With the 10th anniversary edition of the SMPT World Cup a month away, we are delighted to announce that the World Cup trophy will be dedicated in memory of the much-loved Don McNamara of Ireland, who sadly passed away suddenly last November.

Don was a regular attendee at SMPT events, making his debut at the 2013 Irish Open in Belfast. His enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for the sport made him a valued member of the SMPT family, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Don enjoyed many successes throughout his SMPT career, particularly at the World Cup while representing Team Ireland. He won two World Cup gold medals, in 2018 and again in 2024 as team captain, before adding a silver medal at last year’s event. His other notable achievements included winning a bronze medal at the 2024 British Open and reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 4 at the beginning of 2024.

Away from the playing arena, Don also gave his time tirelessly as an umpire at our events, always willing to support the sport and its players.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Don’s family for giving us their blessing to dedicate the trophy in his name. Our thoughts remain with his wife, Libby, his daughters, Emma and Claire and nephew Paul.

We look forward to honouring Don’s memory at next month’s World Cup in Chelmsford, where players from around the world will compete for the privilege of lifting the Don McNamara Trophy – a fitting tribute to a wonderful competitor, dedicated official, and true gentleman whose legacy will live on through the sport he loved.