Support from Power NI, part of Energia Group and the Mary Peters Trust is giving a Northern Ireland table tennis star the chance to serve up success at important European qualifying events next year.
Awarded through the Power NI Make It Happen initiative, which the local energy provider is proudly backing for a second consecutive year, the financial help means that Peadar Sheridan can begin preparing for blue riband European Youth Series meetings in both Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina.
Later in 2026, Peadar – a Year 11 pupil at St Malachy’s College in Belfast, and a member of Ormeau Table Tennis Club where he is coached by his brothers Keith and Gervis Knox – is hoping to feature at the European Table Tennis Union’s Top Ten event in France.
Part of the Team GB youth set-up, Peadar is just about to leave for a three-week training camp at a world-renowned Centre of Excellence in China – a country where the sport benefits from considerable state investment and is woven into the nation’s identity.
Introduced to the sport by his older brother, Peadar quickly fell in love with table tennis and is now regarded as one of the province’s brightest prospects. As well as his Team GB connections, he represents Ireland and regularly competes in British and Swedish senior men’s league games.
Last year, he won the Under-15 category at both the Raiffeisen Youth Championships in Austria and the Prague Grand Prix in the Czech Republic. Other highlights include a 100 per cent winning record at the Junior British League in February, topping the Under-19 section of the West of Scotland Open, claiming victory in the Ulster Schools’ Under-19 competition, and winning medals at seven out of nine World Tour events.
Presented annually since 2024, the Power NI Make It Happen award supports emerging athletes who would benefit most from specialist training and development. Worth £2000, the funding package is intended to ensure Peadar can take the next step in his sporting career.
William Steele – the Managing Director at Power NI – said: “Through our long-standing partnership with Mary Peters Trust, we are delighted to sponsor the ‘Make it Happen’ award this year, which celebrates the remarkable achievements and potential of young athletes across Northern Ireland.
“It is inspiring to see the dedication and resilience these athletes represent, and we are thrilled to play a part in helping them pursue their sporting careers further,” he added.
Congratulating Peadar on being selected as the 2025 Power NI Make It Happen award winner, Lady Mary Peters said: “Make It Happen funding awards are presented to the very best of our emerging young talent and are vital in helping athletes progress, seize new opportunities and reach the next level in their sporting journey.
“I have known Peadar for several years; he is a spirited young star who works incredibly hard. I know he will give his absolute best to achieve his goals, and I look forward to following and applauding his table tennis career,” she added.
Peadar was presented with his prize before taking off for China and described it as the final piece he needed to complete his 2026 plans. “I am incredibly grateful to both Power NI and the Mary Peters Trust for their continued support,” said Peadar.
“This additional funding opens up new opportunities and also gives me the confidence to make solid plans for what I hope will be a successful 2026.”
Pictured (L-R) is Colleen Donnelly (Power NI Sponsorship Executive), Peadar Sheridan (award winner) and Lady Mary Peters.
