Colum Slevin is one of the bright young stars of Irish sport.
Billiards, ballet, bridge, civil defence, dancing, drama, music, tennis, table tennis, swimming, football, hurling, and camogie are just some of the activities on offer to the almost three thousand members at the Glenalbyn Sports Club.
One of the members of the club is 13 year old Colum Slevin, one of Ireland's most exciting prospects in the sport of table tennis. By the age of 10, he was representing Ireland at European Junior Championship level in Yugoslavia. For Colum Slevin, training and practice are the keys to success at the sport. He is dedicated to his sport, playing for around two hours most afternoons and again in the evening four days a week.
Anne Leonard represented Ireland in the European Junior Championships in Vichy in France also spends many hours in training at the club. The club also provides a place to meet friends and offers a social and sporting outlet for young people in the area. While they play for fun, they also play to master the art of the sport. Players who show particular promise from a young age are taken aside a provided with special coaching that will maybe one day give them national or international honours.
The top table tennis coach at the club is Tommy Rowsome. He was not surprised by Coulm Slevin's success given his natural talent and track record of wins since starting at the club at the age of eight.
At his own age level he hammers them.
Tommy Rowsome says that you can see talent immediately when a young player takes to the table and has a natural ball sense.
Colum Slevin was selected again to play for Ireland in Bulgaria, the travel visas were delayed, and the teams arrived a day late and were refused the chance to participate.
Tonight, Poland are visitors the Oblate Hall in Inchicore for an important European League match against Ireland. Colum Slevin along with Karen Senior and Kevin Keane have been selected to play for Ireland.
He's certainly become one of the most talked about young men in Irish sport.
The game begins with opponents exchanging gifts. There is a great atmosphere in the packed hall. It is a big night for Colum Slevin who is determined that all his hard work and dedication will pay off. Poland are the favourites due to their experience and the fact their team includes the European Champion Leszek Kucharski. While Colum Slevin did not win the match, he certainly worried the European champion.
At 13, he's going to worry many a European champion and maybe a world champion in the years to come.
This episode of 'Youngline' was broadcast on 9 February 1978. The presenter is Jim Carney.
