at a state, national and international level, supporting the continuous development of the technical side of the sport.

A modest man who would prefer to remain out of the spotlight, Graeme is heartened to see that all the hard work he dedicated to the sport behind the scenes is now being recognised.

“Although I never became involved for the recognition, I understand the importance of recognising those who have made a long standing contribution.

“I hope to inspire those currently engaged with the sport to give thought to long-term involvement,” he said.

Graeme’s induction in both the Administrator and Referees & Umpires categories is significant as he becomes only the second person, after Paul Pinkewich, to be inducted into the TTA Hall of Fame in more than one category. Moreover, Graeme is one of the inaugural people inducted in the Referees & Umpires category.

Additionally, Graeme’s conduct, characterised by demonstrating good sportsmanship, acting within the spirit of the game, attitude and behaviour, being a positive role model, etiquette and adherence to the laws of the game was a positive example for others to follow.

TTA congratulates Graeme on being inducted into the TTA Hall of Fame (Administrator) and (Referees & Umpires) and for being a most worthy inductee.

To view Graeme's complete career record, please click here.