Tributes paid to much-loved Baldoyle man John Bridgeman

THE family and friends of Baldoyle man John Bridgeman have paid tribute to a much-loved family man and stalwart of the local community.

John, who was known to many as an outstanding table tennis player, coach and volunteer, sadly died on Sunday, February, 20.

He made a massive contribution to the Baldoyle community in the 1980’s and 90’s by offering free table tennis lessons to local young people.

His passing prompted a huge outpouring of condolence from so many who remember him as a gentleman who generously gave his time to help others, all with a friendly word and smile for everyone.

John Bridgeman

“He did an awful lot of volunteering in the local community, he helped make the York Road Table Tennis Club in Baldoyle one of the best in the country,” his daughter Claire told Northside People.

“He kept the kids off the streets with the table tennis, encouraging fitness and wellbeing as well as giving top table tennis coaching for decades and all voluntary.

“He took so many of them all around Ireland and got some of the kids to the European championships.

“He was an amazing man well known throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe as well as China.

“He was actually head hunted by China and offered a two year contract to coach their players.

“He was not only a table tennis coach though, he was a trusted confidant for so many people who knew him.

“He offered such sound advice, he was just an absolute all rounder.”

John, who worked for four decades as a haulier for B&I in Dublin Port, was also an excellent footballer.

“As well as table tennis he also loved football and was a goalkeeper for St Pats and Bohs,” Claire said.

“He used to have a wonky little finger that he told me was from an injury he got playing in goals!

“He was a remarkable man, I’m so proud of him.”

John pictured heading off on one of many trips abroad he made as both a player and coach

John played a huge part in developing para table tennis, here he is pictured with Irish Table Tennis athletes at the Paralympic Games

Table Tennis Ireland also paid a beautiful tribute to John.

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Johnny Bridgeman, a former top senior player, coach and volunteer, and friend of all who had the good fortune to meet him,” they said in a statement.

The peak of Johnny’s playing career was during the halcyon days of the 1970s when Table Tennis was regularly reported on in the papers and international players were well known by the public

“He fought many battles on a table tennis table and won more than his fair share.

“As young man, Johnny played in the famous Crofton club on Suffock Street, in the centre of Dublin.

“As well as being in the top cadre of players during that period, Johnny was recognised as one of the best tacticians in the game, a skill he used as a coach.

“In the 1980s, Johnny became the head coach and leader of Baldoyle TT club, a junior club that developed many underage boys and girls who represented their club, province, schools and country.

“The friendliness and inclusivity of the club was legendary, and this was due to Johnny’s good nature.

“In the 1990s Johnny’s interest grew in the Para side of the game and his shrewd tactical insights and motivational skills helped to shape Irish Para teams that travelled abroad and won many victories.

“For those who knew Johnny well, they will remember his stories of bygone games and players, and the sing-alongs for which he was famous.

“For past members of the Baldoyle TT club, they will remember a generous and wise man who freely gave them countless hours and enriched their teenage years.

“TTI offers its deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”

John Bridgman’s funeral mass took place last Wednesday at St Laurence O’ Toole Church, Baldoyle, and was followed by burial in St Fintan’s Cemetery.

John, who was predeceased by his wife Marie, is survived by his children Greg, Brian and Claire, son-in-law Wayne, daughter-in-law Kerrie, his adored grandchildren Amy, Jack, Seán, Saoirse and Zach, brothers Peter and Martin, sisters Marie and Catherine, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and wide circle of friends.