Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Caption Competition: Alan Shatter takes on the Defences Forces at ping pong

“You cannot be serious!”… “I’m Alan Shatter. I’m always serious.”

NOVELIST, JUSTICE MINISTER… and, now, apparently, table tennis aficionado.

Alan Shatter has been visiting Irish troops in Lebanon as the 108th UNIFIL Battalion prepares to fly home following the conclusion of a six-month tour-of-duty.

There was a ceremony today to mark the change-over of personnel.

Along with his typical duties  — inspecting the troops, watching flags being handed-over — the veteran Dublin South politician also made time in his busy schedule to take on the Irish Army at table tennis.

There’s no word from the Defence Forces on who won — or whether the Minister laid down his ping-pong challenge to the entire Battalion.

From the looks of it though, the Fine Gael TD tackled the encounter in a typically no-nonsense Shatter-esque manner.

What do you reckon’s being said? Answers below, please.

Update 8.25pm: A Defence Forces source tells us the Minister won. No surprise, really: turns out he’s a pretty experienced player. From AlanShatter.ie:  ”Alan played League Table Tennis  for some years with Dundrum Table Tennis Club”.

image

[Defence Forces Press]

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
58 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds