Callicott represents Volleyball England as Murphy is honoured in Northern Ireland

Paddy Murphy instigated the playing of volleyball at the then newly-opened Queen’s Physical Education Centre in 1972.

He was part of a capacity crowd of national and international volleyball VIPs, as well as current and past Queen’s and Northern Ireland players, who watched Lady Mary Peters unveil a plaque naming the court in his honour. 

Jonny McFadden, the current President of Northern Ireland Volleyball, told the crowd: “Paddy was always on hand for guidance and support as he educated me in the structures of volleyball here. 

“The tireless work that he put into volleyball in Northern Ireland has paved the way for myself, and without those that came before us, it wouldn't be possible to do what we do today.” 

Federico Ferraro, the Press Officer of the European Volleyball Confederation, presented Paddy with a specially-commissioned trophy marking the occasion, and said: “I joined the CEV in 2008, and I know how much passion Paddy has for the game. It’s always been a joy to discuss the sport with him.” 

Karl Oakes, the Head of Sport at Queen’s, said: “It's a great honour and privilege to support this event. 

“At Queen's, club sport dates back to the 1800s, and It's people like Paddy who have kept club sport alive. I don't think anyone in the room was there back then, but after Queen's was established in 1845, I think the first game was a rugby match.  

“About 5,000 students now are members of the sports clubs at the university, and the volleyball club and many clubs like it provide loads of those life experiences that students are now seeking out. 

“The international population of Queen's has grown, and the volleyball club are a great example of the promotion of that diversity. 

“They are one of the leading lights in having a diverse range of members across the club – and should be applauded for that.” 

Richard, who has known Paddy since the late 1970s, said: “He has given a lifetime to the sport, as Northern Ireland representative on the BVF and as an international referee, and he became Mr Northern Ireland Volleyball as far as British volleyball was concerned. 

Other volleyball dignitaries there were Scottish Volleyball President Margaret Ann Fleming, Clodagh Nic Canna, President of Volleyball Ireland, and Joanna McCrory, Vice President of Northern Ireland Volleyball.