Queen’s Sport has celebrated a true sporting pioneer by officially naming the volleyball court at the Physical Education Centre (PEC) after Paddy Murphy.

A large crowd of volleyball dignitaries, past and present players, and Queen’s staff gathered yesterday to honour Paddy Murphy’s outstanding contribution to the sport.
The plaque was unveiled by Olympic champion Lady Mary Peters, who paid tribute to Paddy Murphy’s lifelong dedication to volleyball.

Paddy Murphy, who introduced volleyball to Queen’s in 1972, has since played a leading role in the sport’s development across Northern Ireland, the UK, and Europe.

Karl Oakes, Head of Sport at Queen’s, said:
"The volleyball club is a shining example of the diverse and vibrant sporting life at Queen’s, and it is people like Paddy Murphy who have made that possible."

Speaking at the ceremony, Paddy Murphy said he was "extremely humbled and personally delighted" to be recognised among so many friends, former players, and colleagues.

Background on Paddy Murphy:
Since introducing volleyball to Queen’s in 1972, Paddy Murphy has held almost every leadership role in Northern Ireland Volleyball, from Press Officer to President. He represented Northern Ireland at the British Volleyball Federation and has served on key committees for the London 2012 Olympics. Murphy was the first Irish person to qualify as an international volleyball referee and enjoyed a distinguished officiating career across Europe and North America. He is currently Honorary Lifetime President of Northern Ireland Volleyball.

Official photographs from the naming of the Paddy Murphy Volleyball Court