‘KEENAGER’ Alex Maher is still carving up A-grade rivals in Ballarat Table Tennis Association competition.
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He celebrates his 80th birthday on Tuesday.
Mr Maher has been hitting up in the intense, quick-reflex sport for more than 60 years now.
The secret to staying top of his game and healthy entering his octogenarian years was not about experience or game-smarts.
It was about lifestyle.
“I don’t take any tablets and I have a wife, Nora, who spoils me and has always taken care of me – that’s the secret,” Mr Maher quipped.
Table tennis has always been key to Mr Maher’s fitness regime. He took up the discipline as a 19-year-old, when his brother was working with a table tennis enthusiast in a boot factory. Mr Maher and his brothers Albert and George soon picked up the paddle.
They were known as The Three Mahers – Albert has thrice won Ballarat’s A-grade singles title, George has claimed Ballarat’s A-grade singles title once and Alex has won an A-reserve (also known as B-grade) crown.
Mr Maher was in good form for A-grade competition last Wednesday night, winning two singles and one doubles match against far younger rivals.
“It’s nice to have a win,” Mr Maher said. “You don’t always have to be the best, it’s about trying your best and I had a good night last week.”
Mr Maher also plays A-reserve on Mondays and helps run the association’s Keenagers competitions for over-55s on Tuesdays and Fridays. He encouraged more seniors, of all skill levels, to take up the game and join in the fun, which at half-time players could have a cuppa, biscuit and chat.
“(Keenagers) is really good exercise and comradeship. It’s all serious during the game but good fun,” Mr Maher said. “Table tennis is great for your reflexes, which can assist your driving, and there’s the social part, a cup of coffee or tea and a natter.”
Mr Maher said a lot of talk was proud boasting about grandchildren. He has 24 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren living as far away as Queensland and Wangaratta. None as into table tennis yet – they are mostly all basketballers.
*Ballarat Table Tennis Association will host a Keenagers event during Ballarat Seniors Festival on Friday, October 9, from 10am to 4pm. Interested players can also join Keenagers on Tuesdays and Fridays.
